Today we’d like to introduce you to Sofiia Filatova.
Hi Sofiia, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My love for the water began when I was six years old. What started as swim lessons quickly grew into a lifelong passion that shaped who I am today. By twelve, I was competing on the Russian national youth team, and by fourteen, I became a national champion. Those experiences taught me discipline, focus, and respect for the power of water — lessons that still guide me every day.
After moving to the United States, I continued my swimming career at the University of Kansas as part of their Division I program and later coached at the University of Wyoming. Coaching at that level gave me a deep appreciation for the art and science of swimming — understanding not just the strokes and drills, but the psychology and individuality of every swimmer.
In 2023, I founded ISR with Sofiia, a program built around my belief that every child — no matter how young — deserves to feel confident and safe in the water. My focus is on Infant Swimming Resource (ISR) lessons, which teach babies and young children life-saving self-rescue skills through gentle, individualized instruction. Watching a six-month-old learn to float, breathe, and stay calm in the water is nothing short of amazing. It’s not just swimming — it’s survival, and it’s empowerment.
Beyond ISR, I also offer stroke lessons and coaching for competitive swimmers. My goal is to provide a comprehensive approach that meets each swimmer exactly where they are — from babies learning to float to athletes refining their strokes.
What began as a personal love for the water has turned into a mission-driven business that helps families build safety, confidence, and lifelong skills. Through ISR with Sofiia, I’m honored to share the peace of mind that comes from knowing your child is safe and capable in the water.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Not at all — but I think every meaningful journey comes with challenges. One of the biggest struggles I faced when starting ISR with Sofiia was finding a facility that could accommodate the demand for lessons. You would think that water safety would be an automatic priority in every community, but the reality is, it can be surprisingly difficult to secure consistent pool access.
I had long waiting lists of families eager to enroll, yet I found myself knocking on door after door trying to find a location that could support what I do. It was frustrating at times because I knew how important these lessons were — I wasn’t just looking for a pool; I was looking for a space where children could safely learn skills that could save their lives.
Those early challenges taught me resilience and the importance of persistence. Eventually, everything fell into place, and now I have a space that allows me to serve more families and expand my program. Looking back, those obstacles were worth it — they reminded me how passionate I am about what I do and how deeply I believe in the mission of ISR.
We’ve been impressed with ISR with Sofiia, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I founded ISR with Sofiia in 2023 with one goal in mind — to give families peace of mind by teaching children how to be safe and confident in the water. We specialize in Infant Swimming Resource (ISR) lessons, a highly individualized approach that teaches even the youngest children — as early as six months old — how to roll onto their backs, float, and breathe if they ever find themselves in water unexpectedly.
What sets my program apart is the level of personalization and care behind every single lesson. No two children are the same, so no two lessons should be either. Each child progresses at their own pace, and I tailor every session to their comfort level, personality, and learning style. My approach is always gentle, supportive, and grounded in the belief that safety and trust come first.
In addition to ISR, I also offer stroke lessons for older or more experienced swimmers who are ready to refine their technique. This allows families to grow with the program — starting from survival skills and progressing toward true swimming mastery.
What I’m most proud of, brand-wise, is the reputation for compassion and results that ISR with Sofiia has built in such a short time. Parents consistently tell me they leave lessons feeling empowered — not just because their children can self-rescue, but because they’ve witnessed their child’s confidence and independence blossom.
At its heart, ISR with Sofiia is more than a swim program — it’s a mission to save lives, build confidence, and create a generation of strong, capable swimmers who truly love the water.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
If there’s one thing I’d love readers to take away, it’s that water safety should never be optional. Drowning doesn’t discriminate — it’s quick, silent, and often happens when parents or caregivers are only a few feet away. That’s why education and layers of protection are so important.
Supervision is the first layer — always keeping eyes on the water. But supervision alone isn’t enough. Barriers like pool fences and locked gates add another level of safety. Then there’s swim competency — and that’s where programs like ISR come in. Teaching even the youngest children how to float, roll over, and breathe can make all the difference in an emergency.
At ISR with Sofiia, my mission goes beyond teaching swimming skills — it’s about giving families knowledge, confidence, and peace of mind. Every layer matters, and together they can prevent tragedy and build a lifelong love and respect for the water.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.isrwithsofiia.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isr_with_sofiia/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ISRsofiia/
