The Gemes Swim School is a family-run business that provides swim lessons for kids of all ages. Whether your kid has never been in the pool or is wanting to learn different strokes and techniques, we would love to teach them!
After many years of Trecia, Becca, Caroline, and Lizzie teaching, the youngest Gemes girl, Kate, has taken the swim business in her hands.
We have taught 900+ students and over 150 students last summer alone.
Hi! I'm Kate — the instructor behind Gemes Swim School. I'm 20 years old and have been teaching swim lessons for six years. I'm currently a student at the University of Georgia studying business management while continuing to grow the swim school that has meant so much to me over the years.
Swimming has always been a huge part of my life, and I was fortunate to be trained by my mom, who has taught lessons for over 40 years. Through her guidance, I learned not only how to teach swimming skills, but how to create a safe, encouraging environment where kids can build confidence in the water.
I love getting to know each swimmer and meeting them exactly where they are — whether they're nervous beginners or ready to refine their strokes. Outside of lessons, I spend a lot of time babysitting and being around kids, which helps me create a fun, patient, and supportive experience for every swimmer. My goal is for each child to leave lessons feeling safer, stronger, and proud of what they accomplished.
"Swim lessons are so important if you plan on having your kids (of any age!) near water. This one week could save your kid's life."
Children can make dramatic progress — from not being able to put their head underwater to jumping off the diving board within a week!
Since summer of 2024, we are taking a new approach to swim lessons by offering semi-private lessons. This means more one-on-one time for your child!
2 instructors with 2 kids for 20 minutes. More personal attention and faster progress for your child.
Teaching essential water safety and survival techniques that could save your child's life.
Building confidence in the water with fundamental swimming techniques for beginners of all ages.
Advanced instruction on proper stroke technique for swimmers ready to take the next step.
The Gemes Swim School is truly a family affair. With years of combined experience, our instructors are passionate about teaching children to be safe and confident in the water.
Each summer, our team works with over 150 students, teaching swim survival skills, swim basics, and strokes technique. We partner with local families in the Columbus, GA community to make sure every child has the opportunity to learn this life-saving skill.
Please arrive about 2 minutes before the lesson. You will walk your child down the driveway and drop them off at the gate outside the pool. We do lessons back to back and try to eliminate lots of traffic, so arriving just 2–3 minutes before your lesson works best. You will leave for them to do their lesson then arrive 2–3 minutes before the lesson is over to pick them up.
We take any students ages 3 and up.
We will meet in our regularly scheduled classes unless we let you know otherwise. We will reschedule classes in the event of heavy rain or lightning — in which case, you will receive a text. If you haven't received a text, we are on for lessons!
Payment is due 7 days after you register by mail/drop off in mailbox or Venmo to secure your spot. Please make sure your name is clear on it so we can check you off for payment!
Check or money order can be mailed to the following address, or you can drop off in the mailbox:
Kate Gemes
9024 Travelers Way
Midland, GA 31820
If your child is younger and not a proficient swimmer, swim lessons are still a great option — especially to learn even more skills, perfect their strokes, and feel very comfortable in the water. Older children who have mastered freestyle but want to learn more are also welcome.
Our goal is for students to feel safe in the water and not struggle when swimming. We want swimming to be fun and for them to be able to help themselves if they were ever to fall in without someone seeing them.
We would never want a parent/caregiver to feel they cannot watch their child. Through years of experience we feel it is best for the parent to stay out of the child's line of sight so they don't keep wanting to go to the parent instead of doing the lesson. You can see some from the fence, but if you feel you need to watch nearby you are welcome to. Or you can drop the child off at their time and then arrive 2 minutes early to wait for them and pick them up. The last day there will be an opportunity for you to watch and see what they've learned!
Email us at gemesswimschool@gmail.com and ask to be put on the waitlist! Or fill out the contact form on the site.
Ready to get your child started with swim lessons? We'd love to hear from you!