Company Profile
Safe N Sound Adventure Camps
Company Overview
Safe N Sound has been in the business of teaching Seattle's children to swim since 1986. We have been offering Swim Adventure Camps since 2011. We are also an America Red Cross Authorized Provider training and certifying lifeguards. There are three main offerings from Safe N Sound.
Swim Lessons
Safe N Sound offers unique 1-on-1 swim lessons focused on water safety and proper swim technique. Every instructor is trained and certified in Safe N Sound's methodology and curriculum. 1-on-1 lessons provide flexible scheduling options. No need to try and match your family's busy schedule to appropriate swim class. Each lesson is tailored to your student's needs and skill level. In addition, our pool is a warm 88 degrees, keeping your students comfortable throughout the 15 minute private lesson. See what our clients say about our swim lessons.
Summer Adventure Day Camps
During summer, we offer week-long swim camp and an outdoor adventure camp as well as fun day long excursions full of adventure. Campers enjoy swim lessons, snorkeling and free swim in the pool as well as paddle sports outside our backdoor on Lake Union.
During the school year, we offer an after-school program from school dismissal until 5:30pm. Safe N Sound picks up students from their elementary school and transports them to the pool where they enjoy free swim time, homework help, active games and more. Throughout the year, we also offer Funday Excursions and school holiday camps.
We are in the process of qualifying for ACA Accreditation.
Training and Certification
As a Red Cross authorized provider, we offer Lifeguard, CPR, First-Aid, and AED certification to anyone 15 years or older. We use a blended learning model and leverage online resources to compress the lifeguard training schedule. The result is a more convenient way of earning your certification or renewing your existing credentials.
Company History
Safe N Sound is a family owned business, founded by Kerrie Gordon. Growing up, Kerrie was a competitive swimmer. In high school, she was state champion in the butterfly and went on to swim for the University of Utah. She studied early childhood development in college and combined her two loves (water and kids) to found Safe N Sound Swimming in 1986.
Starting in one lane of the Connelly Center pool at Seattle University, Kerrie taught lessons, answered phones, scheduled clients, and paid the bills. As word spread about her unique private lessons focused on safety, it came time to hire her first employee. She hired Scott in 1988. Scott and Kerrie got along so well, they were married in 1989. Today, they have 6 children (7 if you count Safe N Sound).
Today, Safe N Sound Swimming employs nearly 50 full and part time employees during the school year and hires an additional 20 camp staffers during the summer. All 6 of the Gordon children contribute to the business. Arielle has taught lessons for 9 years. Josh and Sarina are summer camp counselors and help with answering phones, cleaning the facility and lifeguarding duties. Sam is a lifeguard and Ben is a counselor-in-training. Grace the caboose, serves as a “student” for instructor training sessions and is often seen “auditing” camp activities during the summer time.
While Safe N Sound started off as a swim school it has expanded over the years to offer swim and outdoor adventure camp. “Camp was a natural extension of our swim lessons,” says Kerrie. “Our clients were asking for some kind of summer swim camp. More recently, Safe N Sound became a Red Cross authorized provider and began offering Lifeguard, CPR/First-Aid certification training. “Today, we offer swim lessons, camps, and training ; three unique services that complement our wonderful Puget Sound area,” says Gordon.
Swim Lessons – Kerrie combined her love for swimming with her study of early childhood develop to create our effective method of 1-on-1 swim lessons focused on water safety and proper swim technique. Each lesson is tailored to the needs and skill level of a student.
Adventure Camp – Arising from client demand, SNS wanted to utilize our unique surroundings. “Our pool literally sits in Lake Union,” says Jennifer Paull, Executive Camp Director as SNS. “We wanted to provide our campers an opportunity to explore the wonderful Puget Sound region.
During the summer, we offer high quality, week-long swim and an outdoor adventure camps. There is little time for rest in these fun-packed weeks. Campers enjoy swim lessons, snorkeling and free swim time in the pool as well as paddle boarding and kayaking outside on the lake. We also take campers on field trips to local beaches and finish the week off with a big family BBQ. Scott says, “our goal is always keep the campers safe, let them have tons of fun, and return them to the parents tired.”
After School Camp – with the growing success of summer camp, we wanted to provide something for students during the school year. Now, we offer an after-school program. In coordination with our local elementary schools, we arrange to pick up students after school, transport them to the pool and provide swim time, home-work help, activity games and more. We also extend our camp hours during school holiday closures.
Training & Certifications - As a Red Cross authorized provider, we offer Lifeguard, CPR, First-Aid, and AED certification to anyone 15 years or older. We focus on a blended learning model and leverage online resources to compress the lifeguard training schedule. The result is a more convenient way of earning your certification or renewing your existing credentials.
Our Mission
Safe N Sound delivers best in class service and instruction within a supportive learning environment, builds proper skills and self-esteem, and emphasizes safety and respect for each other, the water, and our community.
Notable Accomplishments / Recognition
We are in the process of becoming an ACA Accredited Camp.