Hi Matty! Meet Aqualand’s Fearless Leader
Who Is Matty Mitchell?
(And why your kids come home salty, sandy, and smiling)
If you’ve heard about our camps, it’s probably because of the tone we set — high energy, big laughs, and kids learning real water skills without it feeling like “lessons.”
That tone doesn’t happen by accident.
It starts with Matty.
Spend a morning at Bay Camp and you’ll hear it —
little voices chiming in together as the group gathers for the next instructions:
“Hi Matty!”
The Short Answer
Matty is the one kids naturally gather around when it’s time to try something new. He keeps a big group engaged, laughing, and ready to jump in — while still making sure everyone knows exactly what’s going on.
Equal parts coach, waterman, entertainer, and safety hawk — exactly the mix you want when your kid is building confidence in the water.
And every time he calls the group in, you’ll hear that familiar chorus:
“Hi Matty!”
The Story Behind It
Matty grew up in the Long Beach aquatic community — pools, beaches, early mornings, and a community built around swimming and the ocean.
He went on to swim competitively at UCLA, sharpening the technique and endurance that still shape how he teaches today. He stayed deeply connected to the water through coaching, mentoring athletes, and working as an LA County & Long Beach Ocean Lifeguard, including time as a Junior Guard instructor. As an LA County Ocean Lifeguard, Matty competed at the national level and was part of a National Championship team — experience that shaped his deep respect for ocean safety and teamwork.
Aqualand wasn’t a pivot — it was a long-held dream that finally took shape during the pandemic, a silver lining moment that turned years of experience into something built for kids and families in our community and beyond.
What Kids Notice First
It’s not the résumé - It’s the energy.
Matty makes new things feel exciting instead of intimidating.
A tricky skill becomes a challenge.
A nervous moment turns into a laugh.
A big group stays engaged because he makes it fun to pay attention.
Parents notice quickly: the vibe is upbeat, but the structure and safety are always there.
Why Families End Up Knowing His Name
Because kids come home with stories — about something new they tried, something that felt easier than expected, or a moment they were proud of.
Matty has a way of cultivating those moments, so they tend to stick with kids (and parents).
The Heart of It
Matty believes water confidence changes kids.
Week by week you can see it — more comfort, more independence, more willingness to try. The water starts to feel like a place they belong.
Aqualand is simply where that belief comes to life.
If You’re New Here
You’ll spot him fast.
Usually in the middle of the action.
Probably making the kids laugh.
Definitely keeping things moving.
And before long, your kid will be right there with the group, ready for what’s next —
joining the chorus with everyone else:
“Hi Matty!”