Hi! My name is Heather Ryan!

I am so glad you are here.

You're probably interested in knowing a little more about me, so let's get started!

I attended the University of Central Florida where I obtained a Masters degree in Education. For the past 18 years I have been teaching elementary school and have loved every minute of it. During my teaching career, I got married to my wonderful husband and together we have two boys, Lucas and Elliot, who are 8 and 5 years old.

HOW I GOT STARTED WITH ISR

My journey into ISR began the same way many parents find their way here—with a deep desire to protect my own children around the water. As a mom, I understood how quickly little ones can move and how unpredictable water can be. I wanted skills that went beyond traditional swim lessons… skills that could truly make a difference in an emergency.

In 2022, I trained to become an ISR instructor, a process that challenged and inspired me in all the best ways. I spent the next two years hosting lessons at Columbus Swim and Scuba, gaining experience, confidence, and a deep appreciation for how capable children are when they’re supported with patience, structure, and trust.

In 2025, life shifted. My boys needed more of me at home, and after my husband sustained a spinal cord injury caused by a DAVF of the spine in 2024, our family’s needs changed even more. Bringing lessons home allowed me to continue serving families while staying present for the people who depend on me most. It became the perfect balance—teaching a program I believe in while creating a calmer, more flexible environment for both my students and my family.

Today, I run a home‑based ISR program serving families across Columbus, Phenix City, Auburn, and beyond. Every lesson is personal to me. I honor each child’s pace, celebrate their courage, and partner closely with parents so they feel informed and supported every step of the way.

What started as a desire to protect my own children has grown into a mission to help others. And I’m grateful every day for the chance to teach life‑saving skills that truly matter.

ISR holds a special place in my heart, and I'm thrilled to share my expertise in aquatic safety with you and your children. I eagerly anticipate meeting new students and reconnecting with previous ones.

GET STARTED NOW

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FAQs
Can’t babies swim naturally?
Unfortunately, babies cannot naturally swim. If this were the case, there wouldn’t be so many drownings every year. According to the Center for Disease Control and Accident Prevention, drowning is the leading cause of accidental death for children ages 1-4 in the United States.
I hear you say your priority is survival skills. Will my child learn to actually swim?
Yes. At ISR, we believe that part of survival for a child who can walk is swimming. Children learn the swim-float-swim sequence so that they could get themselves to safety. The difference in our program is that they will learn swimming AND survival skills and how to be an aquatic problem solver.
How is it that babies can learn to respond to the danger of water when they fall in?
A baby does not need to perceive danger or be afraid to respond appropriately to being underwater. If a baby has learned to roll over and float when he needs air, he doesn't need to perceive danger in order to respond in this manner. He needs skill, practice and confidence to calmly deal with the situation.
Is it the baby fat that makes them float?
Actually, the primary factor in a baby’s ability to float is the ability to take air into the lungs. To maintain this access to air, the child must adjust his/her posture. The difference in positioning for an adult can be inches. For a baby, this adjustment is reduced to centimeters. If a child’s body posture is just a few centimeters off, it can make the difference between the face being submerged or the child having access to air.

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