I'm Quinntina, and I teach people to swim. But really, I'm in the business of breaking generational cycles and creating access where it hasn't existed.
I started Swimming with Coach Q in 2019 because I couldn't ignore what I was seeing. Florida has some of the highest drowning rates in the country, and certain communities—particularly communities of color—face disproportionate risks. This isn't accidental. It's the result of generations of exclusion, lack of access, and historical barriers to aquatic spaces.
As a former foster youth and current Guardian ad Litem, I understand what it means to navigate systems that weren't built for you. I bring that lived experience to every lesson I teach. Whether I'm working with a baby taking their first float, a child on the autism spectrum learning to trust the water, or an adult finally facing a lifelong fear—I meet people where they are.
My approach is trauma-informed because I know firsthand that you can't teach someone who doesn't feel safe. You can't build skills when the body is in survival mode. So we start with safety, trust, and respect. Then we build from there.
Red Cross Water Safety Instructor (WSI)
Red Cross Lifeguard
Adaptive Aquatics Certified (St. Nicklaus Children's Hospital)
Guardian ad Litem
Trauma-informed Instruction
Swimming should be fun. It should feel good. And it should be accessible to everyone—regardless of age, ability, race, or background.
I don't believe in one-size-fits-all instruction. I believe in seeing the person in front of me, understanding what they need, and creating the conditions for them to succeed. That might look like adaptive techniques for a child with autism. It might look like holding space for an adult to cry through their fear before we even get in the water. It might look like celebrating a toddler's first independent float like it's an Olympic medal
—because for that child and that family, it is.
I'm not just running a business. I'm building something that matters.
Swimming with Coach Q LLC is:
A state-approved vendor for Water Smart voucher programs
Launching The Blue Canvas Initiative for foster youth
Offering Holistic Aquatics for therapeutic healing
Actively working to increase Black representation in aquatics
I'm a member of:
Drowning Prevention Task Force
Diversity in Aquatics
Diversified Swimming Inc.
Lauderhill Health and Prosperity Partnership