About Us
SWIMBABES™ is Oregon’s first Swimming School and originator of Swim Survival Safety™ lessons for infants, toddlers and preschoolers!
SWIMBABES™ has been making waves in Portland, Oregon since the 1940s — a family-run swim school now four generations strong! As the first in the Pacific Northwest to offer survival swim lessons for babies and toddlers, we’ve built a reputation as leaders in Swim Survival Safety™. Our beginner classes, designed for ages 3 and under, always include a parent in the water, creating a safe, fun way to learn. We also offer lessons for older kids, giving families a full swim journey from infancy through school age. As proud Charter Members of the World Aquatic Babies Congress and members of the United States Swim School Association, we’re honored to be part of a global community setting the standard in swim education. We’d love to have you join the SWIMBABES™ family — over 80 years strong!
Our Guiding Principles/Vision
For over 80 years, our family-run swim school has focused on what matters most—teaching lifesaving swim skills to infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. We've chosen to keep our program intentionally small and boutique so that every family is known, every child is seen, and personal connection remains at the heart of all we do.
How We Teach:
At SWIMBABES™, we believe every child deserves a strong start in the water. That’s why we kick things off with Introductory Sessions where little swimmers get comfy in the pool while learning key skills like balance and breath control. Once they’re ready, they may join our weekly lessons to build survival swim skills that will last a lifetime.
Where We Come From:
Our story started in the 1940s with Gay Lee, Oregon’s first swim school owner, "Gay Lee School of Swim" — and the aunt of our founder, Jackie Young. Gay Lee pioneered survival swimming lessons long before it was popular, even making a splash in European newsreels!
In 1969, Jackie carried on the legacy, creating SWIMBABES™ into more than just a swim school. She trained teams of tiny swimmers (ages 8 months to 3 years) who performed in over 30 shows between 1979-2008 showing families — and even doctors — just how much young children can do in the water.
Her passion didn’t stop there. Jackie raised over $10,000 for infant swim research, supporting the Safer 3 initiative for water safety awareness.
In 1982, Jackie brought her daughter, Kelley Robinson, into the business. Today, Kelley runs the SWIMBABES™ program with her mom, Jackie, as our founding advisor.
Our Accolades
-Oregon’s oldest swimming school with over 80 years of experience, established in 1941
-First Charter Member of the World Aquatic Babies Congress
-Guest Speakers & Demonstrators in Nagoya, Japan hosted the World’s Youngest Swim Team visit in 2008
- Awarded the Education Award (Nagoya, 2000) and Founders Award (World Aquatic Babies & Children, 2007)
-Featured presenters in Hawaii, California, Norway, Finland, and Sweden
-Pioneers of infant swim instruction — creators of Infant Swim Survival Safety, SynchroBabies™, and SynchroTots™ programs
- Active fundraiser for children’s health and safety organizations, including the Oregon SIDS Project and the Portland Dougy Center
-Featured on media outlets such as KOIN, KPTV, KATU, KIRO Seattle, and Rainbow Radio Honolulu
