A Major New Water-Safety Resource for Greater Raleigh Families!
We at Wake News & Events are delighted to introduce Jeff and Pam Gorton, owners and operators of Water Babies of Greater Raleigh—a valuable local service dedicated to helping young children develop confidence, essential water-safety skills, and a lifelong love of the water.
After a decade of military service and more than 25 years of leading education and technology teams, Jeff felt a deep desire to give back in a more personal and lasting way. He initially considered serving older adults in our community, but when the opportunity to work with Water Babies arose, everything clicked. He knew it was the right fit—and a meaningful way to make a difference in our community.
Pam brought a wealth of experience of her own: six years of military service, three decades of paid and volunteer work with local organizations, and years devoted to homeschooling their children through adulthood. When Jeff first shared the idea of starting a swim program, Pam honestly thought he had lost his mind! Then, a conversation with her dear friend Dana, a recently retired teacher, changed everything. Dana spoke with quiet conviction about how important this work could be—and even offered to join them as their very first instructor.
Jeff has often said that he could never have taken this leap without Pam’s full support. She has been the steady heart of their journey ever since.
Together, Jeff and Pam bring decades of service, leadership, extensive Water Babies training, and a genuine commitment to their community into every class. We are excited to introduce them to our readers and share their heartfelt mission: helping little ones become safer, more confident swimmers while creating joyful memories that will last a lifetime!
Jeff & Pam Gorton, Owners/Operators
When Jeff first began exploring the idea of bringing Water Babies to the Greater Raleigh area, he sought counsel from mentors, advisors, and trusted friends. He wanted every perspective before taking the leap. One conversation, however, cut through all the rest.
A close friend—an EMT serving Franklin County—looked at him and said with quiet urgency,
“Jeff, you have to do this. If your efforts prevent even one family from suffering the loss of a child to a preventable drowning, it will all be worth it.”
He went on to share heartbreaking stories from the field: children he had been called to pronounce dead after drowning—often in homes where families believed they were doing everything right. Those moments stayed with Jeff. They still do.
That single conversation crystallized what would become the heartbeat of Water Babies of Greater Raleigh. Jeff and Pam’s passion is simple and unwavering: every family deserves the opportunity to give their children a fighting chance in and around the water—in a way that helps them love the water, not fear it.
Jeff and Pam believe water safety is not just a skill; it is a gift of confidence, joy, and protection that can last a lifetime. They show up each day driven by passion, guided by love—knowing that every splash is one more step toward safer, happier lives.
“Because the right training and experience can turn a first splash into a lifetime of confidence—and that can make all the difference.”
Water Babies is different—and families feel it from the very first splash. They blend a proven, child-centered teaching method with small class sizes, highly trained instructors, and a genuine focus on water safety, confidence, and real swimming skills. Every lesson is designed to meet your child right where they are, nurturing their development at their own pace in a fun, supportive environment where trust and lifelong water confidence can grow. They partner with parents every step of the way, celebrating every milestone while equipping children with skills that reach far beyond the pool—helping them become safer, more confident, and more capable for life.
Training & Experience
The team (including Dana) brings serious preparation to every class. Each of the instructors has completed over 100 hours of pool experience, classroom learning, lesson observation, an intensive seven-day practical course in the water, and extensive mentored teaching—including co-teaching, one-on-one coaching, and assessed lessons—to meet Water Babies’ high teaching standards. The team also received specialized training in child development, teaching babies and young children, water safety, and effective communication with parents.
Jeff is a certified deep-water lifeguard. Pam and Dana are certified shallow-water lifeguards. And they all completed Safe Sport training, reflecting their strong commitment to protecting young participants and upholding the highest standards of professionalism. This team knows how to teach effectively—and how to create a safe, positive environment for every child and family.
What Families Can Expect
The teaching process is built around one simple goal: creating a safe, fun, and encouraging space where every child can learn at their own pace. Lessons are tailored to each swimmer’s age, ability, and confidence level. Highly trained instructors use positive reinforcement and engaging activities to build water safety skills, swimming technique, and lasting confidence.
Families can look forward to small class sizes, clear progress updates, and a true partnership throughout their child’s swimming journey. From a baby’s very first splash to more advanced skills, every lesson is designed to build confidence, celebrate milestones, and help children become safer and happier in the water—for life.
