Miami Swimming Academy was founded in South Florida by two athletes from European national teams. A decade later, three pools, one mission: where non-swimmers come in and fast swimmers come out.
"Our mission is to create the best possible practice swim schools, producing safer, lifelong swimmers. We are committed to raising the bar in learn-to-swim and water safety programs."
Four moments that built Miami Swimming Academy into the swim school it is today.
Larissa Perez and Ksenia Vank — two athletes from European national teams — open Miami Swimming Academy in South Florida. The mission, then and now: produce safer, lifelong swimmers.
Word travels fast. Within a few years the academy outgrows borrowed pools — running classes from multiple South Florida locations as families queue up by the deck.
After a community-funded buildout, MSA opens a privately-owned indoor pool at Atlantic Village in Hallandale Beach. Year-round, climate-controlled, UV-purified, 90°F.
Three locations across Hallandale, North Miami (FIU) and Miramar. USA Swimming registered Bravo competitive team. Synchronized swimming. Summer & break camps. The full pipeline.
From a baby's first dip to a Junior Olympics qualifier — and grown-ups who finally want to learn or get back in shape.
Age-inclusive classes from babies to teens, building foundational water skills.
Year-round competitive swimming, USA Swimming registered, all ability levels welcome.
Low-impact, high-grace classes that build strength, stamina and elegance.
Red Cross-certified, fully insured lifeguards for private pools and events.
Both arrived in South Florida from European national-team backgrounds. They run the academy on the deck, not from a desk — you'll see them at the pool.
Master-of-Sports athletes, Red Cross WSI specialists, and a front desk that knows every family by name. Languages spoken across the team: English, Russian, Ukrainian, some Spanish.
I was a competitive swimmer for 13 years and have over 5 years of coaching experience. I am also Lifeguard Certified.
I specialize in Vaquitas and Seals classes, focusing on confidence, technique, and structured progress. My approach is supportive and organized while keeping lessons fun and engaging.
I was born in the United States and speak English and Russian. I love helping children become confident swimmers and develop lifelong water safety skills.
I spent 13 years in competitive swimming, earned the title of Master of Sports of Ukraine, and competed internationally. I also have over 6 years of coaching experience with swimmers of all levels, especially private lessons.
My coaching style is disciplined, technical, and fully personalized, because small adjustments can make a big difference. I am certified as a WSI Swim Instructor and continue expanding my professional qualifications.
I was born in Kharkiv, Ukraine, and speak English, Ukrainian, and Russian. I love helping swimmers become stronger, more confident, and proud of their progress.
I spent 11 years as a member of the Venezuelan National Team and competed internationally, earning medals at national and international championships, including the Pan American and Central American Games.
I have several years of coaching experience working with age group and senior swimmers, as well as teaching swim lessons in the water. My coaching style is focused, supportive, and technique-driven, helping swimmers improve their confidence, discipline, and performance. I also hold ASCA Level 1 and Level 2 certifications.
I was born in Venezuela and speak English and Spanish. I love helping swimmers grow both in and out of the water and enjoy creating a positive and motivating environment for every athlete.
I hold CPR, Lifeguard, and WSI certifications and have been coaching at MSA for almost 5 years. I also studied at Ural State University of Physical Education.
I enjoy teaching Starfish classes for children 2 years and older. My teaching style is structured and based on repetition until skills are mastered with confidence and consistency.
I was born in Russia and have lived in the U.S. for over 20 years. I love traveling with my family, and I love seeing children transform from fearful beginners into confident swimmers.
I was born in Kyiv, Ukraine, started swimming at age 7, and earned the rank of Candidate for Master of Sports. I am also a certified American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor.
I have dedicated my career to working with children, helping swimmers of all ages feel relaxed, confident, and comfortable in the water. I also practiced and taught yoga for over 25 years, which supports my calm and patient teaching approach.
I speak Ukrainian, Russian, and English, and I enjoy creating a supportive environment where every student can grow with confidence and ease.
I was a competitive swimmer for over five years and currently hold CPR and Lifeguard certifications while completing my WSI certification.
I was born in the United States and speak English and Russian. My coaching style is “serious but fun”, focusing on technique, safety, and progress while keeping energy high and lessons engaging.
I work with swimmers of all ages and love helping students build confidence, enjoy the water, and develop a strong connection to swimming.
I am a certified Water Safety Instructor and enjoy working with swimmers of all ages and levels.
My teaching style is patient, fun, and encouraging, with a focus on building confidence, safety, and strong technique. I love helping students feel comfortable in the water while enjoying the learning process.
I was born in Russia and speak Russian and English, with some Spanish. I enjoy helping students overcome fears, achieve goals, and grow excited about swimming.
I was born in Ukraine and speak Ukrainian, Russian, and English. I started teaching swimming while working at Bravo summer camp alongside MSA, and quickly discovered how much I enjoy helping children build confidence in the water, especially ages 4–6.
My teaching style is patient, supportive, and focused on helping kids feel safe and comfortable while learning. I am currently working toward my WSI certification and continue developing my skills every season.
Outside the pool, I participate in competitive and sideline cheer, which explains my high energy and constant enthusiasm during lessons.
I speak English and Russian and have been swimming since I was 6 years old.
I have 12 years of competitive swimming experience, multiple international and national medals, and a First Sports Category in swimming. I also competed in ballroom dancing for 8 years at a high level.
At MSA, I combine my athletic and administrative experience to support swimmers and families while helping students grow in confidence and skill.
I support swimmers, families, and coaches to ensure everything runs smoothly inside and outside the pool.
I enjoy creating a positive and welcoming environment and helping children grow in confidence, both in swimming and in communication. I was born in Ukraine and speak Ukrainian, English, and Russian.
I love connecting with families and helping wherever needed. Outside work, I enjoy traveling, jet skiing, plants, and spending time near the water.
I was born in southern Ukraine and hold degrees in Pedagogical Studies and Business Law. I have lived mostly in New York since 2011.
My approach is based on responsibility, attention to detail, and supporting families, coaches, and children to ensure smooth daily operations. I enjoy helping create a positive experience for everyone at the academy.
Outside of work, I enjoy teaching English, reading, walking, and traveling. I love seeing children become more confident, happy, and proud of their progress in the water.
They're also the academy's tagline. Every program, every hire, every pool we open bends back to these.
A dedicated lifeguard on deck for every group. Red Cross WSI certifications across the team. Max 3 swimmers per teacher in groups. Zero exceptions.
never an afterthoughtSongs for babies. Games for toddlers. Friendly relays for older kids. The fastest way to teach swimming is to make sure they want to come back tomorrow.
they ask to stay longerFrom a first kick to a Junior Olympics qualifier — the same coaches, the same rigor, a long-term progression that turns kids into athletes for life.
no shortcutsStart in Hallandale's indoor 90°F pool, train competitively at FIU, build endurance in Miramar — same playbook, same standards.
711 N Federal Hwy
Hallandale Beach, FL 33009
Our own indoor pool, opened September 2019. Home of Learn to Swim — UV-purified and held at 90°F, gentle on eyes, perfect for beginners and parent-and-me classes.
Get directions 3000 N.E. 151st Street
North Miami, FL 33181
Where Vaquitas, Seals and the Bravo competitive team train year-round. USA Swimming registered, full-length lanes.
Get directions 6920 SW 35th Street
Miramar, FL 33023
Our Broward home. Lessons and competitive practice on the same deck — older kids see Olympic-style training in motion.
Get directionsFrom Red Cross to Florida state scholarships — we hold the certifications that let your insurance, voucher, or school program work with us seamlessly.
We partner with elementary schools, after-school programs, and swim clubs across South Florida.
Bring your kid, the goggles, and 30 minutes of curiosity — we'll match them to the right level on day one.