About

Floaties Swim School is an embodiment of founder Mike Morrill's lifelong mission to enrich the lives of the children in our communities through water safety awareness and a love of swimming.

Mr. Mike started teaching swim lessons in high school, and even then, his future plans included opening a swimming facility of his own. As a former water polo athlete and San Diego beach lifeguard, Mike always knew he was destined for a lifetime in the water. In 2000, he took a job as a swim instructor at a local swim school in Pacific Beach and he found his passion for teaching infants and children the importance of water safety. Soon after, he started traveling pool to pool, hosting swim lessons in local family’s backyards, all while refining his techniques and reputation as the most sought-after instructor in San Diego County. His nick-name as the “floating swim lesson guy” eventually transitioned to “floating lessons” as he began to train new instructors and set up shop in his own backyard. During those first 2 years, Mike and his small team taught over 150 students. With growing waitlists and demand continuing to rise, the first brick and mortar Floaties Swim School opened in Mike’s hometown of Poway on May 12th, 2008 (which is still open today!).

Mr. Mike and his three children (seen above), all grew up in Poway, are pictured when you walk around the Floaties facilities. Sometimes, you can even find the Morrill kids in the pool helping their dad teach! Mr. Mike’s passion and commitment to water safety and preventing childhood drownings is still at the forefront of the Floaties mission. He says, “At Floaties, we treat your children like they are part of our family. It’s so important that all children are taught water safety at an early age in a fun environment with knowledgeable and professional instructors.”

How Can We Help?

Our team is ready to help or answer your questions.

"This place is great! My son's instructor is awesome. He's very friendly and attentive! My son has improved so much in just 2 weeks with 2 30 minute sessions a week. The bad thing about this place is the size of the pool itself. It's very crowded especially during a week night. Other then that I would definitely recommend this program to parents with children of all ages."

"Olivia swam with Mr. Mike from 4 months old until she was 2 1/2 and we moved to north Texas. She is now 8 years old and on the USA swim team winning races! Her love of the water started with Floaties. This foundation has given her the love and passion she still has for swimming."

"We have been with Floaties in Poway for almost 3 years now and we love it! The entire staff is amazing! Of course we love our instructors (Mr. Oscar and Ms. Mariah), but honestly, I've never heard anything bad said of any instructor there! The front desk staff is always very welcoming. They are also very helpful and patient when I need to change swim schedules/instructors. They have a real knack of placing the girls with a swim instructor that compliments each of their unique personalities. Thank you Floaties for making my girls water safe!!!"

"My daughter and I love Floaties Swim School. We started lessons with her when she was almost 4 months old, and after her 6 week program, she has gotten so comfortable in the water. She goes underwater multiple times per session and looks so happy when she comes up. It was really important for us to start lessons early so she develops water skills and is comfortable in the water. I was still amazed with how quickly that developed. "

"Just wanted to thank you, my 4 year old daughter was on a play date with her aunts and cousins and fell into the pool this past weekend, we were not there; no one saw her fell into the pool, no one saw her get out, by the time my sister in law found her she was already out, scared, but perfectly OK. She doesn't know how to swim but Flooties taught her enough skills for her to be able to get out of that pool safely. I am eternally grateful!!"