Today we’d like to introduce you to Blake Beatnik Le Saint.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I grew up in the middle of nowhere, Montana, where most towns had a single pool. Ours was outdated, open three months a year, and nearly thirty years past its expiration date. And yet, that crumbling little facility became the unlikely birthplace of my aquatics journey. Without it, I would never have had the privilege of becoming “Mr. Blake.”
Who is “Mr. Blake”? To some, a swim coach. To others, a life-changer. Heavy titles, but after 20+ years of teaching, I’ve learned this: come as you are, leave as more. Awards and accolades mean little on their own—they only matter if they’re pinned to real impact. For me, meaning comes from leaving life better than I found it, and I try to do that one swim lesson at a time.
From my first “tadpole” in 2015 to today’s 70+ weekly private students, I’ve seen how compassion tempered with encouragement can refine anyone regardless of age and ability. What began as traditional swim instruction swelled into something larger: a calling to serve those who are tragically underserved, i.e., individuals with cognitive and physical disabilities. Swimming became a vehicle for confidence, therapy, and transformation. My students, like a flower, simply needed water and a guiding hand to blossom.
Honestly, the value I pour into the lives of my students is nothing compared to what they flood into mine. I’ve witnessed tears of joy, the applause of parents, and—most memorably—the laughter of students who finally felt safe enough to trust me, whether they spoke words or not.
Now, two-and-a-half years and 3,500+ lessons since founding my swim academy, I still work seven days a week. But I don’t see it as “work.” It’s service. And whatever gifts I have only become gifts when I share them.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
When my former employer and I parted ways, they underestimated how deeply I was connected to my swim families—and those families chose to follow me. That loyalty became the foundation for what I’ve built today. I’ve been nicknamed “Minnesota’s Aquaman,” and while I’m still working on the superhero physique, I wear the title proudly because it represents the trust and impact consistently left in my wake.
Of course, passion can blur the line between work and life, and as a new dad, I’ve learned how important it is to guard against burnout. Thankfully, my swim academy has grown into a true family business, with my wife joining as an instructor and assistant coach. Together, we’re not just teaching swimming—we’re building a legacy.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’ve always hoped my work would speak for itself, but I’m proud of the steady growth of my academy and, more importantly, the trust and joy of the families I serve. One of the recent benchmarks in my career has been founding my adaptive swim team: Mr. Blake’s Wavemakers. Within our first year, my wavemakers swam their way to the Special Olympics of Minnesota state competition and celebrated several top-placing finishes. But more valuable than the medals were the priceless memories we made. Whether it’s through coaching or teaching, what matters most is that I’m considered an asset to the autism and disability community. Regardless of age or ability, I’ve helped hundreds of people embrace their full potential in the water—lowering drowning risks and enriching lives in the process.
Along this journey, I was recognized as Minnesota’s Aquatics Instructor of the Year in 2023, just nine months after founding my swim academy. That award was flattering, but the true highlight was a surprise slideshow my swim families put together for the ceremony. Standing there with tears in my eyes, I felt overwhelmed by gratitude and absolutely blessed to be “Mr. Blake”.
Perhaps that’s what I’m most proud of—not the accolades, but the impact I’ve had on others. Not too shabby for a boy from a small town in the middle of nowhere.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking.
No venture, no reward. As a business owner, every day comes with risk, and one negative interaction can ripple further than most people realize. While I’d love to be “Mr. Blake” for the rest of my life, my swim academy isn’t immune to forces beyond my control—especially changes to government funding. Many of the families I serve rely on disability waiver programs to afford lessons, and cuts to those funds would put vital services at risk.
That reality motivates me to do everything I can to minimize liability and maximize value for my swim families. Because no person should be denied the opportunity to learn how to swim, I’m doing my best to extend my reach when possible. We live on a planet that is two-thirds water and in the State of 10,000 Lakes. Water surrounds us, which is why it’s not just important, but essential, that everyone has the chance to feel safe, confident, and capable within it. After all, there’s nothing more empowering than finding joy in something that was once a fear.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mr-blake.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givemeblake/
