About Swim Smart & Casey
Swim Smart Infant Aquatics® is a safety-first swim program dedicated to giving infants and young children the tools they need to survive and thrive in the water. Inspired by the proven methods of Infant Aquatics®, my approach goes beyond traditional swim lessons by focusing on what matters most: self-rescue and water safety.
Swim Smart Infant Aquatics uses developmentally appropriate teaching. Swim Smart recognizes that a 6-month-old, a 2-year-old, and a 4-year-old all learn very differently. For instance, infants may be introduced to breath control and gentle submersions paired with cues, helping them develop a natural comfort in the water. In contrast, a toddler will work on a “swim-float-swim” sequence—swimming a short distance, rolling onto their back to rest, then continuing forward. These techniques mirror Infant Aquatics methods that are tailored to cognitive and physical development at each stage.
My lessons are intentionally structured, consistent, and individualized. I understand that children learn through repetition and experience, and I take into account not just their physical abilities, but also how they perceive their environment. This ensures that skills are not only learned—but retained and reliably performed when it matters most. Consistency and repetition are crucial.
Why should you choose Survival Swimming over Traditional Lessons?
When it comes to water, not all swim lessons are created equal. While traditional swim programs focus on fun and basic skills, survival swimming is designed with one critical goal in mind: your child’s safety. Traditional lessons often emphasize comfort and play in the water. Survival swimming focuses on something more important: what your child will do if they are alone in the water. Did you know drowning is the leading cause of accidental death in children under 5? I dont write the to scare you but it is a true reality that can be changed with the right skills, taught early and consistently. Drowning is fast and silent. Swim survival skills can make all the difference.
I am so happy your are here and cant wait to get your kiddo in the water! Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions! The FAQs is also a very good tool!
Meet Casey
My name is Casey Ballard, owner and instructor of Swim Smart Infant Aquatics® in North County San Diego. After spending nine years working in corporate America, I decided to take a leap to pursue something more meaningful to me, teaching young children life-saving water skills, all rooted in purpose and passion. My connection to the water began at a young age through competitive swimming, junior lifeguards, and a lifelong love for the ocean, which shaped my respect for water safety and the importance of learning proper skills early. I absolutely love kids and find this work so rewarding. I truly enjoy seeing the kids grow in confidence and love that fact that I am doing something that may save a child’s life.
My training included over 160 hours of in-water instruction, along with education in child psychology, anatomy, and development. My training in Longmont, Colorado with the owner Judy Heumann was nothing shy of fantastic that was rooted in safety. I am also CPR and First Aid certified. I love what I do and it shows through my teaching!
Swim Smart Infant Aquatics® 