Our Mission

We live in the most beautiful place in the world. We’re surrounded by water and numerous lakes are mere miles from our homes. So why are there so many incidents? And so many people who don’t know how to swim? We’re hoping to change that, one lesson at a time.

Founded in 2015 by Lake Leelanau native AJ Penninga, The Leelanau Swim School is a locally owned and operated business with one goal in mind: Helping swimmers of all ages and abilities appreciate the water safely. We’re currently small, but we’re looking to bring year round lessons to our local schools, beaches, and back yard pools.

About AJ Penninga

A competitive swimmer for more than 20 years and a collegiate, high school, and USS Age Group for more than 10 years, AJ Penninga is looking forward to the challenge of bringing quality instruction and lessons to our local children and adults of all ages and abilities. Whether coaching national champions, or helping a student swim across the pool for the first time, AJ enjoys the process of helping his students learn new skills.

A web developer by day, AJ spends as much of his time as he can near the water. AJ resides in Lake Leelanau with his wife Emily, and two children, Walter (3), and Sena (1).