Dive into Summer

Meet Keeley Baglio, a Q&A with Eagle Hill's summer swimming instructor.

It’s summertime at Eagle Hill School, and we are in the midst of our summer session! Since the early days of Eagle Hill’s summer session, swimming has been a class that almost every student has taken. From first thing in the morning until the school day ends at three o’clock, the pool is filled with students eager to learn about swimming, even on the coolest summer days.

For many years, Ms. Barbara Toper taught swimming. She always taught her class with energy and enthusiasm. She had a passion for swimming and wanted to teach others to become passionate about it. Ms. Toper officially retired, leaving behind “Topher’s Turf” and a vacancy for the next swimming teacher. Keeley Baglio, a former student of Ms. Toper, has now filled that spot.

In this Q&A, we are putting the spotlight on Keeley. Keeley teaches swimming for all levels and is a lifeguard for the school. She has held this position for the past two years, and when Keeley is not lifeguarding and teaching at Eagle Hill, she attends Middlebury College.

What motivated you to become a summer swimming teacher?

I’ve been a lifeguard here for four years and grew up around the summer program. When I heard that this job was open, it fit what I did as a lifeguard. I knew I could teach this class, and it was a great way to get involved in a program I love.

What is one of your favorite swimming strokes/techniques to teach?

I teach all the strokes, but my favorite thing to teach is diving. Some students love learning the strokes, and some hate learning the strokes, but diving is universal. People think it’s so cool. Everybody wants to know how to dive and think it’s so cool and fun. I love teaching things that kids love to learn.

Why is it important to learn about swimming?

So often, people will find themselves around water. If you know how to swim or don’t know how to swim, you will be around water. It’s just inevitable. Having fundamental skills and learning how to behave around water is important. It can also give parents peace of mind to know that their child knows how to swim. I think it’s just an important life skill that everybody should learn.

Can you do anything to make the students feel comfortable/less nervous about learning to swim?

Across the summer program, there are different levels. Some kids are excellent swimmers, and some kids have never been in a pool or are super uncomfortable in a pool. The outdoor pool has different depths, so the more comfortable kids can go deeper, and the less comfortable kids can stay in the shallow end. I think it’s important to give the kids the freedom to put themselves wherever they feel safe. Also, in all the drills, there are modifications for those less comfortable. They can hold onto the wall instead of moving across the pool, for example.

Do you prefer teaching in the outdoor pool or the indoor pool?

The outdoor pool. The indoor pool is cool because it has a diving board, and the kids love to use the diving board, but I love being outside. I love that the kids get to spend time outside. The outdoor pool is so summery, and kids should want to be out there.

What are your plans for after the summer session?

I am getting ready to go back to college. There is summer work I have to do before I leave in September. I also play basketball, so I’ve got some training to do. It’s a short summer, but I’m excited. I’ll be sad when the summer session is over.