About Little Fish Swim

About Us

At Little Fish Swim, we believe that every child deserves the confidence and skills to be safe in the water. Since our founding in 2000, we’ve been dedicated to teaching infants and toddlers life-saving swim techniques in a fun, supportive, and nurturing environment.
 
With 27 years of combined experience, our expert instructors have helped hundreds of children learn to swim and develop essential water survival skills. Our passion goes beyond just swimming—we are committed to empowering families with the knowledge and confidence to keep their little ones safe in and around water.
 
Through proven techniques, personalized instruction, and a deep understanding of child development, we create a positive and effective learning experience. Whether it’s a child’s first introduction to water or a step toward becoming a strong swimmer, we take pride in being a part of their journey.
 
At Little Fish Swim, we don’t just teach swimming—we teach survival, confidence, and a lifelong love for the water.

Our Team

Mickey Wilson

Mickey Wilson

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Zoë Skinner

Zoë Skinner

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Success Stories

We’ve taught countless kids to be safe and confident.
Hear from families who've made swimming a joy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do lessons take place?

Lessons are conducted in the swimming pool at the Grove Fitness Center inside the Grove Hotel in downtown Boise (245 S Capitol Blvd, Boise, ID 83702).

Why are lessons only 10 minutes?

Studies have shown that 7 to 10 minutes is the optimal time frame for helping children develop and refine their swimming skills.  Beyond this timeframe, their focus and learning effectiveness begin to decline, making shorter, high-quality lessons the most beneficial for progress.

Why do you require 2 lessons/week to start?

Swimming twice a week is ideal for children's learning and progress.  Frequent lessons help build trust, boost confidence, and reinforce skills more effectively, making it easier for children to retain and develop their swimming abilitites.

Do parents get in the pool?

We have the parents play a different role. By reinforcing their skills, parents are encouraged to cheer for their children from the side of the pool. Having parents in the pool can distract from their learning and instructors need to be able to keep the kid's focus.

I'm nervous, how do you handle the crying?

It's perfectly normal for young children, especially those who aren't yet talking, to express themselves through crying during swim lessons. This is a common way for them to communicate as they adjust to a new environment and experience new sensations.  Think of it as their way of saying, "This is new!" or "I'm figuring this out!". As your child builds confidence and becomes more comfortable in the water, the crying will naturally decrease.  our goal is to create a positive and supportive learning experience for them.

Mickey Wilson

With 25 years of experience in survival swim instruction, Mickey has dedicated his career to helping young children develop life-saving water skills in a safe, warm, and welcoming environment. His extensive expertise, combined with a deep passion for water safety, has made him a trusted leader in the field.

Mickey earned his Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education and Health from Eastern Oregon University in 1997. He then pursued a career in fitness, becoming a certified personal trainer and later opening Bfit Exercise Center in 2010. After nine successful years, he chose to shift his focus entirely to Little Fish Swim, recognizing his true calling in teaching children to swim and survive.

A lifelong resident of the area, Mickey and his wife have built a strong connection with their community, family, and friends. Together, they have raised five children and recently welcomed their first grandchild. When he’s not in the pool, Mickey enjoys staying active, spending time with loved ones, and giving back to the community that has supported him throughout his journey.

At Little Fish Swim, Mickey’s mission is simple: to empower children with confidence in the water while giving parents peace of mind.

Zoë Skinner

Originally from London, England, Zoë Skinner discovered her passion for working with children after earning a degree in Music Performance. Given the opportunity to train as a swim instructor, she quickly realized her calling—and hasn’t looked back since.

As a patient and nurturing swim teacher, Zoë brings over a year of experience helping children develop confidence and essential water safety skills. She focuses on building trust with each child, ensuring they feel comfortable and engaged through attentive, fun, and encouraging lessons.

Zoë loves to challenge students to push beyond their perceived limits, celebrating every achievement to build self-reliance and confidence. For more experienced swimmers, she refines technique and endurance, always reinforcing the fundamentals of floating and water safety.

Her passion for teaching shines through in every lesson, making learning to swim both a vital and joyful experience for every child she teaches.