Aqua Safe Swim School
New Jersey & Michigan
Lakewood, NJ 2 Locations
1. Vine & Prospect Area, Lakewood
2. Fourteenth Street, Lakewood
Jackson, NJ
JACKSON, NJ
Toms River, NJ
Leonard Drive, Cox Crow Area, Toms River, NJ
Manchester, NJ
Manchester, NJ
Southfield, MI
Goldwin Drive, Southfield, MI

About Aqua Safe Swim School
Aqua Safe Swim School, Owned and Directed by Miriam Buckwold since 1993, offers superb instructors & quick results.
As an avid swimmer and lifeguard, Miriam passionately embarked on the journey of teaching others to swim and be safe in the water. “There is no greater feeling in knowing that these kids are safer and will likely not incur harm in the water, with their new skills” offers Miriam. Drowning is a leading cause of death for children, and Miriam and Aqua Safe Swim School are passionate about saving lives, one child at a time.
Miriam has developed her own methods and techniques, culled from more than 30 years of experience and research, which produce quick results, quicker than the typical American Red Cross-WSI instructor.
Miriam has worked with thousands of children and adults, including those with special needs, anxiety, in addition to mainstream children. Aqua Safe instructors have gone through extensive training with Miriam, and have successfully passed Aqua Safe’s rigorous certification, Aqua Safe-WSI.
Miriam is also a pre-school & elementary school teacher, and has also trained as an Occupational Therapist Assistant. She utilizes that knowledge to help clients, including those needing core muscle strengthening, sensory integration, coordination, special needs and more.
We are also proud of the fact that many of our students pass 1.5 to two levels, instead of just one level, with our session of six classes. Parents are thrilled to save time and money; less shlepping to additional lessons-and no additional costs-due to our quick results! We have a very high success rate, and have been successful with children and adults, who have not been successful elsewhere. We’ve created a safe environment for your child to thrive, overcome fears, and develop a respect for the water, while having lots of fun.
WST-Water Survival Training for toddlers and children: Miriam has also received special training in a unique method, Infant Child Water Survival Training, or WST. This amazing method teaches babies, toddlers and all children to swim, float, swim to safety, and is especially valuable to pool owners and anyone concerned for their child’s safety near water.
- 3-5.5 years old
This is a great class for 3-5.5 years old to get acclimated in the water… AND we also teach them to swim on their front and back. In these 5 classes, 25 minutes each, many kids float for a few feet, some float a few yards, and all gain lots of confidence. Some of these classes are offered as separate genders, while some are mixed.
- Level 1
- Level 2
For kids who can float & swim on front and back for ten seconds. We’ll learn to come up to breathe and swim further, learn 2 different back strokes and refine the front stroke. Most clients swim more than 1/3 the width of the pool when completing Level 2. This level is often combined with Level 3 as the skills are similar.
- Level 3
For kids who can float & swim, front and back, for approximately ¾ across the width of the pool, has already learnt one or 2 different backstrokes (monkey-airplane-soldier) and is getting ready to pass the deep-water test. We’ll learn how to come up for air, learn rhythmic breathing well, learn to tread water, and attempt to pass the deep-water test. Note: This is a harder level to pass.
- Level 4/5
For deep water swimmers; we’ll refine each stroke and add new strokes and dives, and work on endurance (building up strength and swimming for longer amounts of time.
Thank you, thank you, thank you! .“For my 3 year old, we would have been happy if he was just comfortable in the water. Instead, in just 5 classes he can swim half the length of the pool and he loves the pool now!!!”
You saved my son’s LIFE.” You taught my two-year-old the infant child water survival training. Two years later, at age 4, he fell into the pool, but was able to swim across to safety. I was thrilled he retained those skills. Can’t thank you enough. You are great at what you do.”
I have been sending my daughters to Miriam Buckwald for private swim instruction for the past 8 years.” She has not only enabled them to swim confidently, but has instilled in them the confidence with which they bring forth into all areas of their day. One example of this was when my daughter, Malka, nearly drowned after someone accidentally removed her floating device, she refused to enter the pool again due to the trauma associated with the event. Mrs. Buckwald patiently and skillfully taught her to believe in herself and her abilities which then carried over to Malka’s scholastic achievements, and social dynamics. I intend to send my fourth daughter to Mrs. Buckwald this coming summer knowing full well that my daughter is receiving much more than swimming lessons; She is gaining the knowledge that she can truly do anything she sets her mind to.”
My two daughters, ages 5.5 and 7 loved going to group swim lessons at Aqua Safe.” They started as Level 1, beginners, and progressed so nicely, they passed two levels! They totally surprised me when they passed the deep water test a few weeks later too! You have over-exceeded our expectations.”
I couldn’t believe my eyes.” My son, Zevy, age 2.5 learned how to swim in just 10 lessons. He is so proud of himself as he jumps in and swims across. I’m so grateful he is “water safe” (The following year, Zevy was exactly back to how he ended off. In 5 more classes, he was able to swim across the length of the entire pool. Wow!!) “
Prior to working with Miriam at Aqua Safe“My child was terrified of swimming. Even going into the water was a tremendous struggle. Miriam helped my child overcome these fears and develop a true love for swimming. I no longer worry about my child’s safety, and summer vacations are so much more fun for our entire family! “
I can’t thank you enough for teaching my family to swim! Aqua Safe accommodated us by teaching my 5 kids together, on several different levels. They all progressed so amazingly, most passed the deep-water test and gained beautiful skills. My nervous 5-year-old was amazed at her own progress. You’ve given them confidence in AND out of the water!! The pros of bringing everyone at once was a lifesaver. Highly recommend it.
I almost gave up!” I had my 9-year-old son enrolled in swim lessons for 3 summers, with no results. In his first private class with Miriam at Aqua Safe, he started floating, a major feat!!! You have gifted my son with a strong sense of self confidence in in all areas of his life; you have impressed us immensely.”
My 4-year-old twins” Y & M came to Aqua Safe and learnt to float and swim a few yards- in one session (6 classes). We went to another swim school in between, with minimal results. They returned to Aqua Safe at age 7 and progressed amazingly!!! After 6 lessons, they both passed the deep-water test. I’m amazed at the quick progress!!! I’m so thrilled to save so much money and time, my kids progressed in 6 classes, more than they did in 40 classes. They are already planning to be lifeguards!
I was tired going of going to Goldfish Swim School with minimal progress.” I was sceptic at first, but joined Aqua Safe. In 8 classes, my 4- and 5-year-olds were swimming in the deep. I was amazed that they learned more in a few classes at Aqua Safe, compared to 18 months at Goldfish!! You are fabulous, Miriam!!
I couldn’t believe I learnt to swim in my 70’s!!!!! I tried learning with other swim instructors at different stages in my life. I am very uncoordinated, yet Miriam wasn’t fazed. She got me to float in 10 minutes… At the end of my second class, I was a deep-water swimmer. My family threw me a party!!
I have been sending my children to Aqua Safe the past 5 years“I’m extremely happy! My three children all started floating/swimming at 4 years old and got better with strokes and diving every year. It’s a huge thing to know that my kids will be able to swim to safety if ever chas vshalom needed!!”
Professional & Super Knowledgeable…Fun & Friendly Instructors…Highly Recommended Aqua Safe has been a fantastic resource for getting my kids comfortable and competent in the water! Miriam's instructors are fun and friendly, professional and super knowledgeable. All my kids have gone from being non-swimmers to deep water swimmers in one summer's worth of classes. Definitely checks off the "on-top-of-it-mom box" and "best after-camp-activity"!! Highly recommended!
Patient, Professional & Skilled Instructors“My daughter’s swim instructor was so patient, professional and skilled. She tried so many different ways to get my daughter comfortable in the water. She didn’t learn how to swim but she learned not be afraid of the water- would highly recommend!
50’s and swimming I came to Aqua Safe in my late 50’s. In my youth, I never grasped the skill of swimming. Although I was very apprehensive, I signed up with Aqua Safe due to their great name. With Miriam ‘s patience and calmness along with her gentle pressure, I successfully learned to swim in the shallow. I can’t wait to learn to be a deep water swimmer, next season.
Short Time…Professional Instructors and Individualize “My son has done 4 levels with Aqua Safe School. Once he started, I had to keep sending him. He learnt to swim and not fear the water in such a short time it still amazes me. Their instructors are so professional and can get through to every boy it's incredible! Would totally recommend to anyone. Thank you
3-year-old in a group of 3–5-year-olds swam several yards!!!” See videos of B.W. I was shocked when I watched my 3-year-old daughter swim on her own! I'm really blown away by what she was able to achieve in such a short amount of time, thanks to Miriam's talent and expertise. She's been looking forward to joining her "swimming morah" for another session of fun!
Positive Family Experience…Beyond! After having such a great experience with my daughter, I signed my son up as well. I can honestly say that our family has never had such a positive experience with swimming lessons. My kids completed the lessons as confident deep-water swimmers and I plan to IYH sign up my next son for this summer. The instructors were warm and able to focus on each child, even in a group setting. Thank you, Aqua Safe Swim School!
Pleasant, Punctual, Calm & Encouraging Instructors I learnt so much in my sessions with Miriam! She is so pleasant to work with, calm, punctual, and responsible. She helped me to make the most of every session and was so encouraging at every step. Lucky is anyone who gets to work with her!
From Terrified to Race Winner“I was always terrified of water, couldn't imagine ever going into the deep side of the pool. Within 4 classes I was swimming confidently on my front & back, and by the sixth class I raced the instructor across the entire pool, from deep to shallow… and I won. :-)"
Kids were Terrified.. Yet Succeeded & Two-year-old swam at Age 2. All of my 4 kids thrived at Aqua Safe Swim School. Two kids, ages 3 & 5, were terrified of the water, refusing to put their faces in or try to float. Miriam’s guidance and techniques were terrifically effective in a short time. They are now 10 & 12 and are very strong swimmers. My other 2 did great in the classes; with my youngest able to swim across the pool at 2 years old. We highly recommend Aqua Safe to swimmers of all levels. Thank you, Miriam!
I was amazed at how much my son was able to learn in just 6 short lessons. Although there were 6 kids in the group at various swimming abilities, Mrs. Buckwold was able to target each swimmer and skillfully teach each one what he needed to learn. It was a wonderful experience and highly recommend it.
Super Results with my Special Needs Teen Miriam Buckwold succeeded with my special needs teen daughter where I doubt others could have. She taught her to put her face in the water, float and swim. Miriam’s gentle patience and skill put her in a special category of teacher.
Pushing Past their Comfort Zone What a great experience! Not only did my girls learn to swim, but each learnt at her own pace with Mrs. Buckwold pushing them beyond their comfort zone each lesson. She was so sensitive and responsive to each of their needs and yet, managed to get them swimming in just a few lessons. I could hardly believe how fast things moved!
WHY DID I SWITCH SCHOOLS? GLAD TO BE BACK!! My 4-year-old twins, Y & M came to Aqua Safe and learnt to float and swim a few yards- in one session (6 classes). We went to another swim school in between, with minimal results. They returned to Aqua Safe at age 7 and progressed amazingly!!! After 6 lessons, they both passed the deep-water test. I’m amazed at the quick progress!!! I’m so thrilled to save so much money and time, my kids progressed in 6 classes, more than they did in 40 classes. They are already planning to be lifeguards!