Julia Daum, ISR Master Instructor
Julia became interested in teaching ISR when her daughter was 15 months old. She was dissatisfied with the options for swim lessons available to her in the area in which she lived. Upon talking with family she found that her sister’s godmother had been an ISR instructor about 20 years prior. It was suggested that ISR was the only program that would teach water competency to a child under the age of three. Research showed that the closest ISR instructor was a one hour commute away. Though this seemed extreme for such a short lesson, Julia decided that this was not really an option but a necessity. She drove two hours every day to have her child skilled with Dr. Barnett’s daughter, Ashleigh.
Julia has always had a passion for aquatics. When she was six years old she went to the pool daily and hung on the fence asking the diving coach to give her a chance. Finally, after lengthy negotiations she was able to start diving. That enthusiasm lasted for 16 years. During that time she competed in the USA Diving Junior Olympics going to Nationals and ultimately securing a scholarship to Florida State University. She retired from diving at the age of 22 because of a lack of facilities where she was living.
While at FSU, Julia found she also had a passion for recreation. Following in her father’s footsteps she received a B.S. in Leisure Services and Studies from the Department of Education. Upon being asked to work with the University of Florida, she took a Teaching Assistant position in the Department of Health and Human Performance and received her master’s degree in Recreation, Parks and Tourism and a minor in Public Relations.
ISR provided Julia with the perfect opportunity combine her passions and contribute to her community at the same time. She continues to be dedicated to teaching children survival skills.