MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR:

Meet Your Instructor

Ms. Sonja (Sawn-yuh) - Owner, Red Dirt Survival Swim Co.

Hi sweet swim families

I grew up in Thomas, Oklahoma and left for college in 2005. In 2019, I moved back home with my one year old son, Kitson, and never imagined how much water safety would shape our story.

Kitson completed his basic survival swim session in 2021 under PediaSwim Certified Instructor Ms. Darcey. I will be honest… I was nervous. Survival lessons are longer and look different than traditional swim lessons. There were moments it stretched both of us.

But I stayed.

Today, Kitson can float independently, dive & swim across the pool, and most importantly he loves and respects the water. Watching that transformation changed my life as a mom.

In the fall of 2021, I began working behind the scenes as an office manager. The more I learned, the more I believed in this program. In August of 2022, I traveled to Florida to become PediaSwim Certified myself so I could give other families the same gift I was given.

In Spring 2023, Red Dirt Survival Swim Co., LLC was born.

I now serve Elk City full time and host seasonal sessions in Altus and Arnett each year. After driving back and forth for multiple seasons, Kitson and I officially moved to Elk City in 2025 so I could better serve the families in this community.

During the off season, I also run my SeneGence beauty business Red Dirt Rising and work at Lily + Rose in Clinton. I attend The Edge Church and love camping with Kitson. Fall is my favorite time of year.

But at the heart of it all, I am simply a mama who understands how scary water can feel.

If you are nervous about these lessons, I see you. I was you.

But just like you would never let your child play in the street to avoid a meltdown, do not let fear keep them from learning the skills that could save their life.

From one mama heart to another, you will never regret choosing safety.

I am honored you are here.