After over a decade in education as a teacher, social emotional/ curriculum coordinator, and administrator, I have swapped the walls of the classroom for the walls of the swimming pool. While the learning environment may have changed, my goal remains the same, to empower confident, kind and independent problem solvers. ​​
My background is in education and psychology. I have a Bachelor's degree from UCLA in Psychology and Education and a Master's degree in Education and Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from UC Santa Cruz. I am also a Breathe For Change certified 200 hour yoga instructor and social emotional educator. ​This made a smooth transition to the foundations and theory that make up ISR. It is deeply rooted in the whole child-including physical, emotional and behavioral learning principles.
meeT The instructor
Desiree Choy
When I’m not in the pool, I love making memories with my family. Whether we’re hiking in Big Sur, riding horses down the coast, snowboarding in the mountains, or just enjoying a day in the garden at home, everyday with my kiddos is an adventure.
I’m passionate about travel and have been lucky to explore close to 60 countries and 6 continents thus far. One of my favorite experiences was spending three months in Portugal with my family while I was getting certified as an ISR instructor. For me, being Mama to these two kiddos has been my greatest joy. I am so lucky to have found a passion in water safety where I literally finish most days thinking how much I love my job!
OUR MISSION
Not one more child drowns
At Rising Tide Swim, we believe everyone deserves to have life saving water safe skills. Drowning is preventable. THE SOONER, THE SAFER! Lessons start as early as 6 months to adult and include students with diverse abilities.
​Rising Tide Swim was founded by, Desireé Choy, a devoted career educator and local parent who understands water safety not only as a critical skill, but as a gateway to greater confidence, independence, and opportunity in life.
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Each session is thoughtfully designed to meet swimmers where they are, while still holding them to a high standard of success. We are student-centered and every swimmer is seen, supported, and celebrated in their progress.
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At Rising Tide Swim, we’re more than just swim lessons, we’re a partnership working together to ensure our swimmers and their families feel safe, supported, and empowered around water.​​
TESTIMOniaLS
MISTY G.
"Desiree is a gem of an educator! She takes genuine care of each student and the time she spends with them. I witnessed my 2 kids gain life saving skills that in turn gave them confidence in their every day life. Although their session is over they still continue to ask if they can go swim with Ms. Desiree. She’s changed our lives for the better and I can’t stop raving about Rising Tide Swim and Ms. Desiree. Go check her out already, it’s the best gift you can give to yourself and your child!"
VAISHU M.
"I am incredibly grateful for the exceptional swimming teacher Ms Desiree. Her dedication, expertise, and passion for teaching have made a significant impact on both my skills and enjoyment in the water. From the very first lesson, she created a supportive and encouraging environment that helped me build confidence and improve my techniques.It really helps for me as a mom and for my both kids as well to become a master in swimming."
shaden B.
"WOW!! just WOW!! I truly wish I had the perfect words to describe how amazing our time with Desiree has been! My 18month old can swim bc of Desiree’s program! As a single mom, I can finally feel more at ease when we are around bodies of water bc I know my kiddo has gained the proper water safety skills! THANK YOU DESIREE!"