Cooper Hatch - Hi! My name is Cooper, and I was born and raised right here in Durham. I’ve been swimming in Durham’s pools since I was a kid, and I’m excited to share that love for the water with others. Through my previous jobs, I’ve gained valuable experience working with kids, and I’m passionate about helping young swimmers feel comfortable in the water while learning proper stroke technique.
I’m thrilled to be back at Woodcroft and can’t wait to help swimmers build skills, confidence, and a love for swimming.
Abigail Lloyd - Hello! I have been a part of the swimming world for the past 20+ years! I swam competitively on a year round team from elementary through high school. I started teaching lessons in high school and coached for 5 years with a year round club team. I have learned so many wonderful things from my coaches and coaching peers through the years and love to help kids reach their swimming goals. Water safety and confidence is a crucial part of being able to enjoy the pool in the summer for our beginning swimmers. I also love being able to teach lessons that will help fine tune our competitive swimmers strokes and racing skills.
Credentials: CPR/AED, First Aid and Lifeguard certified
Group Level Descriptions
Swim Lessons Registration
Mia Gowdy - Hello everyone! My name is Mia Gowdy. I’ve been swimming since I was a child and have always loved being in the water. I started swimming competitively at the YMCA when I was eight years old and later joined the YOTA swim team in high school. Over six years as a lifeguard at various facilities, I discovered my passion for teaching and have now been giving swim lessons for the past four years. I enjoy working with swimmers of all ages and abilities—from beginners just learning to float to competitive swimmers focused on stroke improvement and technique—and I believe that knowing how to swim is a necessary life skill.
I’m an outgoing and sociable person, and as an instructor I’m nurturing and patient, but also firm when needed. I look forward to helping you or your child gain confidence, skill, and a lifelong love for the water.
Credentials: CPR/AED, First Aid, and Lifeguard Certified
Shelley Cardegna - Hello everyone! My name is Shelley and I have been teaching swim lessons since 2017. I started swimming at three years old and haven’t stopped since! I believe water safety is an essential life skill, no matter your age when you learn. Over the years, I’ve taught swimmers of all ages and abilities—from babies taking their first splash to competitive athletes refining their strokes—as well as adults overcoming an aversion to water or learning to swim laps with confidence and efficiency.
I’m passionate about helping each swimmer reach their goals, whether that’s overcoming a fear of the water, building endurance, or preparing for competition.
Credentials: CPR/AED, First Aid, and Lifeguard Certified
Private Swim Lesson Instructors
September 6th - 27th | Saturdays Only
Four 30 minute lessons
Level One: 1:00 & 2:00
Level Two: 1:30 & 2:30
Members: $80
Nonmembers: $100
Private lessons provide one-on-one instruction tailored to meet the participant's unique swimming goals. Whether you're helping an infant become comfortable in the water, learning basic swim skills, or refining advanced techniques, our lessons are designed for all ages and skill levels.
Schedule is based on instructor availability and varies throughout the summer.
Let us help you or your loved ones achieve your swimming goals!
Members: $60/lesson
Nonmembers: $80/lesson
Fall Group Lessons
Level 1: Water Exploration
This beginner-level class is perfect for children who are ready to build confidence in the water and learn basic swimming skills in a fun, group setting. Activities include:
-
Singing songs and blowing bubbles
-
Practicing flutter kicks
-
Assisted and unassisted floating on front and back
-
Introduction to freestyle arm motions
Our goal is to help your child develop a love for the water while beginning their journey toward independent swimming!
Level 2: Building Skills and Confidence
Children entering this level should already be able to float and glide independently on their front and back. This class focuses on:
-
Straight-leg kicks
-
Rhythmic breathing
-
Freestyle swimming
-
Building endurance
-
Introduction to additional strokes
This level is designed to help swimmers gain confidence and prepare for more advanced techniques.
Level 3: Stroke Refinement and Endurance
This level is for children who can swim freestyle for at least one length of the pool and have been introduced to other strokes. In this class, we will focus on:
-
Stroke refinement and building endurance
-
Flip turns and diving
-
Preparing for swim team participation (if desired)
Our goal is to help swimmers fine-tune their skills and become strong, confident swimmers!
Let us help your child build skills, confidence, and a lifelong love for swimming!
*Children must be at least 3 years old to participate in our group swim classes.*
Private Swim Lessons
Ryan Sutherland - Hi, I’m Ryan! I’ve been making waves with the Woodcroft Whirlwinds for 13 years and training year-round with YOTA for 10. For the past two summers, you could also find me keeping the pool safe as a Woodcroft lifeguard. I’m thrilled to be committed to swimming Division 1 at UNCW starting fall 2026! Whether you’re just dipping your toes into swimming or perfecting advanced techniques, I love helping swimmers of all ages and abilities reach their goals.
Credentials: CPR/AED, First Aid and Lifeguard certified
Group swim lessons begin in April and run through the end of summer, with Saturday lessons offered during the spring and fall. From a child just starting to build comfort in the water or looking to a swimmer refining their technique and endurance, our program offers something for everyone!
Private lessons begin in May and run through the end of summer. They’re a great option for swimmers who benefit from one-on-one instruction, are working toward specific goals, or may fall outside the typical age or skill range of our group classes.
Give your child the confidence and skills they need to stay safe in and around the water!
Group Lessons
Our group swim lessons offer a fun, safe, and supportive environment for children to build confidence in the water. With a 1:4 instructor-to-swimmer ratio, lessons are open to swimmers ages 3 and up and run in two-week sessions.
Whether your child is just starting out or ready to refine their skills, our lessons provide a great foundation for a lifetime of swimming.