MEET LISA JOHNSON
I love kids and I love science, creativity and learning. And I have a passion for water safety education and drowning prevention!
My story
I grew up in West Michigan and graduated from Calvin College with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. I practiced for five years, working as an Industrial Engineer at Gentex Corporation and then became a stay at home mom and mother of four children.
Living in Grand Haven- a lakeshore community of West Michigan- pools, ponds, beaches, inland lakes and access to water is everywhere. When I was in college, a close family friend lost his life to drowning in Lake Michigan as a teenager. It impacted the community, and me specifically. Teaching my children to swim and enjoy water but also to respect the water and know how to navigate it safely was a huge priority. When my oldest, who could swim, had a close call at age six, I knew it was time to get my three younger children skilled. In my research, I found ISR and immediately enrolled. After only two weeks of lessons, I was completely blown away at what my babies were learning! The science behind the lessons drew my scientific brain right in and I knew this was something that I had to do. I became certified the following winter and began teaching ISR lessons in February 2016. I started Lakeshore ISR, LLC in 2019 and have taught over 800 children self-rescue skills needed to be safer around water.
It is my absolute PASSION to be able to combine my love for kids and science, doing something that truly makes an impact in the community! I LOVE what I do! It has been a blessing to ME to help guide these little ones through a learning experience that teaches them a love and respect for the water and how fun and safely it can be enjoyed. These lessons from the earliest ages, teach proper breath control, postures and interactions with the water which serve as a foundation for a lifetime of safe water enjoyment!
My own four kids have all gone on to participate in both club and school swimming and water polo sports. They are all strong, proficient swimmers with a true respect and deep love for the water.
In the summer of 2021, a dear friend of mine tragically lost their 13 month old daughter, Ali, to drowning in their backyard pool. It again rocked our community, and me, to the core. Walking this path toward healing with this family, and many others, has continued to increase my mission to educate and advocate for water safety and drowning prevention.
In the wake of our grief, I was able to provide these life-saving skills to Ali’s three year old big sister Ava so that the family could face being around water again, remain in their home without removing their pool, and continue the healing process.
