About Me

My name is Colleen Haas. I moved to Arizona in 1980 and consider myself a native! I have been married for over 30 years and we have four amazing children; three girls and one boy. We were like most families, juggling a schedule that a family of six can bring and found it most enjoyable to go on vacation to Lake Michigan where we can see extended family and play in the sand. My kids loved the water! They have all been little fish since they were babies. I have seen the confidence that comes when you are a skilled problem solver in the water. It is an important skill, especially when living in Arizona where everyone has a pool.

I first heard about Infant Swimming Resource when my twins were babies. With four of my own children, I felt outnumbered and concerned with a pool in my backyard. I enrolled my twins through the program and was amazed at what they learned in 5 short weeks! They weren’t clinging to me and crying in the water anymore. Instead, they were jumping in, confidently swimming, floating, and finding the exit of our pool! They had survival skills and could swim, which opened a whole new world for our family. Hanging out at the pool was an enjoyable activity for us now and I wanted to share this gift with others. The best way I could do this was to go through the training program and become an instructor myself. That was in 2007 and since then, I have had the privilege to work with thousands of children. It never gets old watching my students become confident aquatic problem solvers. This has been the most rewarding profession to be a part of. It not only provides my family with additional income but allows me to help save lives. As of the year 2024, I have five students who were missing and found floating on their back and alive after using their ISR self-rescue skills when they found themselves alone and curious near water. I have also had 100’s of stories throughout the years of parents sharing with me that they witnessed their child using their ISR skills in the water. This is empowering and so fulfilling!!! My mission is to see that not one more child drowns and help children become confident swimmers. My life has also been blessed by the personal relationships I have made with each of the families I meet. I look forward to meeting your family and the opportunity to teach your children. I maintain an American Red Cross and first aid certification for adults, children, and infants. I am current with all annual re-certifications through Infant Swimming Resource.