Tim sits down with Montana Swim Academy founder Michael Cobarrubias to talk about a different way to teach swimming in a state where water safety is too often overlooked. Michael shares why their perpetual model matters, how the team structures progress, and where families across Montana can get started.
What they do
Montana Swim Academy provides lessons for “six months to adult,” with private, semi-private, and group options. They operate a perpetual model. As Michael explains, “once you sign up, you get one lesson per week until whenever you want to cancel.” The payoff is simple. “The benefits is once your kid is ready to graduate, they move up the very next week.”
Why it matters in Montana
Michael puts the need in plain terms. “Montana has the highest drowning rate in the continental United States.” He adds, “Nationally drowning is the leading cause of death for children zero to four. And it’s the second leading cause of death for zero to 14.” Learning to swim is a life skill. Adults count too. “It’s never too late. I mean, we got a 73 year old in Billings we’re teaching right now.”
Where they teach
In Bozeman, lessons run at the Holiday Inn Express and Suites by Costco and at the MSU Student Wellness Center. The team has added sites in Butte, Helena, and Billings, with more on the way. The approach is practical. Use quality pools in hotels and campuses so more Montanans can access instruction.
Event: Back to School Bash
The team is hosting its second annual Back to School Bash at Bozeman High School on Sunday, August 24, from 2 to 5 p.m. “It’s completely free for everyone.” Expect a dunk tank, water slide, carnival games, snow cones, hot dogs, and cotton candy. “All the snow cones, all the cotton candy kids can eat.” Sponsors are welcome. Reach out via email at jen@montanaswimacademy.com. Event details are posted on Montana Swim Academy’s social channels.
How their curriculum works
Progress starts with balance. “The best swimmers have the best balance. It all starts from balance.” Early levels focus on floating and body position before propulsion. Kicking comes next. Then arms. “All our levels have three goals in them,” and swimmers advance after mastering each set. On breath work, “We’re a school that believes in breath holding first,” saving bubble blowing for when kids learn to breathe during freestyle. The curriculum draws on decades of coaching and instruction. “I’ve been certified as an instructor trainer for the Red Cross, the YMCA, Swim America, Starfish Aquatics Institute.”
Takeaways
- Perpetual scheduling removes session gaps and speeds advancement.
- Balance before strokes. Teach stability, then propulsion, then technique.
- Water safety is for everyone. Start early. Adults are welcome.
- Community matters. Free, family-friendly events help spread the message.
- Clear milestones make progress visible and motivating.
Get started
Families can inquire about lessons, availability, and locations through Montana Swim Academy’s website and social media. For event sponsorship or questions, email jen@montanaswimacademy.com
To learn more about Montana Swim Academy, go to https://montanaswimacademy.com/
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