We’ve Grown With Your Swimmers!
We started as Aqua Baby Survival Swim School, and now we’re diving in as Waves of Hope Swim Academy.
Same heart. Bigger splash. And now built to grow with your kids!
Mother
Owned & Operated.
Family-Focused.
Lessons That Saves Lives.
A Mom Who’s Been Right Where You Are
Led by a certified Infant Aquatics instructor and devoted mom, Waves of Hope Swim Academy was born from a personal mission to protect what matters most—our children.
Mother Owned & Operated.
Family-Focused.
Lessons That Saves Lives.
A Mom Who’s Been Right Where You Are
Led by a certified Infant Aquatics instructor and devoted mom, Waves of Hope Swim Academy was born from a personal mission to protect what matters most—our children.
FROM ONE MOM TO ANOTHER
I’m Nicole Nusshag—certified Infant Aquatic Survival Specialist, founder of Waves of Hope Swim Academy, formerly known as Aqua Baby, and most importantly, a mom of two. I started this school not as a business decision, but as a mother’s mission.
When I became a mom in 2015, I was shocked to learn that drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death in young children. That wasn’t just a statistic—it was a wake-up call. I immediately sought out a certified Infant Aquatics® instructor for my baby. Watching my child roll, float, and breathe independently in the water wasn’t just emotional—it was empowering. It gave me something every mom deserves: peace of mind.
So when my family moved to Tucson in 2018 and I couldn’t find a certified instructor in the area, I knew what I had to do. I got trained. I got certified. I opened my doors. Because no mom should have to choose between convenience and her child’s safety.
Built by a
Mom Who Understands
What it feels like to hand your baby to a stranger in the water and trust they'll care for them.
How overwhelming it can be to find the right program that's worth investing in —not just a fun one.
That your time is precious, your kids are unique, and your trust must be earned.
That’s why I’ve built this program to support families—especially moms—who want more than splash time. This is about drowning prevention, not just swim skills. It’s about confident children and calm, informed parents. And it's about knowing someone is in your corner who gets it—because she's been there.
A Lifelong Love Meets a Mother’s Purpose
Long before I was an instructor, I was a water lover. I grew up swimming in lakes, rivers, oceans—anywhere I could get in. I’m also a PADI certified scuba diver with a passion for being in the water. But nothing gave water more meaning than becoming a mom and realizing how quickly it could become dangerous.
I didn’t open this school because I love swimming.
I opened it because I love my children—and yours.
Credentials & Qualifications
Infant Aquatics®
Certified Instructor
(100+ hours of hands-on training)
Academic background in child development, behavioral psychology, and infant physiology
CPR & First Aid Certified
Adult
Child
and Infant
Mom of two
Infant Aquatics®
Graduates
of 2017 & 2019
Trusted. Certified. Committed to Water Safety.
AMAZING TEAM
At Waves of Hope Swim Academy, every instructor is trained and certified in survival swim methods and passionate about helping children feel confident in the water. We take our role seriously — not just as swim coaches, but as partners in your child’s safety, growth, and independence.
Nicole NUsshag
Founder &
Lead Instructor
With years of hands-on experience teaching survival swim, Nicole is the heart behind Waves of Hope. She's known for her calm presence, strong communication with parents, and ability to meet each child exactly where they are—emotionally and developmentally.
Karl NUsshag
Certified Infant Aquatic Survival®
Specialist & Operations Manager
Karl is Nicole’s husband and the behind the scenes man at Waves of Hope. From managing the books and equipment to ensuring the facility is safe and stocked. His support allows our instructors to focus fully on what matters most—your child in the water.
Lisa Pineda
Certified Infant Aquatic Survival®
Specialist
Lisa is an early childhood professional with 14 years experience. As a mother of 5-year-old Jettsen, a graduate of Aqua Baby Survival Swim, she understands the parent journey of getting their child safe.Her empathy and dedication create a supportive environment for young learners and their families.
Khloe NUsshag
Videographer & Future Swim Stroke Instructor
First born daughter of Nicole and Karl, Khloe is the talented eye behind our underwater footage. She captures each child’s progress with care and creativity. Her videos help parents see the confidence and skill developing beneath the surface—and preserve those big moments forever.
Kaily NUSSHAG
Baby Swim Whisperer
Second born daughter of Nicole and Karl, Kaily is the baby swim whisperer and the heart behind our youngest swimmers' success. With a gentle spirit and a natural connection to babies, she helps little ones feel calm, confident, and safe in the water. Whether it’s their first splash or their first float, Kaily brings comfort and joy to every lesson. Parents love her and babies trust her.
A Family-First Swim School
Waves of Hope Swim Academy isn’t a franchise. It’s not run by a corporate team. It’s run by a mom and her family, for moms and their families—with heart, clarity, and a relentless commitment to your child’s safety. This is a space where every family is seen, supported, and set up to succeed.
Let’s Talk,
Mom to Mom
Whether you’re feeling unsure, nervous, excited—or all three—I’d love to connect.
Let’s make sure you and your child feel confident and prepared before ever stepping in the water.
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Copyright 2025
Waves of Hope Swim Academy LLC
All Rights Reserved | Legal
Copyright 2025 | Aqua Baby Survival Swim LLC | All Rights Reserved | Legal