Terry Laughlin was a competitive swimmer in college and went on to coach college swim teams for 20 years. While watching his teams grind out lap after endless lap, he realized that a few people were "natural" swimmers while others struggled through a workout. Hoping to teach this "natural" ability, Laughlin left college coaching in 1988 to teach swim technique to adult swimmers.

Laughlin went on to become the director of Total Immersion Adult Swim Camps and Clubs, which are held all over the world. His revolutionary swimming program is used by professional athletes and recreational swimmers alike. He passed away at age 66 after a battle with prostate cancer.