Platypus Swim Lessons
&
Aquatic Training
Platypus Aquatic Training Services
Platypus Aquatic Training Services exists because I also happen to be a certified American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor Trainer, Lifeguard Instructor, AED/First AID/CPR instructor. It seems a waste, not to take these skills and long hours of training and put them to good use. Along with the firm belief of the American Red Cross Aquatics mission statement "to prevent, prepare for and respond to water emergencies by providing science-based training, drowning prevention education and promoting water competency."
As a ARC Water Safety Instructor Trainer, I attended the American Red Cross Training Academy in Bainbridge, Washington in the spring of 2024. At the Water Safety Instructor Trainer Academy, I was trained and certified to instruct American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor Candidates, in basic water safety skills, lesson planning, stroke development and how to technically run a class.
I have been certified a lifeguard instructor(LGI) for numerous years, and a lifeguard since 1997. As a LGI, I am trained to teach lifeguards what it means to be professional lifeguard, and a first responder in both aquatic and land emergencies.
AED/First Aid/ CPR - it comes with the lifeguarding.
Platypus Mobile Swim Lessons and Aquatic Training Services, is the idea of Mary Ellen Bailor. For the last couple years I have become frustrated with the aquatic industry, and I decided the best way for me to continue my passion for teaching swim lessons, future lifeguards and swim instructors was to break away large organizations and companies. Which in return would allow me move forward by working directly with individuals to custom tailor swim lessons to meet the standards of excellence of the American Red Cross, as well as the individual client. My goal is to incorporate the American Red Cross Learn Swim Program into private swim lessons, meaning that skills for each level are being met according to the ARC standards, at the pace of the individual.
Everyone learns differently, has different expectations, and goals, learning to swim is not an easy for everyone. I am able to incorporate age appropriate play and skills, to make swim lessons fun for both children and adults a like. I truly believe, there is no such thing as the words; "I can't," in swim lessons, only words; "I will try." Its okay to try every lesson as we accomplish other skills while working on that one skill.
Mary Ellen's Bio
Hello! Here’s a little bit about me. I grew up in Upper Marlboro, specifically Marlton, and I’ve been around swimming pools for as long as I can remember—whether at Brandywine Town House Pool or at private residences where I now teach swim lessons. My first swim meet was a bit unconventional: the Brandywine Barracudas were short on 8-and-under swimmers, so they put me in a race illegally when I was almost four years old. Though I don’t remember it myself, I’ve heard the story many times—I won. For those unfamiliar, the Barracudas later rebranded as the Blue Waves after 1997.
I learned stroke development from USA swim coach Charlie Taylor at Allentown Racquet and Fitness, and I swam and dove for Elizabeth Ann High School. In 1996, at age 17, I became a lifeguard for PG County Parks at Allentown Splash and Fitness, then continued in various roles at numerous pool companies, including teaching private lessons throughout the DMV. I eventually returned to Allentown, where I became both a Lifeguard Instructor and a Water Safety Instructor. Later, I transitioned to Arlington County Parks and Rec, where my career as a swim instructor truly flourished—and I found a real passion for it. In spring 2025, after serving as an Aquatics Coordinator at the YMCA and certifying as an American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor Trainer, I decided to leave working for larger organizations and take the next step in my journey.
In my free time, I’m an artist and spend time with my partner, Steve, and our two cats. We enjoy the outdoors—camping, hiking, and searching for sharks’ teeth are some of our favorite activities (sharks teeth is mine). As for my company’s name, Platypus, it’s an inside joke with my mom: last winter, she told me to get my ducks in a row instead of being such a platypus. I replied that I am a platypus—I like platypuses, they are cute. That I felt like I was headed to antarctica, because of how cold it was outside.