Understanding the Swim-Float-Swim Survival Sequence

survival swimming lessons

At PhD Swim School, we believe that water safety is a fundamental life skill that begins with competence, not just comfort. Our curriculum is rooted in behavioral neuroscience, focusing on how children actually learn motor skills through repetition and positive reinforcement. The cornerstone of our approach is the swim-float-swim sequence, a proven method for aquatic […]

How to Handle a Toddler Who Fears Water

toddler with an adult in the pool

Watching your child hesitate at the water’s edge can be heart-wrenching, but water anxiety is a common hurdle for many families. At PhD Swim School in Durham, North Carolina, we understand that these fears are often rooted in a lack of sensory familiarity and physical control. By shifting our perspective from forcing fun to building […]

How to Prepare Your Toddler for Swim Class

phd swim school

Starting your little one in toddler swimming lessons is a fantastic step toward water safety and confidence. At PhD Swim School in Durham, NC, our survival swim lessons are designed to be intensive and focused on self-rescue. A little preparation at home can make a huge difference in easing your toddler’s transition into our learn […]

Coach Katie Blalock

SENIOR INSTRUCTOR, DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS OPERATIONS

Katie B. is a former sprint triathlete and triathlete coach. She also has experience teaching fearful adult beginners how to swim. Katie is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Wilmington with a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. She also has prior accounting and business administration experience with Raleigh Brewing Company and Charles & Colvard.

Katie has two boys herself and loves working with young children. She is a gifted teacher with special strengths in class organization, maintaining structure in a fun environment, and establishing a relationship of trust with her students. Katie has undergone over fifty hours of intense in-water and academic training to learn our method. She primarily manages all day-to-day business activities and is also an instructor. She currently teaches Survival, Kicks & Tricks, and, FUNdations.