Swim Instructor Spotlight Series - Keri Stoyanov

In our Swim Instructor Spotlights series, we would like to introduce you to some of the best instructors in the nation. Sunsational Swim School is proud to be working with passionate and dedicated instructors, and we would like to thank them for being so sunsational! We hope that our readers will get inspired by their stories, and perhaps learn a thing or two about their favorite instructors!

Today, meet Keri!

Sunsational: How old were you when you started swimming?

I would have to thank my grandparents for having a pool built in their backyard the summer I was born. I was basically in the water all my life!

I was swimming independently at age 2 and started swimming summer league competitively at age 3.

Sunsational: When did you become a swim instructor? For Sunsational Swim School?

Keri: I became a swim instructor at 19 years old. I received my Water safety Instructor’s Certification from Davidson College, NC and immediately began teaching swim lessons in Wilmington, NC. I began teaching for Sunsational in 2018.

Sunsational: What is your favorite thing about swimming?

Keri: Everything! To me swimming is as essential as learning to walk or run.

Sunsational: What is your favorite part about being a swim instructor?

Keri: I think the most wonderful part of being an instructor is seeing someone who was initially afraid of the water learn to embrace it and truly enjoy it. Also, I feel that no one should ever be at risk of drowning. I am a strong advocate that everyone should learn to swim and understand water safety.

Sunsational: What is your best memory from being a swim instructor?

Keri: I have so many great memories however there is one that sticks out in my mind. I was in my 20s and taught a young girl with Cerebral Palsy to swim. It was so precious to see the family’s excitement as well as hers and her fearlessness afterwards when she would enter the water to swim. No words can describe how proud I was of her.

Sunsational: What advice would you give to young swimmers just learning to swim? To parents of young swimmers?

Keri: First, I can say is do not compare yourself/your child to anyone else. It saddens me when there are people whose friends have children that are very advanced at a young age or they see a swimming prodigy on YouTube and are determined that their child be like that. What is most important to show your child that swimming is fun and safe. Swim with your children and expose them to water activities.

Second, if the child is timid or uneasy, be accepting of this. It is better to take your time with getting them trained to swim. The child will be more comfortable and confident.

Thirdly, remember, swimming is fun! Not everyone is meant to be an Olympic Swimmer but that doesn’t mean that you cannot enjoy swimming/water activities your entire life.

Sunsational: What is your favorite place to go swimming? Any specific place?

Keri: I would have to say that my all-time favorite place to swim is Wrightsville Beach, NC. I grew up on that beach and spent many days swimming and surfing there.

Sunsational: If you were a sea animal, which one would you be? OR what is your favorite sea animal?

Keri: Wow, that is a difficult one. I love all sea creatures. I guess I would say Dolphin. As a child I tried to swim just like them. They are truly amazing creatures.