Hi, I’m Jamie Farias, Franchise Owner/Operator for Baby Otter of Daytona and Ormond Beach. My family and I moved away from New England winters to Daytona Beach in the fall of 2021. Shortly thereafter, we were on a trip staying at Westgate in Orlando when I first heard about Baby Otter Swim School. My son (3.5 then) had been in swim classes and one on one lessons on and off since he was 6 months old, but hadn’t learned to swim yet. I inquired about putting him in Baby Otter’s program, but we didn’t end up having the room in our schedule that week. He did learn to swim the following spring, with lessons that were effective but required a lengthy time commitment. Watching him and other students before and after him learn, I recall thinking about what a rewarding experience it must be to help students learn these essential and lifesaving skills.

Fast forward to mid 2024, when the opportunity to become a Baby Otter Franchisee was brought to my attention. I remembered learning about them, and was intrigued to explore this new direction I could take. I’d been considering a career change since the move, and even more so after losing my husband in early 2024 and adjusting to life as a single mom to our 6 year old son. Once I learned more and spent time with the Baby Otter family, I knew in my heart that this was the right place for me- to take my career, and also to honor my husband’s memory with the work I’ll be doing. While his passing was due to medical issues, being able to teach skills that can prevent tragedies and save lives in any way means so much to me.

Since 2005, I’ve been a licensed and certified athletic trainer (AT), working in sports medicine care for primarily secondary school and youth athletes, after graduating with a BS in Athletic Training from Northeastern University. ATs have the knowledge and skills to respond in a life threatening situation and potentially save lives, both with preventative measures and in an emergency. Becoming a Baby Otter Franchise Owner and Operator also gives me the opportunity to save lives, from a fully preventive perspective, so that drowning emergencies can be avoided. One of my favorite aspects of AT has been when I’m able to work one on one with athletes/patients to educate them on methods for wellness and injury prevention, though much of an AT’s time is spent managing care for larger teams and groups of athletes. So I love that Baby Otter programs are all fully one on one teaching with every student.

I am so thrilled to be a part of the Baby Otter family and bring these lifesaving lessons, along with my drive to teach and help others, to the Daytona and Ormond Beach area. Can’t wait to see you at the pool!