Swimming Lessons & First Aid Training in the Okanagan Valley
Welcome to Water Waves First Aid & Aquatics Ltd.
Our names are Devonne & Micaela.
We are a locally owned company with a mission to bring more water safety knowledge and swimming lessons to our community. The Okanagan Valley has many lakes and channels. We believe that learning how to stay safe and swim are essential to life here in the Okanagan Valley.
We have taught many people how to swim over our twelve years of working as Lifeguards/Instructors. Pools offer a different environment than lakes and rivers. Temperature, current, underground hazards, and weather being the four biggest differences. This is why we started Water Waves. We provide swimming lessons and water safety right at your local beaches! This allows you to become familiar on how to stay safe where you swim the most.
We both believe that by having classes outdoors with a certified lifeguard/instructor it creates a fun, safe learning experience. Over the years we have helped rescue many people out of the Penticton channel and stopped a few incidences at local beaches. We believe by educating the public and giving them the knowledge necessary, we can help keep everyone safer.
These programs have been specifically designed to focus on making our students smart, strong, swimmers who are aware of their surroundings. Using scenarios, demonstrations, and other fun games, you will learn how to keep yourself safe and in a positive way.
Programs will always be expanding, as we are bringing new ideas and services to many local communities.
Thank you for taking the time to get to know us. If you have anymore questions email.
Devonne & Micaela
View classes by clicking the link below.
Water Waves Swim School & Aquatic Programs
At Water Waves, we are passionate about teaching water safety, swimming skills, and aquatic confidence to children, teens, and adults throughout the South Okanagan. We proudly provide private swim lessons, semi-private swim lessons, seasonal swimming programs, school water safety education, first aid training, and Lifesaving Society courses in Penticton, Osoyoos, and surrounding communities.
Our mission is to make high-quality aquatic education accessible to everyone, whether lessons take place in indoor pools, home pools, community facilities, or local lakes. We believe every swimmer deserves the opportunity to learn in a safe, supportive, and encouraging environment.
Water Waves partners with organizations such as the Lifesaving Society to deliver trusted aquatic programming for all ages and skill levels. From beginner swimmers learning basic water confidence to advanced swimmers improving technique and safety skills, our experienced instructors are committed to helping every student succeed.
Private & Semi-Private Swim Lessons
We offer flexible swimming lesson options designed to meet the needs of busy families and individuals:
Private swim lessons
Semi-private swim lessons
Seasonal weekly swim lessons
Flexible swim lesson passes
Home pool lessons
Lake and open water instruction
Specialized aquatic support programs
Online booking is available when lesson times are posted. If you do not see a time that works for your schedule, please contact our office directly, as we are often able to arrange additional lesson times.
Seasonal Private Swim Lessons
Our Seasonal Private Lessons provide students with a consistent weekly lesson time and the convenience of monthly invoicing. This option is ideal for families looking for routine, consistency, and long-term progress in swimming and water safety.
Flex Pass Swim Programs
For families needing greater flexibility, our Flex Pass Program is available in:
Penticton: September through June
Osoyoos: October through May
This option allows swimmers to schedule lessons around changing family and activity schedules while still receiving quality aquatic instruction.
School Water Safety & Group Programs
Water Waves proudly offers customized school and group aquatic programming for schools, organizations, camps, and community groups. Our programs include:
Water Safety Programs for Kindergarten to Grade 7
School lifeguarding preparation
First aid training
Lifesaving Society certified courses
Customized non-certified aquatic training
We are committed to bringing water safety education directly into local schools and communities to help build safer, smarter swimmers.
Adapted & Inclusive Swim Programming
At Water Waves, we believe swimming lessons should be accessible to everyone. We offer adapted swim programming designed to support individuals with unique learning, physical, sensory, or emotional needs.
Our instructors have direct experience working with swimmers with:
Autism
ADHD
Cerebral palsy
Limb amputations
Hearing impairments and Deaf swimmers
Visual impairments and blind swimmers
Water anxiety and previous negative water experiences
If your child or family member has experienced fear, trauma, or challenges in the water, please let us know. Our specially trained instructors create calm, patient, and supportive learning environments focused on building confidence and trust.
Why Families Choose Water Waves
Families choose Water Waves because we prioritize safety, patience, communication, and individualized instruction. Our goal is not only to teach swimming skills but also to help students develop lifelong confidence and respect around water.
Whether you are looking for beginner swimming lessons, advanced aquatic training, school water safety programs, or adapted swim instruction, our team is here to help.
Your success in the water is our success.
Contact Water Waves today to learn more about our swim programs, aquatic education services, and flexible lesson options in Penticton, Osoyoos, and surrounding areas.
Owner & CEO
Devonne
Devonne has been teaching swimming lessons for over 15 years and is one of the creators of Water Waves. Her background as a Behaviour Interventionist combines perfectly with her swim instruction—helping swimmers of all ages, including those with different learning needs, build skills with patience, structure, and confidence.
Devonne has also coached with Special Olympics and worked with the BC Autism Association, bringing a supportive, inclusive approach to every lesson.
“The best part of my job is watching a ‘can’t’ turn into ‘I did it.’”
— Devonne
JR. Instructor Sophia
We are pleased to introduce our Junior Instructor, Sophia, who will be joining our teaching team this summer. Sophia has been working closely with both Devonne and me for several years, spending the last five seasons mastering our specific coaching techniques and instructional methods at Water Waves.
She is looking forward to applying her experience in the water this upcoming season. We are confident that her background and training will be a great asset to our students.
“Every swimmer learns differently. My job is to find what works for you.”
-Sophia
Belize Sr. Lifeguard & Swimming Instructor
We are excited to announce that Belize is returning to Water Waves for the summer season!
Belize previously worked with us at Penticton Pool before advancing her career, and she is now returning home to assist with our lifeguarding season and pool lessons. She will be available indoors at Penticton Pool and for bookings throughout the summer, depending on her schedule.
Her current availability is Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Space is limited during the summer months, so be sure to book your session today to secure an opportunity to work with this amazing instructor.
“swimming is more than a skill- it's confidence, trust, joy, and connection with the water. My lessons are taught with patience and kindness, creating a safe and encouraging space for every swimmer to grow.” Belize
Owner & CAO
Micaela
Micaela has been teaching swimming for 13 years, with 12 of those years right here in the Okanagan. As a co-owner of Water Waves, she’s helped shape the programs families know and trust—bringing a balance of fun, motivation, and real skill-building to every lesson.
With advanced training as a Trainor Lifeguard and Swim Instructor, Micaela holds a high standard for safety while keeping lessons warm, encouraging, and confidence-focused. She’s also passionate about mentoring local youth who want to become future swim instructors and lifeguards, helping them grow into strong leaders on deck and in the water.
“You’re never too old to learn to swim—and you’re never alone while learning with us.”
— Micaela
Kai Sr. Lifeguard & Swimming Instructor
We are excited to announce that Kai will be returning to Water Waves for a short time during his university break.
Kai was personally trained and certified as a swimming instructor by Devin, gaining extensive hands-on experience working alongside her. We know many of our clients loved working with him, and we hope you will support him during his brief return before he continues his studies to become a doctor.
Kai is a phenomenal instructor, and we are proud to have him back with us seasonally. If you would like to request Kai for future holiday breaks—such as Christmas, March Spring Break, or over the summer—please let us know, and we will do our best to accommodate your request when he is home.
Classes with Kai are now available for booking.
“Every great swimmer starts with splashes, mistakes, and someone cheering them on.” Kai
Here are some of our partnerships that help bring our programing to your community!
