Learn a little about us and why lessons at Safety First stands out among the rest!
At Safety First Swim Lessons, we’ve been proudly teaching children in the Greenville-Spartanburg area for over 8 years. From helping young swimmers feel comfortable in the water to preparing older kids for swim team, our mission is to provide high-quality, personalized lessons that build water confidence and safety.
Our swim instructors are the heart of what we do. Each member of our team brings experience, enthusiasm, and a strong commitment to child safety and development.
Meet Sarah Shetley
Sarah Shetley is the founder of Safety First Swim Lessons and has been providing private swim instruction since the summer of 2019. Her passion for swimming began at the age of five, leading her to compete for two years on a year-round travel swim team while also participating in a summer swim league for more than 10 years. With over a decade of teaching experience, Sarah has helped hundreds of children develop confidence in the water and has successfully prepared many students for competitive summer swim teams. She has extensive experience working with children in both educational and recreational settings and has completed multiple courses in education to further strengthen her teaching methods.
In addition to teaching, Sarah oversees the day-to-day operations of Safety First Swim Lessons, including scheduling, instructor training, and program development. Her passion for water safety, love for children, and commitment to personalized instruction have helped build a program that families know and trust. Her combination of swimming experience, educational background, and dedication to each student's success makes every lesson both engaging and effective.
Meet Anne Lloyd
Anne Lloyd is one of our passionate and skilled swim instructors. She has been teaching swim lessons since the summer of 2023 and brings years of experience both in and around the water. Anne began swimming at the age of four and competed each summer with the Westside Club swim team until she was 16. She also worked for two years as a certified lifeguard at several YMCA locations in Spartanburg, building a strong foundation in water safety.
In May 2026, Anne graduated from Bob Jones University with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. During her four years at BJU, she played libero for the Bruins' NCCAA Division II volleyball team. She currently serves as the JV volleyball coach at Spartanburg Christian. Anne's background in competitive athletics, water safety, and coaching makes her a fun, focused, and encouraging instructor who helps children build confidence and enjoy learning to swim.
Meet Rachel Lloyd
Rachel Lloyd has been immersed in the world of swimming since she was just three years old, when she began taking swim lessons. Her passion for the sport quickly grew, and from ages 5 to 12, she competed on a local swim team. Her dedication, athletic experience, and enthusiasm make her an encouraging and inspiring instructor for our students.
In addition to teaching swim lessons, Rachel is expanding her role within our program by working alongside Sarah to learn the ins and outs of scheduling, invoicing, and day-to-day operations. As she takes on more administrative responsibilities, Rachel is committed to providing an exceptional experience for both our families and clients while helping our program continue to grow.
Meet Sharmaine Branzuela
Sharmaine Branzuela graduated from Bob Jones University in 2026 with a degree in Business Finance. During her time at BJU, she served as the manager of the Bruins' NCCAA Division II volleyball team, where she developed strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills.
Her experience also includes serving in community outreach and as a teaching assistant, reflecting her passion for working with people, and helping organizations succeed. Sharmaine is certified in Microsoft Excel and Google Digital Marketing, combining technical expertise with creative marketing skills. Sharmaine has taken on a growing role in our marketing efforts, helping expand our outreach, strengthen our online presence, and connect more families with our swim program. Her attention to detail, business background, and enthusiasm make her an invaluable part of our team.