With a passion for swimming in her genes and being led by the Lord, Linda Maley opened the state's first Aquatic Educational Development Center in 2001. Her father was an award winning swimmer and diver for LSU and the 4th Air Force. Her mother, a synchronized swimmer, taught swimming. Linda swam competitively in Baton Rouge, until moving to Jackson at age 13. While attending camps as a teenager, she attained every Red Cross certification through Advanced Swimmer and Lifesaving, and was a counselor and lifeguard. In 1970, she taught preschool at Broadmoor Baptist Church, received her Water Safety Instructor certification, and began teaching swimming at her parents' pool. As the business grew, she built her own home pool for lessons. Swim lessons have always been a top priority in the Maley household. From 8 feet of water in the 1979 Easter flood, to a 1982 fire that totaled their home, to a 1998 zoning issue that served as the catalyst for opening the school, lessons continued despite the obstacles. Husband Claude has always been Linda's biggest cheerleader. His imagination is responsible for all the exciting toys that greet the children. Daughter Alicia, and son Tres inherited the swimming trait and taught alongside Linda during their highschool and college years. Alicia, a former elementary teacher and mother of two, began her own seasonal swim school at her in-laws' farm. Alicia is the Aquatic Director, plays a crucial role in the school curriculum, and teaches seasonally in Brandon. Her husband Jason is always on call when needed, and their daughters are advertising models. Tres' research on swim schools directly resulted in opening the school. He consults with computer issues, and his college friend designed the logo. Tres' wife Nikki is the General Manager. They have a son and daughter that also model for us. With commitment to excellence, Maley Swim School won many United States Swim School Association (USSSA) awards. Linda and Alicia have both won the pretigious Outstanding Swim Teacher award the past several years. They were especially proud in winning the Special Event Award for Water Safely Awareness Day. The event is the school's gift to the community, educating the public on drowning prevention strategies. With the Maleys' commitment to honor God and the importance of making a difference in children's lives, they sponsored a Johnny B. and Friends Character Development Program. His week of touring ten Metro Jackson schools culminated with a Christian concert at Maley's second annual Water Safety Awareness Day. WITH OVER 50 YEARS OF combined swimming instruction, the Maleys continue to develop unique programs for children and adults alike. They stress the importance of year-round lessons for long-term retention of skills. Students from 6 months to 71 years of age are currently enrolled in classes, and many taking lessons are children of Linda's former students. Running the school keeps the Maleys hopping like their signature frog logo. "'leap in and Love to Swim' is more than a motto, it's a philosophy, " stated Linda Maley. "We've discovered children learn more in a happy, relaxed environment where they're encouraged rather than forced to swim," she finished. From preschool teacher to swim teacher, children have been Linda's main focus. She says, "We want swimming lessons to be one of their fondest childhood memories!" In the face of disaster, the Maleys have consistently overcome adversity and maintained their distinct place in the hearts of many former students.