Great instructor, really knows lifeguarding, red cross, CPR stuff thoroughly. Supports lectures on techniques with examples explaining why this is important. Cares for students, very helpful. Also club advisor of cool Outdoor Club.

Have worked with Mary in some of her swimming classes and had her for lifeguard/WSI training. She is a great instructor and a great person!

had her for beginners swimming. she's so nice and so sweet. very helpful with tips on how to swim. she's very outgoing and fun to be with.

she is a really good teacher. knows her stuff. she is really clear about what she wants. She is nice and helpful. i like her a lot!!!

Dont listen to other bad comments. They are untrue. She really knows her stuff. She teaches you what you need to do in order to become a good lifeguard. I really glad that i took the class. I learned a lot. Now i work at Northwest YMCA as a lifeguard. I passed her class with an A and earned all my certificates that the class had offered (7 certs.)

No Comments

it is boot camp for lifeguards but completly possible for most. If you're willing to work, you'll be fine. Not a class (or instructor) for wimps

knows her stuff and teaches well with active participation (she gets in the pool to demonstrates) and her assistants definitely a plus!

She is great teacher and very helfull in all manners

MARY IS AWESOME. very intensive lifeguarding course. If you really care about being a lifeguard and knowing everything there is to it, take this course. If you just want a lifeguard card this isn't for you. Homework intensive, swimming intensive, but not difficult. However, Mary is known everywhere, and mentioning her class gets you the position.

Mary is very motivational. She always encourages her students to go beyond the basics of this class. She doesn't hesitate to make examples of people, but don't take her too seriously. She accepts late homework/final, but attendance is mandatory!

This woman taught me how to swim. She is one of the best swim instructors in the area. If you are willing to listen to instruction and put in the effort, then you will be able to swim by the end of class. She also does a nice job at getting people comfortable in water and teaching them step by step how to start swimming.

she's an amazingly talented teacher. i covered my journey from novice to masters under her supervision and am glad i did, couldn't have done better elsewhere.

I recommend Mary Donahue to anyone wanting to learn to swim, or improve their swimming. Due to her ecouragement and enthusiasm, I plan to swim from Alcatraz, which I would never have considered before taking her classes

Excellent teacher. But go to class, get there on time, and be prepared. Make sure you listen to her and DO NOT INTERRUPT her or chit chat while she is talking.

I knew nothing before attending her class. Now I'm on my way to becoming a CPR pro-instructor. Can't thank her more. attend her class and be prepared. don't goof around. class time is to educate, if you want to have fun join the out door club and you'll see the fun side of her!!!! I promise.

HOT! HOT! HOT! she taught me how to swim. I was afraid of the water, now not only am I enrolled in her Life guard class but I'm also getting ready for the Alcatraz swim (swim from Alcatraz to shore)it's a once a year event!!! WOW how exiting can it get!! Thank you MARY :)

when i first started this class this summer,she looked scary,but i absolutely LOVE HER! shes awsome!, funny, and very motivating.She looks n sounds tough, but shes so much fun, taking her intermidiate swim class this summer was the BEST! take her! screw everybody who say shes bad or class is a waste, take it from me,who is very picky about teachers

Fun as a swimming teacher, very demanding as a LG instructor. Very sensitive when it comes to attendance and attention during course. Homework gives a good grade boost.

If you just want to fool around, this is not the class for you! BUT if you're there to LEARN and also ENJOY the class, then TAKE IT!! Not only will you learn how to save someone and be the COOL GUY, you'll also build great lasting friendships! best environment one could be in! She's a cool in structure, you'll love the class!

She is always helpful and full of new information that relates to students.In one word she is update!

Excellent teacher who cares about the health and welfare of her students. Very knowledgeable and experienced, communicates clearly, and is very patient even with the slowest students. Priority on pool safety requires strict rules of behavior which may not be palatable by students who are not serious or have attitude problems. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

If you're afraid of water, Mary Donahue's Novice Swimming class is for you. She is a great teacher, and provides an interactive and safe environment for you to actually learn not only Swimming but also life lessons on common sense, health and well being.

Great teacher. Will teach you how to get over your fear of water to the point of being eager to dive off the diving board. This is an easy class to get an A if you pay attention, respect safety, and behave.

Took Mary's PE26A class twice, and benefitted immensely from her teaching. I used to be afraid of the water, now I can float, do a somersault, swim backstroke, swim a little freestyle, and even dive head-first in the diving pool. I never dreamed I could do all that. Mary is strict, but has to be because of safety rules. It's an amazing class.

Explaining everything step by step makes her teaching style very easy to follow and therefore easier to learn.

She expects all homework to be completed, and for you to be on time to class. But she is the best teacher, you will learn a lot from her.

Professor was willing to assist students learn and improve swimming skills. She was available for assistance when needed. Some HW in class, but professor provides articles on her website. HW questions are straight off the the articles. I recommend this class and professor for individuals wanting to learn and improve swimming skills.

Mary teaches you how to save lives. Her class changed my life. What more could you ask of a teacher?

I was in Mary's First aid class. Mary is a dedicated teacher not just to the school but to the students. She wants all her students to be successful and knowledgeable in first aid so they can maybe save a life. She takes this class very seriously and does not tolerate anyone being late. Homework is a must. You learn from her experiences. A+++++

Mary is quite effective in teaching the mechanics of swimming. She instills discipline and explains the importance of doing a stroke or a kick. I highly recommend her class to all levels of swimmers. I found that even though I have been swimming for years, Mary always teaches me something new.

I enrolled in both Mary's Novice class and Intermediate class. She is passionate about teaching and encourages you to do your best. She explains the mechanics of swimming and is disciplined. She is an excellent teacher. Her methodology is effective. She inspires me to continue to do more all the time.

She is an awesome teacher. I'm one of those who scared being in water,but this is my fourth class with her just as one who want learn how to swim. now I'm able to swim backstroke, ****troke, freestyle,and under water. I also had first aid and CPR class with her. if you want great score and knowledge you need to enroll in her class.

Dear Mary This week was Teacher Appreciation week at my son's kindergarten class. I am not sure they celebrate the same at the college level but i was reminded of you-MY TEACHER! I really just wanted to take a moment to say that you are a truly unique teacher. You make classes fun and interesting. You break down each process into small steps , th

An amazing teacher & individual! Extremely thorough, knowledgable, and understanding. If YOU are reasonable enough to understand the logic behind following safety rules and listening (especially since we are in the water, whether lifeguard training or learning how to swim), you will leave her class having received the BEST training in the bay area!

Amongst the most knowledgeable teachers I've ever encountered in my academic career. Mary Donahue is so passionate about her work and it comes out in everything that she does and teaches. She pushes students and inspires them to work their hardest and do things RIGHT. She is absolutely AWESOME! The best of the best.

Best PE teacher at De Anza. I have taken her CPR, First Aid and beginning swimming 2x. She is strict about attendance and paying attention in class, but she puts more into her classes than any of the other instructors that I have had in the PE department at De Anza. She cares about what she teaches and goes above and beyond. I recommend her highly.

She is one of the best but strict teacher around in bay area. Add a lot of info about swimming and related sports than just leaving you in water. Highly recommend.

Mary Donahue is an incredibly charismatic and sensible swim instructor who breaks down the basics into smaller steps so the novices can follow along and not-novices can develop better technique. She even videotaped us in the last class so that we could see what we needed to improve on (super useful!). I couldn't swim before, and I can now!

She is a great teacher, although strict about paying attention, homework, and respecting safety procedures. She is charismatic, but sometimes intimidating to speak to if you aren't an assertive speaker yourself. But, bottom line Mary is awesome. I will be taking her novice swimming class again.

After 2 disappointing training lessons outside,I took Mary's class. Thanks to her,I am so comfortable diving/jumping and swimming in water. I had been to HAWAII at the end of this class and I continued to thanks her all the time i snorkel led tr. One of the best swim inst I have come across. I will take her class again :)

best swim teacher ever.

Unsurpassed level of attention to individuals! Mary provides opportunities such as video analysis of your swimming, diving, and rowing that novices in other classes can only dream of.

Excellent swim instructor! I took the same class w/a different instructor in the summer, and I can definitely see the difference. Bc Mary has student assistants, there's a lot more attention to students. There is a lot of homework for a PE class, but she is so experienced and knowledgeable about swimming, I highly recommend the class!

Mary Donahue taught us how to swim systematically and correctly. She taught us the complete safety rules of using swimming pools safely. Anyone who don't know how to swim, I would recommend joining her class. She made sure that there are sufficient number of lifeguards for the safety of novice swimmers. I enjoyed and learned swimming in her class.

Mary wants success for everyone, but you have to make an effort and give it your all. If you have any trouble she will be there to help and to tell you how to improve. Mary is one of the best teachers at De Anza, and I'm not just saying that. Take any class with her and I promise you, you won't be disappointed!

Incredible teacher. As long as you stay on her good side (just follow instructions!), you will thoroughly enjoy her. I took her lifeguarding class, and she has a huge passion for water activities. She has teacher aids too, so you get tons of attention. At the end of the day, she truly cares about your well-being. Strongly recommended!

She is a fabulous teacher. If you really want to learn how to swim, please do take her course. She is particular about her homework and is a little strict (but for your own good!). I can't stress this enough, take her course if you want are scared of water and want to take the plunge!

I took her First Aid and CPR courses this quarter and she is my favorite teacher on campus. At first, I though she was a bit rude, but once I stayed after class and got to know her, I found out she's extremely nice and has a passion for what she does. I've learned so much about safety and she's made my first quarter a great one!

I attended the novice swimming course after reading so many good reviews here.I was not disappointed. I started with not being able to swim in freestyle at all, and was able to swim across the pool in freestyle (strokes far from perfect,of course).I see most of my classmates improve to different extent. You need to do your part to get an A though.

Really inspirational class

Humor and friendliness make this class enjoyable.

Cares about the subject.

Learned so much more than in previous certification classes I have taken.

Mary is a fantastic swimming teacher! She is passionate about helping people not only learning to swim, but also with many other parts of their lives. She challenges and pushes her students to grow beyond their preset fears. She is amazing at teaching non swimmers who are deathly afraid of water to conquer their fear and swim! What a GEM!

She may seem intimidating since she is not afraid to speak her mind, but she is actually one of the most fabulous instructors that I have ever met. As a newly graduated emergency medical technician, Mary's first aid class has greatly helped me prepare for Foothill College's health/nursing program. Put some time into her class and you will succeed!

Mary will make you a better community member. Everyone should know First Aid and she's the one to teach you!! You get out of it what you put into it.

Mary WANTS her students to learn swimming, and learn it the right way. To that end she makes sure there are enough TAs in each class who can help us with our technique, and to answer all our questions. And as a novice swimmer, it definitely helped me to know that there is a certified lifeguard sitting outside to make sure nothing untoward happens

Since this class is for Red Cross first aid certification, you must be present for each class. Mary's syllabus is really clear, and the assigned reading is the stuff that will be on the test. She goes over the important information each class to make sure you know it. As long as you show up and do the homework, the class is very easy.

I didn't learn how to really swim when I was younger, and even though I wanted to learn, I didn't think I'd be able to. I thought I was too late. Then, I took Mary's novice class. She walks the whole class through all the steps of freestyle, backstroke, and encouraged everybody to keep trying, even though it can be difficult to pick up.

Mary has been my teacher for the Novice Swimming Class. I liked her teaching style so much that I am taking the 'Beginners' swim class. De-Anza is lucky to have such a professional, respectful and thorough teacher. She mixes her amazing teaching style with good humor and fun exercises to make the classes even more fun.

Extremely friendly swim professor. Follows the minimum requirement for paperwork which means very small homework assignments. Her syllabus is online and you could essentially do all the homework ahead of time but you will most likely spend less than 30 minutes doing the homework. She follows by the book but is very lenient towards her students.

I have already taken 2 classes from Mary and I plan to take more classes from her. Mary is here to help you learn how to swim. She teaches you a lot of drills and give you feedbacks. She gets into the pool to show you demonstrations. She focuses on teaching and sometimes doesn't check time, you can always leave when the class is over.

We all learned so much from the optional videotaping of our freestyle. You can almost always stay after class to get extra practice and coaching but you don't have to. She has teaching assistants who will give you extra help so you don't have to keep up with everybody else.

I love Mrs. Mary!! She is great and awesome!! I took two classes with her, and if I could, I would take more!!! She inspires me and she teaches in a smooth way, and when you blink, you are already learning without even noticing. She does office hours after the class, so it is great because IF you want to stay longer and swim a bit more, you can!

Thanks so much, Mary for your patience and knowledge. I'm going to be back for more classes and I'm going to get brave enough to go kayaking with the Outdoor Club. And like you said, I'm going to leave it open in my brain that I can get to be a good enough swimmer to do one of those San Francisco bay swim races, someday, probably.

Mary doesn't just tell you to do a workout and then stand on the deck and watch the class. She and her multiple teaching assistants give specific feedback and ways you can fix what is wrong. The class works in small groups some of the time. The homework is a lot of small assignments. Look at the class webpage.

Took several classes with Mary, upfront and sometimes tough but passionate for her students. I really appreciated the care and support she gave me when I was there, it really helped me in part to feel at home in a foreign place as well as giving me so many opportunities to learn in so many different directions such as the Outdoor Club.

Four of us from phlebotomy took the class the same quarter and we all got As or Bs. This class is not just for a first aid certification, you really do learn things you can use to save lives. I'm actually going to some of the preparation for an earthquake that we went over in class.

Mary is the best swim teach I have ever had! When I enrolled into her class, I had high expectations because her ratings are good and people said they can actually learn from the class. She did not disappoint! She made me feel so safe that I can try new things and by the end of the class, I can actually tread water and breathe on my side!

Taking beg. swim has been life altering! Mary is expert-level knowledgeable and really cares. I have made more progress with her than my past attempts with private lessons. She emphasizes creating an environment of trust where you feel safe to focus on understanding, trying and learning. I can flip, dive, tread, and am more at ease in water now!

Along with teaching all the first aid basics, Mary stresses prevention and gives details about the wrong ways people do first aid. I'm going to start wearing my bike helmet more often and quit wasting money on aloe. One classmate said that her daughter's elementary school teachers have been using hydrogen peroxide on cuts - bad idea!

Mary Donahue is an amazing and passionate teacher! She genuinely cares about helping people and makes it so easy to learn and retain the material. She is definitely an angel for De Anza College!

Thank you for all the knowledge and skills. I enjoyed this class and learned a lot about dos and donts that we do in our everyday life. I am really glad I took this class.

I took KNES 1A and KNES 1B (the same homework in both). I learned how to swim, which was my struggle for my whole life. I even accepted this as a fact, but Mary's teaching methods were a miracle! Homework is due at the end of the quarter(easy reading, 250 words essay, journal, home final); if you don't skip classes and do all homework, you get A+

Mary is a highly effective teacher; she's excellent, especially in teaching novice swimming. Most swim instructors can handle 10 students at once. Mary has 40+ students & does very well because she is so competent and her classroom management is so streamlined. In grad school, I took an ed leadership class in how to evaluate teachers. Mary Rules!

Out of all my many swimming instructors, I would say Mary is my favorite. Her feedback and demonstration are straight forward. She gives a lot of pointer on common errors and how to improve my strokes. I improved a lot. Be in your swimsuit and ready to learn. Do online homework before the 1st day of class (sign the waiver). Journal your progress.

Mary is a great teacher. I was afraid of water when I started the novice swimming class and I could not belive my progress by the end of class. She provides clear instructions, great drills and makes the class fun. The homework reading materials are very good. I learned so much about swimming, water safety and general fitness

I highly recommend Mary's swimming classes. The novice swimming was especially great with fun drills, clever explanations and very interesting reading assignments. Her energy and enthusiasm is inspiring. She gave me a lot of feedback to help me improve my free style.

I couldn't put my face in the water before I went to the swimming class. Professor Donahue was extremely encouraging, gave me individual attention and I jumped into the ocean in Hawaii after being consistent with her classes. She teaches every single step and makes it worthwhile. Hope DeAnza College continues to allow her to teach for a long time.

Mary is awesome and I feel I am honored to be her student . She is dedicated. Hardworking and most important she made me learn swimming . I have take swim lesson in past and none of instructor came close to Mary . When I practice at my gym pool. Ppl stop swimmming and ppl around pool stare when I do cockscrew or. Handstand or somersault

Mary will make you push yourself to reach your maximum potential in swimming. When I first took her class, I got tired easily while swimming 25 yards of freestyle. Now I can swim 25 yards of freestyle in one breath. Also, I was always scared oof deep water. However, now I can swim to the bottom of a 16 feet deep pool and grab 25 pounds of weights.

I couldn't swim at all. Now I can tread water and swim freestyle. SUPER PROUD of myself & how far I've come. Very thankful for the patient guidance of Mary & the TAs as well. Overall, very satisfied with how much I've improved. Very grateful to Mary and her entire team for the blessings that they are. The passion and devotion really shine through.

Homework is very easy and were short assignments. She seems very strict, but it's only because the content she teaches about saving people's lives is a very serious matter and should be taken seriously which I understand and respect. She's very passionate about her work and only wants students to pay attention to succeed and help others out.

Professor Donahue is an excellent swim instructor who makes the class fun and engaging. Her detailed feedback and use of helpful tools like unstuck ai have really improved my swimming skills. Highly recommend this class!

Classes happen on a handful of Fridays during the quarter, so attendance is mandatory. But compared to the work and trouble I have with other classes, this one's a breeze. Syllabus and assignments are clear, plenty of reading, and it's what you would expect from a life skills course type. Instructor Donahue teaches straightforward and with care.