Swimming lessons with
Mercedez Shelton
From$56.70 per lesson
•
Swimming lessons with
Mercedez Shelton
From$56.70 per lesson
•✨
Mercedez is getting started on TeachMe.To. We don't yet have enough data to assign this coach a Happy Student Score, but you can read reviews left by their students.
We strictly vet every instructor so you can book with confidence. Satisfaction is guaranteed.
Coach Rating
5.0•5 reviews
✨
Mercedez is getting started on TeachMe.To. We don't yet have enough data to assign this coach a Happy Student Score, but you can read reviews left by their students.
We strictly vet every instructor so you can book with confidence. Satisfaction is guaranteed.
Coach Rating
5.0•5 reviews
About your swimming coach
With over eight years of experience as a swim instructor, Mercedez Shelton has been teaching swimming since she was 16. She has worked with students of all ages from infants in “Mommy and Me” classes to children, teens, adults and elderly, adapting her teaching style to meet each individual’s needs. Mercedez is passionate about helping swimmers build confidence, improve technique, and develop a lifelong love for the water. She is skilled in a variety of swim programs and teaching methods and brings a positive, encouraging approach to every lesson. Beyond swim instruction, she has experience leading water-based activities such as water aerobics and fitness exercises, and her background as a nanny and after-school program director gives her exceptional skills in childcare, safety, and classroom management. Mercedez prides herself on her ability to connect with students and parents alike, creating a safe, fun, and engaging environment where every swimmer can thrive.
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Teaches: Adults, Seniors
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Levels: Beginners, Intermediates, Experts
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Lives in: Riverview, Florida
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Years Playing: Not specified
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Given: 5 lessons
Mercedez's availability
Find a location and time that works for you
Mercedez's availability
Find a location and time that works for you
Availability on all locations
Near Riverview, Florida
No availability for this date
Didn't find a time or location that works with Mercedez?
We can suggest similar coaches or arrange a different spot (even at home)
We can suggest similar coaches or arrange a different spot (even at home)
Accomplishments
➕WSI Certification
Reputation
✨
Mercedez is getting started on TeachMe.To. We don't yet have enough data to assign this coach a Happy Student Score, but you can read reviews left by their students.
We strictly vet every instructor so you can book with confidence. Satisfaction is guaranteed.
Average rating
5.0
5 ratings•5 reviews
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Yodit-An Adult Student (Learning to Swim for the First Time)
I always felt embarrassed that I didn’t know how to swim as an adult, but Mercedez made me feel completely comfortable. She broke everything down step-by-step and celebrated every small win. I can now swim laps confidently something I never thought I’d say!
Michelle - A Parent (Special Needs Student)
My son has mild sensory challenges, and finding the right instructor was hard. Mercedez was incredible, she was patient, understanding, and creative with her approach. He looks forward to every lesson now and has made so much progress in just a few months.
Tiyenna- a Parent (Beginner Child)
My Son was nervous around water, but after just a few lessons with Mercedez, she was floating and kicking on her own! Mercedez has such a calm, encouraging energy that makes kids feel safe and confident. We’ve seen huge progress every week!
Kalie -Teen Swimmer (Improving Technique)
I already knew the basics, but I wanted to get faster for my school swim team. Mercedez helped me fix my breathing and kick technique . I’ve shaved 10 seconds off my freestyle time! She’s super supportive and always gives helpful feedback.
Katie - A Parent (Water Safety Focus)
Mercedez not only teaches kids how to swim but also how to be safe and respectful in the water. My 5-year-old can now jump in, get back to the wall, and float on her back! All thanks to her patient teaching and fun games!
Beginner training plan
Your first lesson
Lesson 1: Getting Comfortable in the Water
• Introductions and pool safety rules
• Getting in and out of the pool safely
• Blowing bubbles and getting face wet
• Floating with instructor support (front and back)
• Goal: Build comfort and trust in the water
Lesson 11+Lesson 11: Independence & Skill Review
• Combine all learned skills
• Independent swimming on front and back
• Safety review: floating, breathing, and treading
• Goal: Swim without assistance confidently
Lesson 12: Fun Review & Evaluation
• Skill check and progress review
• Fun activities: relay, diving toys, or mini obstacle course
• Celebrate progress and set next goals
• Goal: Demonstrate comfort, safety, and independence in the water
Lesson 4-10Lesson 4: Arm Movements Basics
• Review kicks
• Add beginner arm movements (dog paddle or basic freestyle arms)
• Practice coordination between arms and kicks
• Floating independently with minimal support
• Goal: Begin moving short distances independently
Lesson 5: Back Floating & Kicking
• Review front floats
• Learn proper back float and gentle back kicks
• Practice flipping from front to back for safety
• Goal: Float and kick on back comfortably
Lesson 6: Gliding & Streamline
• Practice push-offs from wall in streamline position
• Learn how to glide with head in the water
• Combine glide + kick
• Goal: Smooth push, glide, and kick sequence
Lesson 7: Freestyle Coordination
• Combine breathing, arm strokes, and kicking
• Practice side breathing with support
• Swim short distances with assistance
• Goal: Begin swimming freestyle independently
Lesson 8: Backstroke Introduction
• Review back floating and kicking
• Add backstroke arm movements
• Work on coordination and rhythm
• Goal: Swim short distances on back
Lesson 9: Deep Water Comfort & Safety
• Treading water introduction
• Practice safe entries and exits (jumping or sitting entry)
• Floating and returning to wall practice
• Goal: Build confidence in deeper water
Lesson 10: Endurance & Technique
• Review freestyle and backstroke
• Focus on stroke refinement and endurance
• Introduce basic drills for smoother movement
• Goal: Swim 10–15 yards with good form
Lesson 2-3Lesson 2: Breath Control & Floating
• Review safety and comfort skills
• Submerging face and blowing bubbles underwater
• Assisted front and back float practice
• Kick practice with support (holding wall or noodle)
• Goal: Feel relaxed floating and breathing in water
Lesson 3: Kicking & Body Position
• Review floating
• Practice flutter kicks (with kickboard or noodle)
• Learn proper body alignment on front and back
• Introduction to streamline position
• Goal: Steady, continuous kicking with proper posture
Advanced training plan
Your first lessonLesson 1: Skill Assessment & Goal Setting
• Evaluate all four strokes (freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly)
• Assess endurance, breathing control, and starts/turns
• Set personalized performance goals (speed, distance, technique)
• Goal: Identify strengths and areas to refine
Lesson 11+Lesson 11: Race Strategy & Mental Focus
• Discuss pacing, visualization, and breathing strategies
• Simulate competition conditions
• Goal: Strengthen mental focus and race-day confidence
Lesson 12: Final Evaluation & Fun Challenge
• Time trials or mini-meet to measure improvement
• Review progress toward goals and celebrate achievements
• Introduce next-level drills or competitive opportunities
• Goal: Demonstrate growth in speed, form, and endurance
Lesson 4-10Lesson 4: Breaststroke Timing & Glide
• Focus on timing between pull, breathe, kick, and glide
• Drills: pull-kick timing, underwater breaststroke pullouts
• Goal: Smooth, efficient stroke rhythm
Lesson 5: Butterfly Strength & Rhythm
• Break down body wave and arm recovery technique
• Drills: body dolphin, 3-kick-1-pull, and one-arm butterfly
• Goal: Build endurance and rhythm in butterfly stroke
Lesson 6: Flip Turns & Open Turns
• Review and refine freestyle and backstroke flip turns
• Practice breaststroke and butterfly open turns with proper timing
• Goal: Quick, efficient transitions at the wall
Lesson 7: Starts, Streamlines & Underwaters
• Practice dive starts from the block or side
• Work on streamline glide and underwater dolphin kicks
• Goal: Master explosive starts and strong breakouts
Lesson 8: Endurance Building & Pacing
• Interval training, descending sets, and pacing awareness
• Focus on breathing control and efficient energy use
• Goal: Maintain technique under fatigue
Lesson 9: Drills & Stroke Transitions (IM Focus)
• Practice Individual Medley (IM) transitions between strokes
• Review turns between stroke types
• Goal: Smooth, legal transitions and consistent pacing
Lesson 10: Sprint vs Distance Training
• Alternate between high-intensity sprint sets and endurance swims
• Teach proper warm-up and recovery techniques
• Goal: Build strength and versatility for various race distances
Lesson 2-3
Lesson 2: Freestyle Technique Refinement
• Focus on body rotation, high-elbow recovery, and efficient breathing
• Drills: fingertip drag, catch-up, side kicking
• Goal: Improve stroke efficiency and balance
Lesson 3: Backstroke Alignment & Power
• Emphasize head position, hip rotation, and consistent kick rhythm
• Drills: 6-kick switch, single-arm backstroke, body roll practice
• Goal: Strengthen control and streamline body position
Youth players
Working with kidsWhen working with children, I focus on making each swim lesson fun, positive, and age-appropriate. I use games, songs, and colorful toys to keep kids engaged while helping them learn essential water safety and swimming skills. I adapt my teaching style to match each child’s comfort level and attention span, introducing new skills gradually to build confidence without pressure. I emphasize encouragement, patience, and clear communication so every child feels supported and proud of their progress. My goal is to help kids develop not only strong swimming skills but also a genuine love and respect for the water.
Working with teenagersWhen working with teenagers, I focus on creating a supportive and motivating environment that balances skill development with independence. I understand that teens value autonomy, so I involve them in setting personal goals and tracking their progress throughout lessons. My teaching style emphasizes proper technique, endurance, and confidence in deeper water while keeping the atmosphere relaxed and encouraging. I also prioritize building trust and respect, helping teens feel comfortable asking questions and challenging themselves. Whether they’re learning to swim for the first time or refining strokes, I aim to make lessons both rewarding and empowering.
What you need to bringWhat Swimmers Should Bring:
Please bring a swimsuit, goggles, and a towel to every lesson. Goggles help swimmers feel more comfortable putting their faces in the water and make learning easier. If your swimmer has long hair, I also recommend bringing a swim cap or hair ties.
What I can bringWhat I Provide for Lessons:
I like to make each swim lesson fun, engaging, and structured. I bring a variety of equipment to help swimmers learn and feel comfortable in the water, including kickboards, pool noodles, diving toys, and floating aids. These tools help improve technique, build confidence, and keep lessons exciting for all ages.
Frequently asked questions
Cancellation Policy
We totally understand that life can be unpredictable and plans might change. That's
why we've got your back with our flexible cancellation policy, designed to give you
peace of mind when booking private sports lessons with our awesome local instructors!
If you need to cancel your lesson, no worries! You can get a full refund if you cancel within 24 hours of making your booking. We want to make the process as hassle-free as possible for you.
And if you simply want to reschedule your lesson, change the date and time, or adjust the number of students joining, we've got you covered there too. You can easily make these changes within 24 hours of booking, and up to 72 hours before your lesson starts.
Our goal is to make your experience smooth, enjoyable, and worry-free. So go ahead and book with confidence, knowing that we're here to accommodate your needs every step of the way!
If you need to cancel your lesson, no worries! You can get a full refund if you cancel within 24 hours of making your booking. We want to make the process as hassle-free as possible for you.
And if you simply want to reschedule your lesson, change the date and time, or adjust the number of students joining, we've got you covered there too. You can easily make these changes within 24 hours of booking, and up to 72 hours before your lesson starts.
Our goal is to make your experience smooth, enjoyable, and worry-free. So go ahead and book with confidence, knowing that we're here to accommodate your needs every step of the way!
MS
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