Meet the Owner: Bailey Doney of Sunshine Aquatic School

Since opening in May 2024, Sunshine Aquatic School has been making a splash in Fayetteville under the leadership of owner Bailey Doney. With more than 30 years of swimming experience, Bailey has turned her lifelong passion for the water into a mission to teach safety, confidence, and skill to swimmers of all ages.

A Lifelong Love for the Water

Bailey’s journey with swimming began at a young age, and over the years, it became more than just a hobby—it became a calling. What she enjoys most about running her business is meeting new faces and helping students build confidence in the water. Whether it’s a child floating for the first time or an adult refining their stroke technique, Bailey finds joy in every milestone.

A Community-Focused Approach

Sunshine Aquatic School offers lessons for beginners through advanced swimmers, focusing on both safety and skill development. Bailey believes swimming is an essential life skill and takes pride in helping students not only learn to swim but also gain the confidence to handle themselves in and around water safely.

Bailey joined Main Street Fayetteville because she loves the sense of community and the incredible support local businesses receive through the program. She’s especially appreciative of the way Main Street fosters connection and collaboration among small business owners.

Top 5 Favorites at Sunshine Aquatic School

1. Life-Saving Skill: Floating Independently – Students learn to float on their own, one of the most critical foundations of water safety.

2. Life-Saving Skill: Fall and Float Technique – Training students to fall into the water, roll onto their backs, and float while waiting for help to arrive.

3. Swimming Independence – Building the confidence to swim independently without assistance.

4. Stroke Development – Helping swimmers master proper technique across all major strokes.

5. Celebrating Success – Each student who completes a level receives their very own Sunshine Aquatic School shirt to mark their progress and achievements.

At Sunshine Aquatic School, it’s about more than just swimming—it’s about empowering students with life-saving skills, building confidence, and making the learning process fun and rewarding.