Today we’d like to introduce you to Leah Cordova.
Hi Leah, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
When I was 17 and had just graduated high school, I was looking for a job before starting college and got hired as a lifeguard at the YMCA. That’s where I first learned to teach swim lessons, and I continued working at a YMCA throughout college, taking early morning shifts before classes. I was majoring in theater, so when I moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting, I needed a flexible side job and found one with a company that sent instructors to people’s homes to teach their kids how to swim in their backyards. After a couple of years, I started getting enough personal referrals to begin teaching privately on my own. Over time, I had more clients than I could handle in a single day, which inspired me to start my own business — Splish Splash Swim School — a traveling swim program where instructors come to clients’ homes to teach. We also staff lifeguards to private parties throughout LA. I started small, working primarily in Beverly Hills and the Valley with just four lifeguards/ instructors. Today, we serve families all across Los Angeles, from Pasadena to Calabasas, the Westside, and Hollywood. Each year the business has grown; this past summer I had about fifteen instructors and lifeguards, and our sales nearly doubled from the year before.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There’s always a learning curve to being a boss and building your own business. Leading a team and managing clients takes experience, patience, and tact. You learn that you can’t expect others to think or care about your business the same way you do. Leadership becomes less about control and more about understanding, inspiring, and trusting your people.
Luckily for me, the challenge hasn’t been finding clients but keeping up with demand. My service is so niche that word spreads fast, but there are only so many hours after school and camp. Building a bigger team has become essential to meet the need and continue offering high-quality, personalized lessons.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Splish Splash Swim School?
Splish Splash is a traveling swim school where we send instructors to your backyard to teach kids of all ages. We also provide certified lifeguards for private parties to ensure everyone’s safety while having fun.
Our lessons are designed for all ages, from toddlers taking their first splash to teens looking to refine their swim team skills. What makes us different is our nurturing approach. Unlike programs that promise results in two weeks, we focus on patience, trust, and confidence. Learning to swim is a life skill that should be developed with care, not fear.
I’m most proud of how my team represents our brand and values. Many of our new families come from referrals because once a great instructor connects with a child and their family, they want to share that experience with their community.
Our mission will always be to prioritize safety and comfort for every student, creating an environment where kids can grow confident in the water while feeling supported every step of the way.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
My goal for the next 5 to 10 years is to expand throughout Southern California. LA is such a large market, and there’s still so much opportunity here. But I’d also love to open a branch in Orange County. Keeping it nearby would allow me to stay hands-on as I build and support the new team.
I’m looking to grow not only the number of instructors but also create new roles in marketing and management. As much as I’ve enjoyed being deeply involved in every part of the business, my goal is to develop a structure that runs smoothly without needing my constant oversight.
Each season, we continue to grow and refine what we do and I’m genuinely excited to see where that momentum takes us in the coming years.
Pricing:
- $80 an hour for lifeguarding
- $125 per hour private lesson
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.splishsplashswimschool.com
- Instagram: splishsplashswimschool
