Safety by choice.
Not by chance.
Safety Before Skill has been Arkansas's trusted swim school since 2009. Here's who we are, what we believe, and why we do what we do.
Our philosophy.
A Critical Life Skill
Learning to swim is a critical life skill. It could save your life. Being comfortable in the water is so much fun, and it opens doors to other enjoyable activities.
Safety First, Then Skill
Swim lessons, either in a group or private setting, should focus on safety first, then skills and the skills should be taught using the proper technique from the very beginning.
We Are in the Water
We do not teach from the deck. We are in the water for the entire lesson.
Dignity and Respect
Every student deserves dignity and respect regardless of age or skill level. We do not believe in dunking students or pushing them into the water against their will. We will always go underwater with our students until they feel safe doing it on their own.
Our core values.
Relationships Over Revenue
We succeed by building relationships with our clients and community first. If we take care of the relationship, success follows for everyone.
Safety First
Safety skills are taught first, then we learn to swim. Always.
Adapt and Overcome
We use flexibility and creativity to overcome challenges and grow. We are never afraid to make 180-degree turns.
Swim On
We do whatever it takes to make swimming possible for everyone, regardless of age, ability, socioeconomic status, or special needs.
Professionalism Lives Here
We hire only the most capable individuals and invest heavily in their training preparing them for SBS and for their futures.
Coach Karen Lamoreaux
Karen founded Safety Before Skill in 2009 with one goal: make sure every child in Arkansas has the water safety skills they need before they ever need them. What started as a single pool has grown into two full locations and one of Arkansas's most trusted names in swim education.
Safety first, relationships always, and no child gets left behind regardless of age, ability, or background.
What's happening at SBS.
News and events are managed by the SBS team via Sanity CMS. No developer needed to post updates.
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Event Announcement
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Community Update
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What families are saying.
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Add your email for current updates.
Client Services is here to help M–F, 9AM to 5PM. (501) 940-1287
Ready to get started?
First lesson is free.
Come see what makes our approach different. No pressure, no commitment just a chance to experience safety first swimming in action.