Jessica McCoy, founder of Head Above Water Midland, is reshaping the narrative around water education by advocating water safety and confidence through swimmers. With a background spanning 22 years in competitive swimming, McCoy's journey took her to both national and international levels, fostering an understanding of the importance of water safety.
McCoy's mission extends beyond conventional swim coaching. Recognizing alarming statistics about drownings, she tailors her coaching approach through different elements with the ultimate goal to reduce drownings in West Texas.
"Statistics have shown that ages 0 to 4 are more likely to drown in pools, while ages 14 to 18 are more likely to drown in natural bodies of water, such as ponds and rivers,” said McCoy in an interview with Midland Times. “Over those two age groups, boys were more likely to drown than girls. I like to look at the biological reasoning for this and it's because the frontal lobe in males does not develop as fast as girls, and that's one of many things I take into account when I am coaching a child.”
Creating a safe learning environment involves a multifaceted approach for McCoy. From the colors she wears to the background music during lessons, every element is deliberately chosen.
"I look into elements that will promote a safe learning environment, so for example, I take into consideration what colors I wear. If I wear blue, the child will feel safe and confident working with me because color physiology indicates that the color blue makes people more confident and at ease," she said. The attention to detail extends to the background noise, with the sound of birds chirping, proven to increase oxytocin levels.
Recognizing the regional challenges, McCoy sheds light on the specific risks in Texas. "In the state of Texas, specifically in the North region, most drownings occur in water troughs, ranches, water-retaining ponds, bathtubs, and even toilets," she said.
McCoy shared the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on swim lessons had led to an increase in pool drownings in 2020. However, with the resurgence of swim safety awareness from 2022-23, the numbers have shown a decline, given that after 2020, students were able to attend lessons more frequently compared to the years 2020-21. According to McCoy, swim instructors have made a concerted effort to increase water safety following the pandemic.
McCoy’s commitment to water safety goes beyond business considerations. “If I’m not able to work with someone due to their schedule or if they can't afford it at the moment, I am still providing attainable solutions for them,” said McCoy. Those attainable solutions include affordable digital water safety materials such as a water safety handbook, water safety coloring books, and a pool safety handbook, all of which are developed by Head Above Water Midland.
Her dedication is further manifested in the ongoing construction of an indoor pool facility for Head Above Water Midland, scheduled to open in late spring 2025. The new facility aims not only to be a safe space but a resource for families.
“I want this new facility to be something that families feel that it's not only a place where they feel safe, but I want these families to have everything they need to be successful at Head Above Water Midland,” McCoy said.
Their current facility allows for comfortable outdoor swimming, with a pool that’s heated throughout the year. For the parents and caregivers attending lessons with the child, the waiting room is equipped with heating and air conditioning, a nursing station, a TV, a coffee and tea bar, a changing table with extra wipes and swim diapers, and a fridge stocked with drinks.
McCoy conducts orientations with parents and children before lessons, in which she emphasizes that parents are the true experts on their children, and she collaborates with them to align developmental, emotional, and physical needs. Specializing in various aspects, from introducing water safety to reversing negative experiences, McCoy draws on her expertise to utilize a curriculum.
“Through research from USA Swimming, United States Swimming School Association, National Drowning Prevention Alliance, my work with Licensed and professional counselors, and with the help of my mother who was an exceptional teacher, I have taken all those elements and created a curriculum that I follow to ensure I meet children where they are at,” said McCoy.
Continuing her education through various institutions, including USA Swimming, American Red Cross, and the National Drowning Prevention Alliance, McCoy is also a certified CPR/AED/First Aid course instructor and is currently finishing a Master of Education in Kinesiology.
Head Above Water Midland currently serves, on average, over 250 families each year, completing more than 1,200 swim lessons a season. To learn more about Jessica McCoy and Head Above Water, visit their website and their Facebook.