Our Team
Emily Toungate
Certified ISR Master Instructor
Owner, Director of Operations and Lead Aquatics Director
My name is Emily Toungate, I am the owner and lead aquatics director of Coastal Swim Academy. I live and work in Pearland, Texas, along with my husband and five children. I am a graduate of Texas A&M University and have been teaching survival swim lessons since 2013. Currently, I am a master instructor with ISR, and am the only master instructor in the greater Houston area. After a few years of teaching, ISR in my backyard pool, I felt a greater calling to reach more kids and offer these lessons in a climate controlled environment, all year around. I am super excited to offer ISR lessons along with a more traditional, learn to swim program all under one roof! This completely sets Coastal Swim Academy apart from all other swim programs in the area.
Why do I teach ISR, and feel passionate about water safety? Unfortunately, on August 14, 2007, my precious daughter, and twin sister, Mallory, slipped under the water and drowned at 14 months of age. The unthinkable happened to us, and we were devastated. She left behind a twin brother, and two older brothers. After a few years of healing, we were blessed with another daughter. A friend of mine called me and told me about these life-saving skills being taught to children ages 6 months to 6 years of age. I immediately called the local ISR instructor and enrolled my then 16-month-old daughter in lessons. After watching lessons for only one week, I knew what my mission was going to be. I wanted to be involved in teaching young children how to save themselves if they were to find the water alone. I believe that if Mallory had the skills to roll over and float, she would be with us today. Drowning does not discriminate, and it knows no season!
I step in the pool each day, knowing that I am making a difference in a child’s life and hopefully preventing a parent from experiencing the tragedy that my family had to endure. Mallory lives forever in my heart and I know her short time here on earth is far reaching and making a “huge splash”!
 Emily and Mallory
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EXCELLENT Based on 68 reviews Posted on Tara BoydTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Just awesome! Friendly instructors. Lots of options for class schedules for group and individual lessons. Highly recommended.Posted on Thao NguyenTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Good instructors here, but the front desk service is not good. She doesn't feel wanna help parents fix the problems at all.Posted on Robert RubioTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My oldest son(10) has been going to Coastal a year now and it has been great. He has learned all four strokes and has gotten better with each lesson. The staff at the front and instructors in the water have been amazing and we appreciate each and everyone one of you. Thank you!Posted on Kathleen Tamez GonzalezTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Coastal Swim Academy was the right fit for my daughter. We had previously tried private lessons at a trainers home. This setting has been the best for my kiddo. I absolutely recommend Coastal Swim Academy. Staff is very welcoming and friendly.Posted on Natasha DiepraamTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Awesome instructors and very nice facility. Not only did they teach my 3-yr old to swim and float, my daughter now loves swimming. She used to refuse to get off the step and would never put her face in the water. After the first week, she was putting her face under water and looked forward to her lessons.Posted on Morning SotoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Everyone here is amazing. They listen and genuinely care to make the difference in your children.Posted on suzy millsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. They r amazing with my children... so much growthPosted on Brenda FigueroaTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We love coastal swim! My son is 7 and he loves all the instructors and always looks forward to each session. He has grown so much and his swimming skills and confidence in the water have significantly improved since starting! 🎉Posted on LAVO ChanelTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I was so excited about this place when calling the owner called me back and was polite. I searched for somewhere like this that seemed small and not a franchise. I was wrong. The turn over is crazy with regards to instructors. In the beginning one instructor said he was uncomfortable working with my daughter because she was a big girl 11 yes she is over weight. I also picked this place because the ratio was perfect 2 but no more that 3 kids. We started March 2024. Class sizes went up to 4 or 5 kids, if your kid passed and moves you now have to find a new slot on another day. Keep in mind I have 2 kids. They held my daughter back and keep her with little kids. When we missed because my son has server asthma I was told I have to do it online. No paper, no one showing you how to do it. Scheduling is hard on a normal day why would I fight to make up. Also after you miss one time you pay an additional 10 dollars per kid per make up. During the last hurricane they were closed on the day of their lesson plus we were displaced. I was told we had to schedule and make that up and pay( why they were closed). We missed at least 8 lessons. I asked could I get out of contract late summer and was told no. The only time they called was when my card changed and they wanted payment. My kids were just a number over here. The way we were treated is horrible. We will go somewhere else. I lost alot of money and my kids aren't swimming they way they could. RunnnnnVerified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more
Meet the Heart of Coastal Swim Academy
At Coastal Swim Academy, our dedicated team of instructors is the backbone of our success. Each member brings a unique blend of expertise, passion, and commitment to water safety and swimming education.
Our Philosophy
We believe every child deserves to feel confident and safe in the water. Our team is driven by a mission to make swimming fun, effective, and tailored to each swimmer’s needs.
Our Expert Team
- Emily Toungate – Certified ISR Master Instructor and Owner
Emily’s journey into swim instruction began with a passion for water safety and a dedication to teaching lifesaving self-rescue techniques. With years of experience, she leads Coastal Swim Academy with a focus on creating a safe and supportive environment for all swimmers.
Why Choose Our Team?
- Certified Expertise: All our instructors are certified in water safety, CPR, and specialized swim training.
- Individualized Attention: Our lessons are tailored to meet the unique needs of each swimmer, ensuring they feel supported at every step.
- Passion for Teaching: We’re not just instructors—we’re mentors who inspire confidence and a lifelong love for swimming.
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Join the Coastal Swim Academy Family
When you choose Coastal Swim Academy, you’re choosing a team that puts your child’s safety and progress first. Our staff is here to support every swimmer’s journey, whether it’s mastering self-rescue skills, building confidence, or preparing for competitive swimming