Be Remarkable: Crystal Schinzler turns tragedy into life saving mission for families

COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KBTX) – In the new year, we all make resolutions like losing weight or saving money but how about investing in something that could help save a life?

For this week’s award, we’re introducing you to Crystal Schinzler, a College Station mom of three who has made it a new mission to teach children of all ages how to swim to survive.

Her passion to do this comes from a personal tragedy.

In 2019, Crystal lost her niece Kameryn in a drowning accident at a public pool in College Station. Determined to make sure it never happens to another child or family again, Crystal obtained swimming instructor certification through the American Red Cross and now offers swimming lessons in her own backyard pool.

She named her life-saving program, “I Kam Swim” and she welcomes children and families of all ages to learn more about water safety. She just wrapped up her second year of doing this and had 36 students and 29 families participate.

“It’s a way I chose to honor my niece and to help other people, and I’m doing it in her memory and her honor,” she said.

“Early exposure to water and learning to swim can reduce the risk of drowning by 88% for 1 to 4-year-olds who take formal swim lessons,” said Schinzler.

The “Be Remarkable” award is a joint initiative between KBTX-TV and Daniel Stark Injury Lawyers.

Crystal said she used her $500 award money to help build a new website for her business.

To learn more about I Kam Swim and inquire about swimming lessons you can visit the website here or the Facebook page here.

If you have someone you want to nominate for our Be Remarkable campaign click here!

Crystal uses the American Red Cross Learn to Swim Curriculum:

Introduction to Water Skills: Students will learn how to feel comfortable in the water and safely enjoy it.Fundamentals of Aquatic Skills: Children will learn basic swimming skills.Stroke Development: Additional guided practice will help students improve their skills.Stroke Improvement: Kids will gain confidence during swim lessons, improve their stroke and gain additional aquatic skills.Stroke Refinement: Guidance allows kids to refine their strokes and become more efficient swimmers.Swimming and Skill Proficiency: Students will learn to swim with ease and efficiency, and gain the ability to swim smoothly over greater distances. Swimmers will also have the option to participate in more advanced courses.