About the OAPP Scholarship
Only Alpha Pool Products (OAPP) is dedicated to reducing drowning statistics. To achieve this, OAPP offers financial support to swim instructors seeking certifications in adaptive swim instruction for individuals with disabilities.
Their goal is to empower individuals with disabilities to learn essential lifesaving swim skills through enhanced swim instructor education and training. OAPP has partnered with Swim Angelfish to provide the Swim Whisperers Certification® Level 1 training at a significantly reduced cost.
What is the Swim Whisperers® Certification?
The Swim Whisperers® Certification teaches you proven strategies to effectively teach swimming to individuals with special needs.
Developed by OT/PT professionals, the Swim Whisperers® Certification Level 1 training provides a comprehensive toolbox to build your confidence and adaptability. This empowers you to identify roadblocks and apply effective strategies when teaching swimmers with ADHD, Autism, Down Syndrome, or any type of emotional, physical, or sensory challenge.
Application & Selection Process
1. Complete the Application Form
Fill out the required application form to begin the scholarship process.
2. Take the Eligibility Course
Complete the eligibility course to ensure you meet the necessary requirements.
3. Application Review
Your application will be carefully reviewed to determine your suitability for the scholarship.
4. Selection
Cindy Freedman or Ailene Tisser, the co-founders of Swim Angelfish, will make the final selection.
5. Scholarship Announcement
Monthly scholarship recipients will be announced via email.
6. Receive Coupon Code
Upon selection, you will receive a coupon code granting a 50% discount for Swim Whisperers Certification Level 1. Once received, code must be used within 7 days.
Group Discounts Available
While scholarships are awarded on an individual basis, we do offer generous group discounts on the Swim Whisperers® Certification for aquatic centers and larger groups of swim instructors seeking continuing education and professional development.
Training FAQ
We would love to talk to you about how we can work together, please email us at cert@swimangelfish.com.
We offer tiered discounts on all Swim Whisperers® Certifications for groups! To provide the most accurate quote, we consider the number of participants and the mix of certification levels you’re interested in. For more details on discounts and purchasing options, complete the Group Rates Inquiry Form and we will get in contact with you!
We will need to discuss this individually. We do not offer refunds for unused or incorrect mix of levels once the purchase has been made. However, we will work with you to try and resolve issues if they arise.
Yes, the group codes expire 12 months following the date of purchase. A reactivation fee will apply to extend each code beyond the initial 12-month period.
No, group rates only apply to groups from the same organization, to be billed on one single invoice. You need to supply names for each member of your group. Codes will be allocated by name. If you are pre-purchasing certifications for future staff members, let us know the staff members’ name as soon as possible.
To log in, please go to our learning platform: Swim Angelfish Teachable.
You can also find this link on our website under Professional Training > My Training Account.
Once there, use the login link at the top right and enter the email address you used to enroll in the course (the same email address used during the checkout process) as your username.
TIP: Remember to add this to your favorites/bookmark this address.
For Swim Instructor training we offer an Adaptive Swim Whisperers Certification program. This is a multi-level, online training program where you will learn a variety of time-tested strategies that are proven to overcome the 14 most common roadblocks faced by swimmers with special needs.
Visit our Swim Whisperers Certification page for more information.
Once you have completed Swim Whisperers Level 1, you are eligible to participate in the Swim Whisperers In-Water Workshops.
Please check our events and in person training page for a list of in-water workshops or contact us to arrange a private in-water workshop for your group.
We have 4 online, continuing education Therapy courses for aquatic professionals where you will learn new treatment and handling techniques, understand how to integrate reflexes and overcome roadblocks to help your pediatric clients with special needs achieve their therapy goals.
Visit our Adaptive Aquatic Therapist Training page for more information.
We also host an Aquatic Therapy In-Water Lab for aquatic professionals who have completed the Totally Treatment online course.
Visit our In-Water Workshops page for more information.
Absolutely! The Swim Whisperers Certification program and our Aquatic Therapy courses are 100% online.
After completing any of our paid for online courses, graduates can apply for Continuing Education Unit (CEU) credits in their state. It’s important to remember that each state has its own guidelines for CEU approval. Be sure to research the specific requirements of your state licensing or certification board before submitting the course for CEU credits.
The course CEU Kit contains the following:
- Course Description – includes the number of hours the course can be credited for.
- Course References – includes citations and references.
- Course Author Resumes – includes resumes for both Cindy & Ailene.
- Course Certificate.
- Course Evaluation.
To find a swim instructor who has completed the Swim Whisperers® Multi-Level Certification Program near you, browse our Directory of Swim Whisperers® Certified Instructors.
The Swim Whisperers® Perks include:
- Global Recognition: Upon completion of each level, get listed in our Certified Swim Whisperers® Directory, enhancing your visibility to potential clients.
- Advanced Training Opportunities: Participate in exclusive Swim Whisperers® in-water workshops.
- Marketing Kit: Receive expert guidance on promoting your swim instructor services and attracting new students.
- Supportive Community: Join our private Facebook group to connect, share experiences, and learn from fellow Swim Whisperers® graduates
Extended Perks Access:
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Complete Level 4 to gain continued access to the Swim Whisperers® Perks.
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To continue enjoying the perks beyond the initial 12 month course access, progress to the next course level.
We recommend completing the Swim Whisperers® course within 90 days from the date of enrollment. This timeframe allows you to consistently build and consolidate your understanding of the course material over three months.
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Enrollees have access to course materials for 12 months after enrollment.
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Aim to complete the course within 90 days.
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Use the period from course completion to the 12-month post-enrollment deadline to refresh your knowledge and access the latest course updates.
There are lots of great reasons to maintain your Swim Whisperers® Certification and continue to progress through this multi-level training program.
Maintenance by ‘leveling up’ benefits you because:
- Continue to promote yourself as Swim Whisperers® Certified.
- Keep access to the Swim Whisperers® Perks (all course material, remain listed in the Swim Whisperers® Directory and continue to be a member of the Swim Whisperers® Private Facebook Group).
- Continue to build your knowledge and grow your adaptive skills.
- Ensure that you stay up-to-date with adaptive swim practices.
- Remain effective when teaching individuals with special needs to swim.
- Have a record of your adaptive aquatics learning journey.
Your Swim Whisperers Certification® and Perks are valid for 1 year from the date of enrollment in each level.
To maintain your certification, you must advance through each Swim Whisperers® level. Advancement to the next level, must occur within 1 year (12 months) of enrolling in the course level.
Once you complete all 4 levels your access to the Swim Whisperers® Perks will continue.
If you do not maintain your certification by enrolling in the subsequent level, you will lose access to all of the course material and information in your Swim Angelfish® Training Account (Teachable).
If you have completed Swim Whisperers® Level 4, however, you will have continued access to your Swim Angelfish® Training Account (Teachable) and the associated Swim Whisperers® Perks.
Whilst there is no expiration date on your Swim Whisperers® Certificate, we do require you to Maintain Your Certification status to keep access to your Swim Whisperers® Perks.
It is important to invest in continuing education to keep your adaptive aquatics skills and knowledge current. By leveling up through the Swim Whisperers® program, you will learn how to integrate and apply the adaptive techniques and strategies you learned from each level into your swim curriculum to transform your ability as an instructor.
Yes. You can purchase Levels 1 through 4 in a single transaction (and combinations of e.g. Levels 1+2 or Levels 1+2+3).
However, you must complete the levels in order and cannot skip a level.
If would like to purchase the Swim Whisperers® training course(s) for a group (more than one person), you will need to contact us so that we can help you.
Please complete the Group Rate Inquiry Form and we will get in touch with you to discuss discounted group rates.
We will then be able to guide you through the enrollment process for your group.
