Be safe · Be fit · Have fun

Producing safer, lifelong
swimmers, since 2014.

Miami Swimming Academy was founded in South Florida by two athletes from European national teams. Ten years on, it teaches in an indoor pool of its own, with the aim it opened with: non-swimmers come in, 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."
Miami Swimming Academy
  • 2014 founded in South Florida
  • 11 levels, babies to swim team
  • USA Swimming registered team
Our story

From two coaches to a pool of our own

The four moments that made the academy what it is today.

  1. Day 1
    2014

    Two coaches open a swim school.

    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.

  2. Growth
    2014–2018

    Two to three new families a day.

    Word travels fast. Within a few years the academy outgrows borrowed pools and runs classes at several South Florida locations, with families queuing by the deck.

  3. Home
    Sept 2019

    Our own indoor pool, in Atlantic Village.

    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.

  4. Now
    Today

    Every class in a pool of our own.

    MSA teaches every class in its own pool in Hallandale Beach, sends its swimmers on to the USA Swimming registered Bravo competitive team, and runs camps through the summer and every school break.

What we do

Four programs, one team behind them.

Swim lessons from a baby's first dip to the pre-team group, a competitive team to move up to, one-to-one lessons for children with individual needs, and certified lifeguards for your own pool.

Learn to Swim

Classes from a baby’s first dip to pre-team stroke work, starting from the basics in the water.

Bravo Swim Team

Year-round competitive swimming for young swimmers, USA Swimming registered, every ability welcome.

Beyond Limits Aquatics

One-to-one adaptive lessons for children with autism and other individual needs, taught by instructors certified in adapted aquatics.

Lifeguard Rentals

Red Cross-certified, fully insured lifeguards for hire, for private pools and events.

The owners

Larissa & Ksenia, the coaches who started it

Both arrived in South Florida from European national-team backgrounds. They run the academy from the deck, and you will see them at the pool.

Portrait of Larissa Perez
Owner · Director

Larissa Perez

  • Dual Bachelor's · State Academy of Physical Culture, Moscow
  • Former member of the Ukrainian National Artistic Swimming Team
  • In the water since age 6 · teaching all levels since 1998
  • Helped develop Artistic Swimming in Kaliningrad, Russia
  • WSI · Lifeguard · USA Swimming Registered Coach
Portrait of Ksenia Vank
Kazakhstan → South Florida
Owner · Head Coach

Ksenia Vank

  • Bachelor's in Swimming · Master's in Physical Education (Swimming)
  • Former member, Kazakhstan National Underwater Swim Team
  • Competed in international tournaments across Russia, Europe and China
  • YMCA Swim Instructor · Special Olympics volunteer
  • In the water since age 5 · WSI · Lifeguard
The team

Coaches, instructors & the people at the desk.

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.

Portrait of Valerie Vank
Head Coach · Vaquitas & Seals

Valerie Vank

I swam competitively for 13 years and have been coaching for more than 5. I am also a certified lifeguard.

I teach Vaquitas and Seals, and I work on confidence, technique, and steady, structured progress. My lessons are organized and supportive, and they stay fun.

I was born in the United States and speak English and Russian. I love watching children become confident swimmers with water safety skills they keep for life.

  • Lifeguard
  • 13 yrs competing
  • 5+ yrs coaching
Portrait of Elina Miasoiedova
Swim Coach · Private Lessons

Elina Miasoiedova

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.

I coach in a disciplined, technical way and tailor every lesson to the swimmer, because small adjustments make a big difference. I am a certified WSI Swim Instructor and keep adding to my 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.

  • Red Cross WSI
  • Master of Sports of Ukraine
  • 6+ yrs coaching
Portrait of Eddy Marin
Swim Coach · Competitive & Age Group

Eddy Marin

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 coached age group and senior swimmers for several years, and I teach swim lessons in the water too. My coaching is focused, supportive, and built on technique, and it works on a swimmer’s 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 like seeing swimmers grow in and out of the pool, and I want practice to be positive and motivating for every athlete.

  • ASCA Level 1 & 2
  • Venezuelan National Team · 11 yrs
  • Pan Am & CAC Games medalist
Portrait of Ulyana Navarro
Swim Instructor · Starfish 2+

Ulyana Navarro

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 from 2 years old. My lessons are structured, and we repeat each skill until a child does it confidently every time.

I was born in Russia and have lived in the U.S. for over 20 years. Outside the pool I love traveling with my family. In it, my favorite thing is watching a frightened beginner turn into a confident swimmer.

  • Red Cross WSI
  • Lifeguard
  • CPR
  • 5 yrs at MSA
Portrait of Kateryna Bolhova
Swim Instructor · Beginner Confidence

Kateryna Bolhova

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 spent my career working with children, and I help swimmers of every age feel relaxed, confident, and comfortable in the water. I also practiced and taught yoga for over 25 years, and it shows in how calmly and patiently I teach.

I speak Ukrainian, Russian, and English, and I like my lessons to feel supportive, so every student grows with confidence and ease.

  • Red Cross WSI
  • Candidate Master of Sports
  • Yoga 25 yrs
Portrait of Alexander Inzhevatkin
Swim Coach · All Ages

Alexander Inzhevatkin

I was a competitive swimmer for over five years. I am a certified American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor and also hold CPR and Lifeguard certifications.

I was born in the United States and speak English and Russian. I call my coaching style “serious but fun”: we work on technique, safety, and progress, and the energy stays high.

I work with swimmers of all ages and love seeing them build confidence and grow to love the water and the sport.

  • Red Cross WSI
  • Lifeguard
  • CPR
Portrait of Dominika Gor
Swim Instructor · All Ages

Dominika Gor

I am a certified Water Safety Instructor and lifeguard, and I hold the MARINO Adapted Aquatics certification for teaching swimmers with autism and other individual needs. I enjoy working with swimmers of all ages and levels.

I teach patiently and keep lessons fun and encouraging, and I work on confidence, safety, and strong technique. I want students to feel at home in the water and enjoy learning.

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.

  • Red Cross WSI
  • Lifeguard
  • MARINO Adapted Aquatics
Portrait of Valeriia Shevel
Swim Instructor · Little Swimmers 4–6

Valeriia Shevel

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.

I teach patiently and supportively, so kids feel safe and comfortable while they learn. I am a certified American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor and keep 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.

  • Red Cross WSI
  • Bravo Camp coach
Portrait of Zlata Gorbunova
Swim Instructor & Administrator

Zlata Gorbunova

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 split my time between the deck and the front desk, supporting swimmers and families and helping students gain confidence and skill. I am a certified American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor and lifeguard, and I hold the Nicklaus Children’s Marino Adaptive Aquatics Certification for teaching swimmers with autism and other individual needs.

  • Red Cross WSI
  • Lifeguard
  • MARINO Adapted Aquatics
  • First Sports Category
  • 12 yrs competing

At the front desk

Portrait of Arianna Kuchyna
Pool Desk Administrator

Arianna Kuchyna

I support swimmers, families, and coaches and keep things running smoothly in and around the pool.

I like making the academy a welcoming place and helping children grow more confident, both in the water and in how they communicate. 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.

Portrait of Nataliia
Front Desk Manager

Nataliia

I was born in southern Ukraine and hold degrees in Pedagogical Studies and Business Law. I have lived mostly in New York since 2011.

I take responsibility, pay attention to detail, and support families, coaches, and children so each day at the academy runs smoothly. I want everyone here to have a good experience.

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.

  • Pedagogical Studies
  • Business Law
Red Cross certified

Trained together, certified the same day

On May 24, 2026, the instructors below took the American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor course together, and every one of them came away certified.

WSI is the Red Cross qualification for teaching swimming and water safety, from parent-and-child classes through stroke technique. It is renewed every 2 years.

  •  Alexander Inzhevatkin Swim Coach · All Ages
  • Dominika Gor Swim Instructor · All Ages
  • Valeriia Shevel Swim Instructor · Little Swimmers 4–6
  • Zlata Gorbunova Swim Instructor & Administrator
Certificate of Completion awarding Alexander Inzhevatkin the Water Safety Instructor, issued May 24, 2026 Alexander Inzhevatkin’s certificate, valid through May 24, 2028 Full size
Be safe · Be fit · Have fun

The three words every lesson is built on

They have been the academy's tagline since 2014, and every program and every new coach is measured against them.

Be safe

A dedicated lifeguard on deck for every group. Red Cross WSI certifications across the team. Max 4 swimmers per teacher in groups, every time.

the first thing we plan

Have fun

Songs for babies, games for toddlers, friendly relays for older kids. A child who wants to come back tomorrow learns fastest.

they ask to stay longer

Be fit

From a first kick to a Junior Olympics qualifier, the same coaches and the same rigor, in a progression long enough to turn kids into athletes for life.

one rung at a time
12 yrs
helping South Florida kids swim
3,500 +
swimmers who learned to love the water
90 %
of regular swimmers reach swim-team entry level
4.8 ★
average parent rating on Google
Where we swim

One pool to learn in, two to race from.

Every lesson runs in our indoor 90°F pool in Hallandale Beach. Swimmers who move up to the Bravo team train at FIU in North Miami and at the Miramar Aquatic Complex.

Hallandale Beach · Atlantic Village

MSA Learn to Swim

711 N Federal Hwy
Hallandale Beach, FL 33009

Our own indoor pool, opened September 2019, and every MSA class runs in it. UV-purified and held at 90°F, gentle on eyes, suited to babies and beginners alike.

Get directions
North Miami · Florida International University

Bravo Swimming · FIU

3000 N.E. 151st Street
North Miami, FL 33181

Where the Bravo competitive team trains year-round, in full-length lanes. Swimmers move up to it after Seals.

Get directions
Miramar · Aquatic Complex

Bravo Swimming · Miramar

6920 SW 35th Street
Miramar, FL 33023

Bravo’s second training pool, with full-length lanes for competitive practice.

Get directions
Certifications

Our certifications and partners

Red Cross certification for every coach, a USA Swimming registered team, and the Florida scholarship and voucher programs that can pay for your child’s lessons.

USA
USA Swimming
Registered competitive swim club
RC
American Red Cross
WSI · Lifeguard · CPR/AED certified
ECS
Every Child a Swimmer
Florida statewide drowning-prevention partner
SU
Step Up For Students
Approved scholarship provider · FES-EO / FES-UA
WSB
Water SMART Broward
Approved DOH-Broward swim lesson voucher provider
On the deck

Our coaches include 7 Red Cross Water Safety Instructors, 5 certified lifeguards and 2 instructors certified in MARINO Adapted Aquatics. Team members complete Level 2 background screening.

Schools & clubs

We partner with elementary schools, after-school programs, and swim clubs across South Florida.

Come visit

The best way to know if we're right for your family is to come swim.

Bring your child and a swimsuit. In the first lesson the coach finds the level that fits, and you can watch every minute from the lounge.

Book your first lesson