About SPSS

Swim Safe. Swim Strong.

Santa Paula Survival Swim was founded with a deep passion for water safety, a shared vision of empowering swimmers, and a commitment to making swim instruction effective and accessible. Since our inception in 2000, we have been dedicated to helping students acquire essential survival skills, master life saving swimming techniques, and confidently progress in their aquatic journey

Hi, I'm Allison!

Owner of Santa Paula Swim School

Born in San Diego to a Naval Commander father and a Key West native mother, I've always had a deep connection with water. My mom liked to joke that I was more fish than human. Some of my earliest memories include toddling around in a red and white polka dot swimsuit, barely able to stand but already drawn to the water.

Growing up in a house with a pool and living within walking distance of the ocean meant that water was a constant presence in my life. I quickly learned the ropes of being a crew member on my father’s sailboat, exploring the Channel Islands and immersing myself in endless aquatic adventures. Water wasn’t just a backdrop for my childhood; it was a central character in my story.

This affinity for water played a major role in my decision to move to Hawaii as a young adult. While attending college, I started teaching preschool and discovered my passion for education. During the summers, I taught swim lessons through the Red Cross and the YMCA in Honolulu, where I also earned certifications in Water Safety Instruction, Lifeguarding, and served as a Pool Coordinator.

With a degree in Early Childhood Education and certification in Waldorf Education, I eventually chose to teach in Upcountry Maui. There, I had the joy of raising two wonderful children—both avid swimmers and surfers—supported by my loving Ohana, including my parents who joined us in Maui. It was delightful to see a new generation embrace the same water-filled traditions that shaped my childhood.

In 2013, life brought me back to Ventura, California. At a career crossroads, I decided to follow my intuition back to the water. This led me to revisit swim teaching, combining my expertise in child development with my love for swimming. I’m now the proud owner of a thriving swim school, featuring a pool I designed. It’s a joy to share my respect and love for the water with my students and their families, continuing to weave my personal and professional life around the element that has shaped who I am.