Our Team
About the owner
Shannon McCarthy has been a swim instructor for 15 years. She swam competitively in high school and college. Shannon is passionate about sharing this fun, live-saving sport with as many people as she can. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Florida State University. Shannon is originally from south Florida and has lived in several places around the world including Puerto Rico, New Zealand and Colorado. She moved to Gainesville, Florida to be closer to her family. In 2023, she formed Wavy Swim Lessons, LLC to provide quality and affordable swim lessons. In her free time, Shannon loves spending time with her husband, reading, swimming, and enjoying nature.
-CPR, First Aid & AED (adult, child and baby) certified
-Completed Red Cross Safety Training for Swim Coaches and Water Safety for Caregivers courses
-Have liability insurance coverage
-Completed minimum of 16 hours training
-Certified in the Float & Move Swim Instructor Method, Level 1 and Level 2
This certification is a proprietary training credential issued by Wavy Swim Lessons and is not a government-issued license or accreditation. It incorporates Red Cross skills but is not the WSI curriculum. Wavy Swim Lessons does not teach Infant Survival Rescue. Each instructor has their own style and methods of teaching the curriculum while accomplishing the same end goals.
Wavy Instructor Qualifications
Shannon
Meet the Instructors
Hey, I’m Jemima! I was born and raised in Gainesville, FL. I have a strong background coaching others in fitness settings. I love leading and supporting kids in a positive, structured environment. I’m passionate about helping swimmers build confidence and feel safe in the water. In my free time, I play ultimate frisbee, and I love being in water-especially at the beach!
Jemima
Hi, I’m Angel! I recently relocated from Cincinnati to Chiefland, and am excited to bring over 25 years of experience from the nation’s #1 ranked Cincinnati Children’s Hospital to our local pools. My career has been dedicated to the safety and well-being of children. Beyond my professional medical background, I’m a former mentor for Big Brothers Big Sisters, and in 2023, I was honored with the Joyce Kinley Volunteer of the Year award. When I’m not teaching swim lessons, I’m giving back at The Children’s Table. My mission is to provide a safe, and encouraging environment where your child can gain life-long confidence in the water. I look forward to seeing you at the pool!
Angel
Hi! My name is Julia, and I’ve been a swim instructor for 2 years. Additionally, I was a swimmer on Makos Aquatics Club of Gainesville for 10 years! I’m currently in college at Vanderbilt University studying Economics and National Security. I love my cats, spending time outdoors, and being with family. I’m so excited to be part the Wavy team and can’t wait to swim with you over summer!
