It's finally time!!!

Well, it’s finally time! I did day 1 of my ISR training yesterday. In case you’ve not been following my obsessive posts about this, ISR is Infant Swimming Resource. It’s teaching kids between 6 months and 6 years of age how to survive in the water. Infants learn how to float on their backs until help arrives and toddlers/young kids learn to swim-float-swim.

I’ve been a strong believer in this program since I first learned about it and saw it with my own eyes. I got to witness him go from being upset and unsure about the water to being confident in and loving it. And as someone who has lost a loved one to a drowning incident, it means so much to me. The mission statement at ISR is “Not one more child drowns” and it’s my goal to try and help make this a reality.

I’ve always been a nervous person. When I was little I would vomit a lot. Every time I was anxious about something, it would surface in my stomach.  I’m pretty sure I chased my mom’s car down the street when she tried to drop me off at school once. Not really knowing what I’m doing and what to expect don’t sit well with me.

That was the case yesterday. I’ve been SO excited to do this training. I packed my bag for the day almost a week early. I’ve read through the third week of training before even starting class for week 1. I won’t claim to understand a lot of it, but I’m trying.

This program goes above and beyond to ensure the safety of students. We learn about so many medical issues that can arise in a child. Then we learn how to take care of that issue if it arises. I know so much more about the infant/child’s body than I did two months ago. It’s crazy!

Now it’s time to put the skills I’ve read about into action. Yesterday I was only in the pool with my practice doll, Kellie Carson. I watched as my trainer did so many different methods of teaching with the doll and all I could do was pray that It starts to become natural to me quickly. I know I’m going to make mistakes. I know that mistakes are even expected of me. I just want to do well with this.

I feel the pressure of having so many people support me since I decided to do this. I promise all of you that I will not let you down. This is personal to me, so I will give it my best effort. I want to know that I’ve helped contribute to the skills that could save kids lives.

Thank you to everyone who has donated to the GoFundMe page. Thank you to the people who have bought t-shirts from me. Thank you for all the words of kindness and encouragement. It all means so much.

I’m going to continue to try and raise money for the cost of my training. So, if you would, please share this link. Even if you can’t donate yourself…maybe someone who sees your share will be able to. I promise to make you guys proud and I’m truly grateful for all of the love and support of Kiddnation.

www.gofundme.com/shanon

Here's Kellie Carson...