Family first. Safety always.

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Dedicated to teaching life-saving skills — one child at a time.

For more than 46 years of living on the water as well as playing in and on the water, Tom more than realizes the importance of water safety and swimming survival skills !

Tom Grothouse is a resident of Winter Haven, Florida, and Crown Point, Indiana, who along with his wife Carol and their three children, Ryan, Kristen, and Karen, originate from Crown Point, Indiana.  Prior to spending time in the education field at Polk State College and Northridge Christian Academy as an Athletic Director, Coach and Project Manager, he spent 30 plus years in the Airline and Logistics Industry, spending most of his time with American Airlines, Flying Tiger Airlines, and other privately owned companies. 

In the Educational Field, working with children and student athletes at various levels has always been more than a career for Tom; it has been a ministry of service in an effort to impact young people and families.  These factors along with other personal experiences led Tom to become an ISR Certified Instructor.

Tom has had a considerable athletic experience culminating in spending four years within the California Angels Organization. Leading up to that time with the Angels, started his youth and High School athletic career in Munster, Indiana; earning Varsity Letters and participating in Track, Cross Country, Basketball and Baseball.  He went on to play College Basketball and Baseball at St. Joseph's of Calumet College and Santa Monica College, where he joined the California Angels.  After getting married to Carol, who in her own right is a tremendous athlete, Tom coached Youth Basketball, and every level of Baseball and Softball including All Star Teams for over 8 years in the Tampa Bay, Coral Springs, and Winter Haven, Florida areas.  He concluded his official sports career by pitching a one hitter as a 42 year old for the Clearwater Dodgers of the Senior Baseball Association.

Tom and Carol love spending time and investing their lives in their children and grandchildren, while also having a passion to serve others in the Christian Ministry; Carol investing her life in teaching children at Christian Schools and Tom investing his life in Pastoral, and Men's Ministries.    

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FAQs
Why do you have the children swim in clothes?
Because 86% of children who fall in the water do so fully clothed, we want our students to have experience with such a situation. If a child has experienced the sensations of being in the water in clothing prior to an emergency situation, he/she is less likely to experience panic and be able to focus on the task at hand. If you have ever jumped in the water with clothes on, then you know that there is a significant difference in weight and feel with clothes as opposed to a bathing suit.
Can’t babies swim naturally?
Unfortunately, babies cannot naturally swim. If this were the case, there wouldn’t be so many drownings every year. According to the Center for Disease Control and Accident Prevention, drowning is the leading cause of accidental death for children ages 1-4 in the United States.
How is it that babies can learn to respond to the danger of water when they fall in?
A baby does not need to perceive danger or be afraid to respond appropriately to being underwater. If a baby has learned to roll over and float when he needs air, he doesn't need to perceive danger in order to respond in this manner. He needs skill, practice and confidence to calmly deal with the situation.
Why does it take an average of 6 weeks for my child to learn this?
The 6-week average is an estimate that is based on the average time in which it takes most children to learn these survival skills. Every child is unique and ISR’s Self- Rescue program is specifically designed based on your child’s individual strengths and needs. It is important to realize that this is an average which means that some children will actually finish more quickly while others will need more practice. ISR is dedicated to safety and, therefore, we want to provide your child with the time and best opportunity to become proficient in his/her survival skills. We will always honor your child’s needs.

Inspiring children through faith, family, and life lessons—one story at a time.

In addition to his work as an ISR Certified Instructor, Tom Grothouse is also a published children’s book author. His book, “What Grandpa Wants to Teach Me,” reflects his heart for family, faith, and guiding the next generation. Through his writing, Tom shares meaningful lessons and values that encourage children to grow in wisdom, kindness, and confidence—both in and out of the water.

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