Meet the Team

Shannon Davey retired in 2013 after a 33-year career as a Los Angeles County Ocean Lifeguard. Over the past decade, she has continued her work in aquatics as a coach for the Begg Pool Masters Swim Team and maintains certification in CPR/AED and First Aid. Shannon finds great fulfillment in working with both adult and youth swimmers, helping them build confidence and strong foundational skills in the water. She is passionate about making swimming accessible to people throughout the South Bay and believes that strong swimming ability is an essential life skill for fully enjoying the Southern California lifestyle.

Taylor Diaz is currently a student at California Polytechnic State University, where she studies architecture and plays on the club soccer team. An all-around athlete, Taylor is also certified in CPR/AED and First Aid. She has experience working with children in a variety of settings, including summer beach camps, art classes, and babysitting, and brings a patient, supportive approach to her swim instruction. Taylor helps swimmers build confidence and skills in the water at their own pace.

Maggie Gerken attended Mira Costa High School and has extensive experience working with children in local summer camps. She is certified in CPR/AED and First Aid and prioritizes safety as the foundation of every lesson. Maggie swam with the Manhattan Beach Dolphins Swim Team for over 10 years and is excited to pass on the aquatic skills that shaped her youth. She currently attends Chapman University's Dodge College, where she is majoring in Creative Producing and Psychology.

Sandra Kelly was an LA County Junior Lifeguard and played water polo at Mira Costa High School. She is an American Red Cross Lifeguard with CPR/AED and First Aid certification and is pursuing her LA County EMT training. Sandra is especially passionate about working with young children and brings a nurturing, patient, and fun approach to her teaching, helping little swimmers feel safe, confident, and excited in the water, while building strong foundational swim skills. She is currently attending San Diego State University, majoring in Child Development, with plans to pursue Physician Assistant school after graduation to work in Pediatrics.

Melody May, a Hermosa Beach native, has been in the water since childhood. She was an LA County Junior Lifeguard, swam with Surfside Swim Team and was a varsity swimmer at Redondo Union High School, where she also played water polo. After a career in graphic design and marketing, Melody now works as a swim coach at South Torrance High School and is an American Red Cross Lifeguard and Water Safety Instructor, with additional certifications in CPR/AED and First Aid. She enjoys open water swimming with the Chupacabra Ocean Swim Team and has competed in Alcatraz, La Jolla, and the annual Pier-to-Pier swim. Melody is dedicated to working with swimmers of all ages, with a focus on safety and fostering respect for the water.

Sarah Tonne is a former LA County Junior Lifeguard and played water polo at Mira Costa High School, where she was also a coach for their Junior Lifeguard Conditioning Program. She is an American Red Cross Lifeguard, with CPR/AED and First Aid certification. Sarah enjoys working with young swimmers and brings enthusiasm and energy to every lesson. She believes that creating a fun, engaging environment is key to learning. Sarah is currently a student at the University of Arizona, where she is pursuing a degree in Nursing.