About Us

Founded in 2015, Summer Swim Academy (SSA) has grown into a trusted provider of private backyard swimming lessons across the GTA over the last decade.

What began as a university feasibility study idea, quickly turned into a thriving business dedicated to teaching children the essential life skill of swimming. SSA follows the Red Cross Swim Kids program, offering private 1:1 lessons with fully certified, experienced and insured swim instructors. Over the last decade, SSA has expanded to employ up to 15 instructors each summer, serving more than 500 families while maintaining a strong focus on safety, confidence and fun in the water. SSA has even been featured as a published case study at the Ivey School of Business, inspiring future entrepreneurs worldwide.

Marlee, Founder

Marlee Armour, the founder of SSA, is a graduate of Western University with a degree in Business and later earned her Master’s in Entrepreneurship from Saint Mary’s university in 2022. With over 10 years of experience as a lifeguard and swim instructor, she is passionate about helping children build confidence in the water while ensuring safe swim practices in backyard pools. Recognized for her effective teaching methods and ability to hire top-tier instructors, Marlee has successfully grown SSA into a leading mobile swim school, committed to making a lasting impact on water safety and swimming education.

Marlee with her two children having fun in a pool.
Blue badge with text 'Celebrating 10 yrs in Business'
Our Vision – stylized eye icon with blue iris.

Our Vision

To empower children of all ages with essential water safety skills and the confidence to swim, all from the comfort and convenience of their own backyard.

Our Mission – blue and white bullseye target with a dark blue and red arrow in the centre

Our Mission

Our mission is to provide personalized, mobile swimming lessons that prioritize water safety and teach the life skill of swimming.

Our Values – blue and white lifebuoy with red accents and a star in the centre.

Our Values

Safety First, Trust, Confidence Building, Personalized Instruction, Skilled Development, Respect and Fun!

Highlights & Achievements

10 Years in Business

Helping kids build confidence in the water.

Over 5,000 Lessons Taught

Teaching water safety since 2015!

500+ Families Served Annually

Across multiple Ontario cities.

Testimonials from Our Satisfied Swim Families