Coach Ruthie...founder of Little Fishes Swim School

“Coach Ruthie” Zarren believes that early water exposure and basic water skill development are instrumental for children to develop a love and respect for water. This is the foundation for a skill for life–safe swimming. She wanted to build their self-confidence, improve their motor skills, encourage bonding with their parents and see them thrive in an environment without fear or apprehension.

Ruthie’s lifelong love of the water began when she learned to swim at a very young age. She is a member of the United States Swim School Association, World Aquatics Babies Congress and American Learn To Swim Teachers.  She is a Red Cross certified Water Safety Instructor, certified in Adult, Infant and Child CPR, and holds certifications from the American Swimming Coaches Association. Ruthie is the co-creator of Safer When Wet, a comprehensive preschool program teaching water safety.

As a mom, Ruthie was especially prepared for her role as a teacher. She started her business armed with a parent’s understanding of youngsters. She, and the staff at Little Fishes, encourage participation, engage trust and confidence and respect childrens’ different learning styles. Her passion for water safety, delight in seeing children succeed, and entrepreneurial spirit came together in the form of Little Fishes, where since 2008, more than 4500 children have come to share her love of water.