06/21/2026
With the rapid growth of our learn to swim program in the last three months, more people ask: What is Sammy Swim School and where did it come from? Well, it all started with a simple goal two years ago: increase access and quality swim instruction on the Eastern Shore.
When Coach Nate Parsley took over the Salisbury University Swim Program in August 2021, he quickly recognized a need in the community. Despite being surrounded by water, many families had limited access to pools, swim lessons, and consistent instruction.
In September 2024, Sammy Swim School launched with one program: Junior Gulls. The program was open to swimmers ages 5–18 and was created to give local kids more access to quality instruction and more opportunities to grow in the sport.
As the program continued to grow, it became clear that swimmers needed different pathways based on their age, ability, and goals.
Just after Junior Gulls finished in September, Sammy Swim School introduced TNT: Technique and Training, a developmental track for a wide range of swimmers, from summer league athletes to high school swimmers and club swimmers looking for more focused technical work.
In fall 2025, Sammy Swim School added a new Learn to Swim program to help younger and newer swimmers build comfort, water safety, and foundational skills. Laura Allen-Siegert, a Salisbury University swimming alum, local educator, and experienced swim instructor, came on board and served as the director for this program.
Launching in October 2025, the Learn to Swim program started off as a Sunday trial session and quickly took off. After selling out, the program continued to grow through additional monthly sessions and eventually expanded into intensive formats designed to help swimmers make faster progress through consistent, back-to-back instruction.
Since launching Learn to Swim in October 2025, Sammy Swim School has grown through sold-out sessions, intensive programs, and more than 374 total enrollments.
We’re excited for our continued growth and future shaping young swimmers, creating safer aquatic environments, and building generations of competitors.