Kristin Begrin: From near-drowning to swim instructor at Clovis swim school

CLOVIS, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – It was a quiet afternoon in 2008 when 18-month-old Kristin Begrin wandered out of her grandma’s office and fell into a backyard pool. 

“There was no one around and I didn’t know how to save myself, and I unfortunately stopped breathing,” said Kristin.

Her grandmother found her minutes later floating face down; Kristin had stopped breathing.

“She immediately reacted. She jumped in fully clothed, pulled me out, performed CPR, called paramedics, and tried to revive me the best she could until they arrived,” said Kristin.

That near-drowning changed everything. Kristin’s family immediately enrolled her in lessons at Bullfrog Swim School, formerly Jan Thomas Swim School. She was determined to return one day as an instructor. 

Now 17 and about to graduate from Buchanan High School, Kristin’s dream has come full circle. After going through CPR training, she is now an instructor. This will be her first season with Bullfrog and she’s excited.

“Enroll them in some lessons or teach them yourself if you can. If not, we’re always open. I would love to make sure that that never happens to you or your child,” said Kristin. 

Bullfrog Swim School starts lessons as soon as children begin walking, with a focus on teaching children how to save themselves. Because, as owner Darla Bartell says, drowning often happens when you least expect it. 

“90% of drownings happen when at least one adult is present,” said Bartell. “Drowning is silent, it happens swiftly and fast. So if there’s a group of people, designate someone and say, ‘You’re the one watching the kids right now.'”

With over 60 instructors, Bullfrog Swim is focused on preventing tragedy one lesson at a time, teaching kids to save themselves.

“They learn how to swim, how to take breaths independently, they learn how to backflow. And then on the last lesson, they jump in the pool, fully clothed to show that they can save themselves,” said Bartell.

Bartell says it’s important to make sure kids aren’t eating before jumping in the pool, as choking is often the cause behind what looks like a drowning. She says you should have a pool gate and make sure it is locked at all times.

For Kristin and the team at Bullfrog Swim School, it’s not just about teaching kids to swim; it’s about giving them the tools to survive. One lesson could be the difference between tragedy and a second chance.