Bailey Ryum has spent more than a decade transforming the way children and adults approach the water. As the owner of Kicks Swim Academy, she’s made it her mission to ensure that swimmers of all ages—from toddlers to seniors—feel safe and confident in the pool.
A lifelong resident of Sumner and Wilson counties, Bailey was raised in Portland, Tennessee, and has worked in Gallatin since she was just 15 years old. Now, she and her husband, Colyn, are raising their two children—1-year-old Charlotte and 6-week-old Callahan—in Lebanon. Between managing a growing business and adjusting to life as a mom of two, Bailey’s days are full, but she wouldn’t have it any other way.
A Passion for Teaching
Bailey’s journey into swim instruction began in 2012 when she was just 17. What started as a summer job quickly became a calling, and in 2020, she took a leap of faith and launched Kicks Swim Academy. However, the early days of her business were anything but smooth sailing.
Just as she was getting started, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and a pool closure at the Gallatin Civic Center forced her to find an alternative way to keep lessons going. Determined not to let obstacles derail her dream, Bailey installed an above-ground pool at her home and continued teaching from there. Her resilience paid off. When the pool reopened in the spring of 2021, she returned to the Civic Center with a renewed sense of purpose and a growing reputation for excellence.
Building a Stronger, Safer Community
Today, Kicks Swim Academy has flourished beyond what Bailey could have imagined. With a dedicated team of seven instructors, they now teach over 200 kids per week. Her program provides essential water safety skills, helping children and adults feel comfortable in the water—an ability that can truly be lifesaving.
In addition to swim lessons, Bailey also teaches CPR classes, furthering her commitment to safety and preparedness in the community. Whether she’s working with a hesitant toddler taking their first dip or an adult conquering a lifelong fear of water, her patient, encouraging approach makes a lasting impact.
Making Waves for the Future
Bailey’s story is one of perseverance, passion, and dedication to the families she serves. From humble beginnings in a backyard pool to leading a thriving swim academy, she’s proof that challenges can be stepping stones to success.
Through Kicks Swim Academy, Bailey is creating a legacy—not just by teaching kids how to swim, but by instilling confidence, resilience, and a lifelong love for the water.
For families looking to enroll in swim lessons or CPR training, Kicks Swim Academy continues to be a trusted resource in the Gallatin and Lebanon communities, making a splash in the lives of so many.
