Confidence in the Water
As a top rated swim school in Virginia and North Carolina, we emphasize time in the water, allowing children to become completely comfortable and confident in the pool. Children are encouraged to play after their lessons, to continue working on the skills presented in class. Swim lessons are also held twice a week to keep children familiar and comfortable with the water. So come early and stay after class to practice and play!
Independent Swimming
We believe children should learn to swim without the aid of floatation devices. Children should learn the feel of their own buoyancy and be able to experience that fun floating sensation before propulsion is taught. Learning to swim without floatation devices teaches children a respect for the water and confidence in their ability to swim. Getting in touch with your “Center of Buoyancy” is KEY!
Peer Modeling
Children learn from watching each other, and are encouraged within their skill level by watching others learn to swim.
Parent Involvement
Parents have a front row seat to all the action. Children enjoy talking about their achievements in swimming, and it is helpful for parents to know what they are working on. Coaches may give out homework to do to continue the learning process at home.
Clean, Safe Pool Environment
All of our pool locations are held to the highest standards of cleanliness and safety. Staff monitor the water chemistry throughout the day to ensure that the indoor competition pool provides the ideal conditions in which to enjoy swimming year round. The pool is kept to strict health department code, with a constant temperature of 81°.
Olympic Experience
Coach Dan founded the ParrotFish Swim School in 2008, which serves children as well as adults. After working for many years with world-class and Olympic swimmers, personally coaching 6 Olympic competitors (four of whom medalled and one who was Olympic Champion and world record holder of the 200 meter butterfly for four years), and assisting countless others, Coach Dan enjoys the pace and perspective the ParrotFish swimmers bring to the pool.
& the Dakus Swim Methodology
Coach Dan Dakus has coached 6 Olympic competitors.
Coach Dan Dakus founded the ParrotFish Swim School in 2008 after working for many years with world-class and Olympic swimmers.
He has personally coached 6 Olympic competitors (four of whom medalled and one who was Olympic Champion and world record holder of the 200 meter butterfly for four years).
Utilizing his considerable knowledge of the physics of swimming, Coach Dan developed the Dakus Swim Methodology to allow younger swimmers the chance to learn world-class swimming techniques. He has a B.S.E in Physical Education from S.U.N.Y Cortland and a Continuing Education in Sports Psychology, Motor Behavior & Learning at University of Tennessee.
Coach Dan’s aquatic experience has great depth. His unique mix of aquatic experience and scientific knowledge of the physics of swimming have built a strong foundation for a coach capable of developing swimmers of all experience levels. He has coached a variety of swim teams, including the following:
- Assistant Director, United Swim Clinics
- Shady Side Academy, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Director of Aquatics; Middle School and High School Swim Coach
- University of Tennessee, Men’s Team Assistant Coach
- Pilot Aquatic Club, Head Coach
- S.U.N.Y. Cortland, Men’s and Women’s Head Coach
- Coach of the Year, S.U.N.Y.
- Guest Coach and Site Director: Total Immersion Swim Clinics
- Swarthmore College, Interim Head Coach
- Founder and Executive Director St. Croix Learn to Swim Foundation, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands
- Coach Dan has done technique clinics all over the USA, in Germany, the Bahamas, and the Virgin Islands