Progression-based swim instruction for confidence, safety, and efficient movement in the water. For adults, children, and swimmers ready to build something that lasts.
We are currently accepting new students for private swim lessons in Santa Barbara. From stroke refinement to water confidence, we provide personalized instruction tailored to every level.
Please use the inquiry form below to schedule your first session.
About
Nick Dulawan is the founder of Watermark Swim Instruction. He leads the program with more than 20 years of aquatic experience working with children, adults, older adults, fearful beginners, students with limited mobility, water polo athletes, and experienced swimmers looking to refine technique or build practical water confidence. He has trained aquatics staff, managed multi-site swim programs, and owned an aquatics training and consulting business serving organizations across multiple states.
His background includes working with swimmers across a wide range of ages and goals, children, adults, older adults, fearful beginners, students with limited mobility, water polo athletes, and experienced swimmers looking to refine technique or build practical water confidence. He has trained aquatics staff, managed multi-site swim programs, and owned an aquatics training and consulting business serving organizations across multiple states.
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Founded and operated an aquatics training and consulting business serving private businesses, nonprofits, and municipalities across multiple states.
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Designed and delivered instructor-level training for cohorts of approximately 15 aquatic staff; advised organizations on lesson progression, safety procedures, staff operations, and program quality.
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Developed original instructor-training curriculum grounded in decades of professional swim instruction and Red Cross-aligned standards.
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Traveled to client facilities to evaluate swim lesson quality, improve program systems, and support staff training in lesson planning, stroke analysis, and corrective feedback.
National Aquatic & Childcare Certifications L.L.C. 2016 – 2020
Owner / Operator · Aquatics Instructor Trainer
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Swim Instructor
Santa Barbara County & Various Locations 20+ Years
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Delivered private and group swim lessons across all ages and abilities — children, adults, older adults, fearful beginners, water polo athletes, and students with varied mobility.
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Developed individualized progressions based on comfort level, body position, breath control, mobility, and learning style.
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Taught and refined all major strokes; guided swimmers toward practical safety goals including pool independence, boating comfort, and open-water awareness.
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Used diagnostic body-position analysis to identify the highest-leverage correction before addressing downstream mechanics such as kick, breath, or arm timing.
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Coached families on realistic expectations, practice frequency, and the difference between exposure, drills, and formal skill development.
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Directed aquatics programming across multiple pool facilities, overseeing assessment, staffing, curriculum, and member experience.
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Recruited, trained, and managed aquatic staff across sites; created systems for consistent performance and staff motivation.
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Evaluated existing programs and implemented sustainable improvements aligned with facility needs and member populations.
The Alaska Club - Anchorage, AK 2014 – 2016
Regional Aquatics Director
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Directed large-scale swim, camp, fitness, and community programs serving thousands of participants annually during high-volume summer seasons.
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Managed swim lessons, sports and technology camps, adult fitness, staff training, safety in-services, and community partnerships.
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Developed training manuals, safety protocols, schedules, promotional materials, and program evaluation tools; supported significant annual fundraising for the high school.
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Recognized with the Intergenerational Program of the Year award for community service and partnership development.
Dos Pueblos High School Community Programs · Goleta, CA 2008 – 2014