Andrew Stark

Andrew Stark is a professional swim instructor, water safety expert, and the founder of Bright Star Swim Academy. With over a decade of experience in aquatic education, he holds certifications as an American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor and Lifeguard, alongside specialized certification in Marino Adapted Aquatics.

As a neurodivergent swim instructor with lived insight into sensory processing and nonverbal communication, Andrew brings a profound ability to understand and support children with autism in the water. For him, being nonverbal or sensory sensitive is not a barrier to learning to swim — it’s simply a different starting point. By championing structured “water readiness” strategies and visual communication aids, Andrew empowers families to overcome sensory and anxiety barriers, ensuring every child can safely and confidently experience the joy of the water.

Financial Disclosure: Andrew is employed as a professional swim instructor at Bright Star Swim Academy. Conference registration paid. Non-financial: None to disclose.

I'm Speaking At

Skip to content