Today we’d like to introduce you to Barrett Bonds.
Hi Barrett, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
For nearly five decades, Barrett Bonds has had a passion for developing children into ‘Smart, Happy Swimmers’. Blending a passion for swimming with a commitment to water safety and education. Her journey began in 1966 as a competitive swimmer for Millers Swim Gym and later for the Little Rock Dolphins, where she honed her skills. Barrett’s dedication to the sport earned her a spot in the Arkansas Swimming Hall of Fame Class of 2011, a testament to her impact both in and out of the pool.
Barrett’s credentials are as deep as her experience. Certified as an American Red Cross Lifeguard in 1978 and a Water Safety Instructor in 1980, she went on to earn a BS in Aquatic Exercise and Sport from University of Alabama in 1985. During her college years, she trained under legendary US Olympic Swim Team coaches Don Gambrel and Jack Nelson, both members of the International Swimming Hall of Fame, gaining insights that would shape her teaching philosophy. Since 2004, she has been an active member of American Swim Coaches Association, as well as the American Swim School Association in 2010, and also the National Drowning Prevention Alliance.
In 1984, Barrett married Dr. David H. Bonds, and together they built a family and a legacy. Parents to two sons, Andrew (married to Alexandria) and Daniel (married to Katie) the couple shares a vision for aquatic education. Their journey took them to Boca Raton, Florida, in 1988 and worked with Andy Brodio (also a member of the International Swimming Hal of Fame) at Mission Bay Aquatics.
In 2009, The Bonds channeled their extensive experience into founding Bonds Swimming in Midland, Texas. In addition to swim skills Bonds Swimming encourages Students to approach life with a positive attitude, setting worthwhile goals which are accomplished by day to day achievement. Understanding that challenges are simply bench marks to achieving success in life which must be faced with courage and determination.
In 2023, Bonds Swimming relocated to Burleson, expanding its reach to the south DFW area. Barrett and David have meticulously crafted a curriculum that reflects their lifelong dedication to aquatics, ensuring every lesson delivers top-tier instruction.
Bonds Swimming isn’t just a swim school – it’s a legacy of excellence, rooted in decades of expertise and passion for teaching the next generation to thrive in the water and in life!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Our journey with our family-owned swim school has been quite an adventure! From 2009 to 2023 we taught countless children and adults in Midland, Texas, to swim safely in our year-round, indoor program. But in August 2023, we took a bold leap, relocating to South DFW area to be closer to our grown children and grandchildren. Starting over was no small feat – imagine trying to build a new client base in a vibrant, competitive market brimming with established swim schools and popular swim lesson programs. Arriving just after the peak summer swim season meant we missed the wave of word-of-mouth buzz that fuels enrollment of the 2024 season.
Adding to the challenge, we left behind Midland’s indoor facilities and found ourselves with access only to an unheated backyard pool in South DFW area. Securing a facility willing to share pool space became a hurdle we hadn’t anticipated, as many venues were booked or hesitant to partner. With a shoestring budget, we got creative to spread our message of drowning prevention. We visited local schools, handing out coloring sheets that doubled as water safety lessons for children, and leaned heavily on social media to connect with families. Our loyal Midland community also came through, recommending us to their DFW friends and helping us build new connections.
Each and every obstacle has only deepened our commitment to teaching children and adults to be confident and safe in the water. We are endlessly grateful for families who trust us to protect their loved ones, and we are excited to continue this mission in our new DFW home, one splash at a time.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At Bonds Swimming, my husband David and I run a family-owned swim school in south Forth Worth. We have been teaching children and adults to love the water for many years. As one of our moms, Brynn Craddock recently posted to Facebook: “I must express my deepest gratitude to Barrett Bonds of Bonds Swimming for the immense value she has brought to our family. When we began our swimming lessons with her in February, Jaxson was four and Evy had just turned three in October. Today, it is truly amazing to watch them swim (especially when in the deep end). They have the ability to rescue themselves, God forbid they ever need to. Our time with Barrett has yielded more benefits than we could have ever anticipated. Jaxson and Evy’s communication and problem-solving skills have shown improvement, accompanied by enhanced confidence and physical abilities. As a parent, I am relieved that one of my biggest fears has been somewhat alleviated (it will always be there).”
This is the magic we create. We specialize in drowning prevention, blending practical safety skills, like ‘If you fall, swim back to the wall’, with the four competitive strokes as well as elementary backstroke. We are known for nurturing ‘Smart, Happy Swimmers; who face challenges with courage. I am very proud of watching our special needs as well as all our students transform from fearful to fearless in the water, giving their families peace of mind.
What sets us apart? Unlike big swim schools, we offer personalized lessons in real world conditions – like practicing in clothes to mimic accidents – ensuring skills stick for life. We offer private as well as small group of 3-4 students in a class. We offer 1 to 4 times a week classes. After moving from Midland to DFW in 2023, we are thrilled to bring our passion to this community. Ready to dive in? We would love to make your family’s water journey unforgettable!
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Networking and finding mentors can feel like jumping in to cold water in the deep end of the swimming pool, but it is all about building connections. For finding a mentor, my advice is to seek someone whose values align with yours, look for leaders in the field you are interested in learning more about. Go to local events, Saturday Markets or fairs, visit schools or visit organizations like the Chamber of Commerce. Reach out, with a specific question to start a conversation, don’t reach out just to request help.
For networking, show up consistently, go to a community market or festival or to a swim safety conference, then listen more than you talk. People remember when you cared about their story. When we moved Bonds Swimming to Ft. Worth, I was the new kid in a big pond. Being part of the United States Swim School Association, and attending family events, as well as answering any questions when seeing them on social media, these helped me connect with local parents and aquatics directors who became mentors and advocates.
My biggest tip? Be yourself, dependability builds trust faster than a perfect dive. So jump into your community, ask questions, and let relationships grow naturally, and you will find mentors and networks that make all the difference.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bondsswimming.com
- Instagram: Bonds_swimming
- Facebook: Bonds Swimming
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Bonds+swimming
Image Credits
Caricature was AI generated by Mary Jabben,
