Lesson Information
What to Expect
Pricing info is located below lesson information
I offer swim lessons for individuals of all ages, starting from 2 years of age to adults. My lessons are tailored to the specific needs and abilities of each age group, so the content may vary, but my core approach emphasizes building water confidence and mastering essential swimming skills through a positive attitude. I maintain a safe and support environment throughout each lesson, ensuring that every student feels secure and motivated to learn and grow in their swimming journey. Click here to learn more about my teaching philosophy, values, and approach.
Lessons typically last from 30-60mins. The length of lessons will vary based on age and students abilities, to be determined after our initial conversation and then modified after their lesson if necessary.
Types of lessons.
👶 Toddler Water Intro (ages 1-2.5years): Lessons can start as early as 1 years of age but are solely about water acclimation- not skill based. At this age, safety starts with awareness and routine—not independence.These lessons will be parent-assisted, focusing on teaching parents safety awareness in and around the pool to incorporate into their daily routines in order to teach their child safety. There will be a longer commitment. Parents should be prepared to commit to a minimum of 6 months of lessons at this age but also continue as they mature as formal swim lessons are most effective starting at the age of 3 (see below) . I DO NOT TEACH ISR (Infant safety resource) lessons. Toddler lessons build comfort and respect for the water, not swimming skills
Preschool (ages 3-4years): This is where water comfort turns into real learning. Age 3 is when children are developmentally ready to truly learn to swim—not just be exposed to water. At this age, they have the strength, coordination, language skills, and attention span to understand safety skills, follow directions, and build confidence without fear. Emotionally, their fear is manageable, making it the perfect time to build confidence int he water with positive experiences and healty caution. Also, this is when muscle memory is starts forming, allowing them to learn through repetition. Starting at 3, allows skills to develop naturally and safely, rather than forcing them before their body or brain is ready. Age 3 is when swimming becomes intentional: we focus on readiness, not rushing.
Early Elementary (Ages 5–6): This is where swimming skills begin to come together. Children at this age typically have improved body awareness and coordination, ability to focus for longer, and better understanding of verbal instruction. This is an ideal stage for skill—building. Since swimming is cumulative — skills stack over time. Therefore, repetition builds muscle memory, an important skill for progression. For that reason, progress is based on consistency, not speed. Some children will be fear free at this age, others are still building trust in the water. Hesitation is normal and expected so lessons will continue to emphasize confidence with encouragement over perfection. The more they swim, the easier it gets, the better they feel, and the better they’ll do. Coordination, confidence, and consistency take center stage.
Elementary (Ages 7-9): Strength, stamina, and confidence grow at this stage. Children have more developmental readiness. Swimmers can handle longer, more structured lessons with more detailed instruction. They have stronger coordination and enduranc, the ability to self-correct with verbal feedback, Increased problem-solving skills, and better emotional regulation in the water. Lessons focus on work toward greater control and efficiency in the water, refining skills with attention to form and stamina. Safety becomes more intentional addressing actual life-saving techniques. The goal is confident, capable swimmers, not just task completion. Children in this age group may compare themselves to peers and may become frustrated if progress feels slow so they tend to benefit even more from positive reinforcement through attainable goals. This is where swimmers gain true independence.
Pre-teen (Ages 10-12): At this age, swimmers are capable of refining skills, not just learning them. Technique and endurance replace guesswork. Lessons emphasize technique, control, and endurance as well as strengthening water safety skills while building efficiency, confidence, and independence. Instruction becomes more technical, with an emphasis on quality over speed. The goal is independent, capable swimmers who can assess situations and respond appropriately. Strong habits are built through focused instruction.
Teens (Ages 13-17): This stage focuses on confidence and capability. Teen swimmers often arrive with very different backgrounds, including: missed early instruction, negative past experiences, fear or embarrassment around peers, or uneven skill development. Lessons are designed to be respectful and confidence-building. Instruction is adapted to the swimmer’s experience level, not their age. Safety remains essential. This is a supportive space to learn — not a performance environment. We meet teens where they are—without judgment.
Young adults (Ages 18-25): Often first-time swimmers or fearful swimmers. Young adults often seek lessons for: missed childhood instruction, college, travel, or fitness needs, confidence around water, or further stroke improvement or refinement. Lessons consist of clear explanations and practical goals. Lessons are goal-oriented and individualized. Progress depends on consistency and comfort. Fear-based swimmers may progress gradually. Technique improves with repetition, not rushing. It’s never too late to become a confident swimmer.
Adults (ages 26+): Progress at your pace, with your goals in mind. Fear-free, confidence-focused instruction. Swimming skills for real life, not comparison. Adult swimmers come with diverse needs, including: fear or anxiety around water, physical limitations or injuries, fitness or rehabilitation goals, or desire to improve technique or endurance. Lessons are fully individualized and paced appropriately. No judgment, no pressure. It’s never too late to learn.”
What these lessons are NOT
To set clear and healthy expectations, please note the following:
These are not competitive swim team training sessions
These are not rapid or “guaranteed” swim programs
These are not survival-only or fear-based methods
Our lessons focus on strong foundations, built correctly and safely.
For families seeking a different focus, the following options may be available by request:
Competitive Preparation:
Conditioning-based lessons designed to prepare swimmers for swim team participation or continued coachingAccelerated Programs:
Faster-paced lessons involving longer and/or more frequent sessions over a defined period
Participation requires that the swimmer is mentally, emotionally, and physically ready. The child must be willing, and the schedule must support consistency.
Assessing Your Skills
Prior to our lesson, we will schedule an initial phone call. This crucial conversation is an opportunity for both you and me to get to know each other, discuss your swimming goals, and assess your (or your child’s) current skill level. This call is the foundation upon which your swim lessons will be built. It's a chance for me to understand your (or your child’s) unique needs, goals, and preferences, and for you to gauge my approach, experience, and teaching style. You can read more about what to expect from this initial phone call here.
For group lessons:
30 minute lessons for 2 kids is $35 each and 3 kids is $30 each. No more than 3 kids for a 30 minute.
45 minute lesson for 2 kids is $60 each, 3 kids is $50 each, and 4 kids is $40 each.
60 minute lesson for 2 kids is $80 each, 3 kids is $70 each, 4 kids is $60 each, and 5 kids is $50 each.
You will be charged upon the completion of your lesson; and I accept cash, check, Venmo, Zelle, and the Cash app as payment methods.
Packages are also available with options to pay for a month in advance to secure your preferred schedule.
Additional Questions?
My FAQ page provides answers to some of the most common questions I receive. If your question is not addressed, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
I am very flexible on location to make lessons convenient for you. I’m happy to come to any home or local pool within my teaching area. There are also a few public pools I can suggest if that would be helpful. Ioffer lessons in North Port, Venice, Nokomis, and Port Charlotte. I will travel to Punta Gorda and Englewood but prices may be higher. For those outside my area, around Osprey and Sarasota, lessons can be taught for groups or back to back sessions of family and friends. Please contact me to discuss.
What these lessons are NOT
Not competitive swim training
Not rapid “guaranteed” swimming programs
Not survival-only or fear-based methods
I can provide coaching in individual or group settings for competitive swimmers. If your child is either on a team or looking to make the team, I can assist in conditioning techniques.
I can provide daily lessons to assist a child’s eagerness to learn. Many students greatly benefit from daily instruction for longer periods of time. A c hild must be willing and capable.
I can guarantee your child will learn to swim, but not in 1 lesson or 30 lessons. WIth time, patience, understanding, and communication ANY child can learn. Each child learns differently and must be allowed to learn the best way that suits their needs.
Disclaimer:
Safety Comes First
If a child is not able to sit independently in a designated safe zone—typically the pool stairs or pool edge—or does not yet understand the importance of stopping before entering the pool, lessons will focus exclusively on teaching the skill of “sit and stay.”
These foundational safety behaviors must be established before any swimming instruction can take place. This is not a setback—it is a critical step in preventing accidents.
Pool safety begins at home. Children must be consistently taught that:
They may not enter the pool area without an adult
They must stop and sit at the edge before entering the water
Consistency is key. Developing a clear routine helps children understand expectations because the rules are the same every single time, without exception.
Children who attempt to run or jump into the pool without hesitation are not ready for skill-based instruction. In these cases, the goal is to teach appropriate caution—not fear. Learning the rules of the pool environment may require several lessons focused solely on approaching the pool, sitting down, and waiting calmly before any additional instruction occurs.
This step is essential for safety and long-term success in the water.
👶 Toddler Water Intro (1–2.5 years)
Water exposure now supports confidence later—without pressure
Learning to approach the pool calmly with an adult
Assisted sitting at the pool edge
Entering and exiting the water only with adult help
Responding to verbal cues (“stop,” “wait,” “sit”)
Early awareness that water requires adult supervision
Comfort being held in the water
Introducing breath control through bubbles
Assisted submersion when ready
Learning through play
REflex-based activities
Toddlers are not expected to perform independent safety skills.
Safety First Policy
If a child is unable to independently sit and wait in a designated safe zone, lessons will focus solely on teaching “sit and stay” behaviors. These skills are essential for water safety and must be mastered before swimming instruction can begin. Consistent reinforcement at home is required for progress.
🧒 Preschool (3–4 years)
Before 3, we’re teaching comfort. At 3, we’re teaching skills
Following pool rules
Independent participation
Follow 2-3 step directions
Sitting and waiting independently in a designated safe zone
Entering the pool only with permission
Turning to wall, basic self-rescue
Grabbing the wall or steps
Understand cause and effect (“If I blow bubbles, I don’t swallow water”)
Rolling to back to breathe
Floating to rest (assisted → independent)
Kicking with purpose
Beginning arm movements
🧑🦱 Early Elementary (5–6 years)
Foundation skills now lead to confident swimmers later.
Understanding basic pool rules
Increased awareness of personal limits
Safe water entries and exits
Independent front and back floating
Rolling to back when fatigued
Beginning treading water
Controlled kicking with purpose
Coordinating arms, legs, and breathing
Safe submersion and breath control
Swimming to safety without assistance
Introduction to mechanics of front and back stroke
Increased endurance
🧒 Elementary (7–9 years)
Consistency turns skills into confidence.
Confident floating to rest
Recovering from unexpected submersion
Managing fatigue and breathing
Stroke refinement
Treading water for increased duration
Deep-water safety and confidence
Safety skills with intention
Recognizing when to ask for help
Respecting pool and water environment rules
🧑 Pre-Teen (10–12 years)
Refinement now prevents struggle later
Stroke proficiency and refinement
Efficient controlled breathing patterns
Swim fitness and/or pre-competitive skills (without pressure)
Sustained treading water
Efficient floating and sculling to rest
Managing panic and fatigue
Swimming longer distances to safety
Understanding water conditions and hazards
Responsible decision-making in the water
Treading water with increasing duration
🧑🎓 Teens (13–17 years)
Technique, confidence, and fitness come together here.
Technique correction
Confidence rebuilding (many skipped lessons)
Fitness, lap swimming
Strong endurance treading water and survival skills
Self-rescue in deeper water
Managing stress or panic in water
Efficient resting strategies
Understanding risks in different aquatic environments
Recognizing unsafe situations
Confidence in independent swimming
Safe behavior in recreational settings
🧑 Young Adults (18–25 years)
Comfort in the water is the goal
Water comfort, Technique + confidence
Fitness or lifestyle swimming
Overcoming fear-based reactions
Sustained treading water
Floating and resting strategies
Swimming confidently in deeper water
Personal water safety awareness
Self-rescue techniques
Building confidence in recreational and fitness swimming
🧔 Adults (26+)
Beginner or refinement
Fear-based support
Fitness, rehab, or lap skills
Panic control and breath regulation
Floating and resting techniques
Treading water confidently
Swimming to safety efficiently
Self-rescue skills
Water confidence in various environments
Personal safety awareness and decision-making
Please note: Skills are introduced and reinforced based on readiness. Progression is based on consistency, not age alone. Mastery develops through repetition and consistency. Each swimmer advances at their own pace.
Progress & Guarantees
I am confident in my ability to teach children to swim. However:
I do not guarantee swimming proficiency within a specific number of lessons
I do not guarantee results within a set timeframe
Every child learns at their own pace. Progress is built through confidence, consistency, and developmentally appropriate instruction—not pressure.
My goal is to create confident, capable swimmers through respectful, intentional instruction that prioritizes safety and long-term success.