Multiple ISR instructors expand life-saving self-rescue swim lessons across the Tahoe region in 2026
LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. — Infant Swimming Resource (ISR) instructors are expanding access to ISR Self-Rescue lessons throughout the Tahoe Basin in 2026. Three certified instructors, including Lynnette Bellin of ISR Reno Tahoe, Tay Johnson ISR with Tay, and Kristin Lassonde of ISR Tahoe, will be offering sessions in North Lake Tahoe, South Lake Tahoe, and Truckee to help more families access these life-saving water skills.
ISR lessons teach infants and children ages 6 months to 6 years how to safely navigate an unexpected fall into the water by learning to float, breathe, and Self-Rescue. ISR is different from traditional swim lessons because it focuses on individualized survival skills rather than play-based water introduction. Lessons are one-on-one, 4 days per week, for 10 minutes each day.
ISR Reno Tahoe
Instructor Lynnette Bellin of ISR Reno Tahoe began teaching in Incline Village in January 2025 and is launching her next session on January 6, 2026, at the Incline Village Recreation Center. Lessons will run Tuesdays through Fridays from 3 to 6 PM.
“Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages four and under,” Bellin said. “In a community surrounded by lakes and many hot tubs, children deserve the confidence and real skills to save themselves. Swimming should be every child’s first sport because it is the only one that can save their life.”
Parents throughout the region highlight the peace of mind ISR brings their families. Alyssa Habing shared, “We can’t recommend ISR enough for any family. It is such a valuable program and gives so much peace of mind knowing our child is gaining life-saving skills while having fun.”
Parent Rebecca Richstad added, “I am blown away by what my daughter accomplished in the 6 week program.”
ISR With Tay
Tay Johnson of ISR with Tay is joining the Tahoe community for the winter season. Tay has been teaching ISR lessons since 2019 serving families in the Silicon Valley and Santa Cruz. She will now spend winters in South Lake Tahoe, offering lessons at Emerald Bay Physical Therapy Office’s indoor pool. Her first session starts on January 5 with time slots available between 3:30 – 7:30.
Families who have trained with Tay consistently praise the results of ISR. Parent Christina C. shared:
“We just finished a six-week session of ISR with Tay, and I could not be more thrilled with the results. The program is designed around short but impactful lessons. The lessons are one-on-one, and it is incredible how much progress my toddler made in such a short amount of time…. When we started, my daughter could not float, roll, or begin to swim even after months of other swim lessons. Now, after six weeks with Miss Tay, she can confidently roll from front to back, float independently, and is beginning to understand the fundamentals of swimming. Watching her gain those skills has been both exciting and reassuring as a parent. I love that my daughter can not only swim, but she can Self-Rescue and has a healthy respect for the water.”
ISR Tahoe
Instructor Kristin Lassonde of ISR Tahoe, based at the Truckee Recreation Center, continues to serve families in Truckee and North Tahoe. Her next session is planned for March 2026, giving families another local option as spring approaches.
With multiple instructors serving the Tahoe Basin, families now have increased access to winter and spring sessions that prepare children before they plan to be around water for Spring Break, travel, and the summer season.
To learn more or register for lessons with any of the Tahoe-area instructors, visit www.infantswim.com and use the instructor locator to find the instructor closest to you.
