All Swimming Safari Guides are Red Cross CPR & First Aid certified, and also have 30-40 training hours of the Safari curriculum with the owner, Joani Maskell.
Owner and Founder, Joani Maskell, started teaching lessons in her own backyard, helping neighborhood children learn to swim. She also taught swimming while in college where she earned her B.A. and M.A. in Elementary Education and Special Education. While working with Girl Scout troops throughout the years, she renewed her Red Cross Life Guard, WSI and CPR & First Aid certifications numerous times. She is certified through the U.S. Swim School Association in Infant, Toddler II & III and through AAPAR in Adaptive Aquatics (working with people with disabilities). In 2006, she became certified through the Department of Parks and Recreation in Aquatic Facility Operator. She has taught swimming for over 25 years and is an experienced “Mom.”
My name is Briana and I currently attend Florida State College at Jacksonville, I’m majoring in Business. I enjoy playing the violin. I have been playing for 11 years. I enjoy many sports and swimming is one of my favorite. I’ve been on a swim team for 3 years and have been employed with Swimming Safari for 3 years. I absolutely love working with kids and seeing the smiles on their faces when they accomplish their goals. My goal at Swimming Safari is to make sure everyone in the water is having fun while learning new things every class.
Hello! My name is Krista and I am 22 years old. I have been a lifeguard since I was 15 years old. I worked at a camp for six summers as a counselor and a lifeguard and then again at a water park in Orlando. I am currently a senior studying counseling and I plan on graduating in May of 2011. I love children and helping them to achieve their goals. I have been with Swimming Safari since September 2010 and I love what I do. I look forward to seeing your children in the pool.
My name is Sara. I am 20 years old and have been living in Jacksonville for twelve years. I started swimming around 12 years old and have been on swim teams ever since. I’ve had years of experience working in daycares and helping children swim. It’s very enjoyable to see our youth constantly learning.
My name is Jennifer Jimenez, I am 18 years old, and I attend Florida State College. I am an art mayor going for Interior design. I was in the swimming team for my high school for three years, and I absolutely love the water. I wanted to be a life guard, and got certified with the city of Jacksonville, but teaching people specially kids how to swim is a very rewarding thing, that’s why I love my job at swimming safari. Hope you can come and join me in the water!
Hey, my name is Casey Del Prete I’m currently a senior management major at the University of North Florida. I have always enjoyed the water and participated in numerous watersports including swim team for all for years of high school. I have numerous years of experience as a life guard, as well as, a camp counselor. I truly enjoy being able to share my passion for the water with the children in my classes. I look forward to seeing you children in the water.
