Toddler swim lessons inChicago
Looking for the best private toddler swimming lessons near me? Itâs always a Sunsational time to learn to swim in Chicago! Our private swim lessons ensure rapid progress in essential water safety skills.
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Safe, fun, and taught at home!
With our Learn-to-Swim Guarantee, if your toddler canât demonstrate the âSunsational Swim Sequenceâ by the twelfth lesson, weâll give you up to four additional classes for free!
Sunsational Swim School brings essential swim skills to your home pool or local community pool, helping everyone enjoy the water more safely across the Chicago.
What are survival float lessons?
Chicago parents often ask if we teach survival float, self-rescue techniques or Infant Swimming Resource (ISR) lessons. We share the same fundamental goal as ISR - ensuring water safety - but our teaching methods differ. ISR often uses a method called âforced back floatingâ, where toddlers are repeatedly submerged to trigger a floating reflex. While learning to float is valuable, this method can cause negative associations with water.
At Sunsational Swim School, we focus on teaching both floating and essential swimming strokes. This ensures toddlers can stay afloat as well as move to safety confidently.
Our experienced instructors in Chicago use gentle encouragement and positive reinforcement, which helps toddlers develop water skills in a fun, nurturing environment. Weâre committed to building a foundation of water confidence.
Why are swimming lessons so important for toddlers?
Drowning is the #1 leading cause of accidental death in the U.S. among children under 5, and in most cases, it happens in just minutes â even when a caregiver is nearby. In fact:
Swimming lessons can save lives. Give your toddler the gift of swimming which lasts a lifetime!
Levels we teach on our Swim Lesson Programs
Tadpole Skills
Cue words to learn to hold breath underwater
Assisted back float
Assisted front float/submersion
Developing underwater comfort & water acclimation
Assisted Kicking
Introduction of Water Safety Skills (based on age)
Blowing bubbles
Assisted "monkey crawl" along pool wall
Starfish Skills
Unassisted backfloat
Underwater swim (person to person & to wall)
"Monkey Crawl" holding the side of the pool wall
Reach for the side of the pool after submersion
Assisted roll to back float
Assisted climb out of pool
Goldfish Skills
Unassisted kicking underwater
Underwater turn to grab wall (near edge)
Roll to back float (less assistance)
Unassisted 15+ second back float
Assisted fall into water and roll to back float
Unassisted climb out of pool
Jellyfish Skills
Unassisted roll to back float
Drop in from pool edge, turn around and kick back to wall
Unassisted 30+ second back float
Unassisted roll to back float after fall in water
Seahorse Skills
Tread water
Assisted back float
Assisted front float/submersion
Developing underwater comfort & water acclimation
Assisted Kicking
Introduction of Water Safety Skills (based on age)
Blowing bubbles
Assisted "monkey crawl" along pool wall
Dolphin Skills
Breaststroke
Jump into pool tread water 10s return to side
Forward somersault
Skull head first 5m
Backstroke
Dolphin kick
Seal Skills
Technique refinement for all strokes
Tread water 30+ seconds
Retrieve underwater objects in deep water
Flip turns
Head first surface dive in deep water
Butterfly
Members Of
Benefits of kids swimming lessons
A 2009 study found that children who take kids swimming lessons have a significantly lower risk of accidental drowning. Learning to swim is essential for your kidâs safety and confidence in the water.
Kids swimming lessons reduce the risk of drowning
Unlike many sports, swimming is something kids can start at any age, and continue throughout their lives. Swim classes introduce young swimmers to a skill that is best developed early.
Swimming is a lifelong activity
Obesity is a rising problem in America, and swimming lessons for children might just be the answer. Swimming is a great full-body workout that improves cardiovascular health and builds muscle strength.
Swimming builds strength and endurance
Swimming isnât just about safety, itâs about enjoying the time in the water with confidence. Kids swimming lessons teach children lifesaving skills while also helping kids learn to enjoy swimming for the rest of their lives.
Important skill for fun and safety
This might surprise parents, but studies have shown children who undertake swim lessons at an early age develop stronger cognitive and motor skills, which can help them succeed in school. This means they might do better!
Kids who swim do better in school
Swimming isnât just a fun activity and an important life skill, itâs also a fantastic form of exercise. Non-weight bearing and able to work out every single muscle group, starting swim lessons will keep them fit until theyâve grown!
A fun way to stay active and healthy
100% Satisfaction Guarantee
We're so confident in the quality of our swim instructors that we stand behind them with our Sunsational Instructor Guarantee!
If your first lesson is anything less than sunsational, just let us know and we can either refund your unused lesson time or re-start your lesson package with a more suitable Instructor, your choice!
Private swim lessons vs. Group swim lessons
Learn about why parents choose Sunsational for their Private Swimming Lessons
Private Swim Lessons
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Group Swim Lessons
Quick Results with 30+ minutes of individualised instruction
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Slow Progress with limited 1-on-1 attention
Flexible scheduling, book multiple kids back-to-back
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Flexible scheduling, may vary for each child
Save time lessons at your home or community pool
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Time-Consuming - travel required to and from lessons
Faster Progression saves money in the long run
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More Sessions Needed Needed to see real progress
Why choose Sunsational Swim School for your toddlerâs swim lessons?
Water safety starts early
We prioritize safety in every lesson. Our toddler swim programs teach essential water safety skills, ensuring your child learns to swim in a fun yet secure environment.
A fun and progressive learning approach
At Sunsational Swim School our lessons follow a progressive method that makes learning fun; not stressful or fear-inducing. With private lessons our instructors go at your child's pace, progressing them only when they're ready.
Learn to swim guaranteed
We're so confident in our methods that we offer a Learn to Swim Guarantee in all of our private toddler swim classes. If your child can't swim back to the pool wall after 12 lessons, you'll get up to four more lessons for free.
Swim lessons that fit around your schedule
Chicago parents are busy, and often struggle to fit their toddler's swim lessons into their schedule. That's why our instructors come to you, holding lessons at a time, and pool, that's convenient for you.
Expert instructors you can trust
Our Chicago swim instructors are highly experienced and have a minimum of two years teaching, CPR and First Aid Certified, and many are also Red Cross lifeguard or Water Safety Instructor certified.
Lessons are fun and age-appropriate
We make learning to swim fun and engaging with games, activities and age-appropriate techniques. Young children also earn Sunsational skill charts and certificates to celebrate their progress!
Toddler lessons
The more lessons you buy, the more you save!
1 Student
30 - 45 Minute private Lessons
18 lessons
59
/ 30 minutes
84
/ HOUR
BEST VALUE
12 lessons
64
/ 30 minutes
88
/ HOUR
MOST POPULAR
6 lessons
70
/ 30 minutes
96
/ HOUR
*60+ minute lessons can be divided into back-to-back lessons for multiple children
Search Nearby Instructors
*If you'd like to work with a specific instructor, we'll do our best match you with your request. However, instructor availability is not guaranteed. If the instructor is unavailable, we'll pair you with a swim instructor who's equally qualified!
Josephine C.
Chicago, IL 60611
Sunsational Certified Since 2022
Hi. My name is Josephine and Im a swim teacher and swim team coach. I can teach life saving strokes as well as competition strokes. I work as a substitute teacher currently and was a competitive swimmer for many years. Im experienced in teaching all ages of swimming as well. Im a college graduate with a degree in psychology with an emphasis in early childhood development. I love teaching because its important to keep a child or anyone safe in the water. Im good at what I do and love it.
Luis Fernando T.
Chicago, IL 60606
Sunsational Certified Since 2021
Hello! My name is Luis, I have been a swimmer for 10+ years and have attended many national and international swimming competitions. For the past 3 years, I have cultivated a passion for teaching and sharing the same fulfilling experience I have had as a swimmer. I have experience teaching people ages 3+, with both basic swimming skills and more advanced ones as well. I am bi-lingual and fluent in Spanish
Alicia B.
Chicago, IL 60616
Sunsational Certified Since 2018
I have 18+ yrs in aquatics through swimming, lessons, and guarding. I have experience with both private & group lessons of up to 12 children. I worked directly with kids ages 3-16 in the water and infants as a guard & babysitter. I was a collegiate swimmer at The University of Cincinnati (psych & neuro). I am currently an occupational therapist (masters). I am great at modifying tasks to achieve desired outcomes &have 20+ yrs of experience working with individuals with disabilities.
Emily M.
Chicago, Illinois 60642
Sunsational Certified Since 2024
Hi, Im Emily! I obtained my bachelor's degree from the University of Kentucky in Finance. Ive been teaching kids to swim across the Chicagoland area for 10+ years beginning with being a lifeguard and pool manager. I love how quickly little ones can develop such important skills. I believe people learn best from praise and when they are having fun! Outside of work, I love painting, floral design, and animals.
Cortney A.
Chicago, Illinois 60610
Certification N/A
Hi there! I have been teaching swim lessons since February 2023 and love helping swimmers of all ages feel confident and have fun in the water. My lessons are all about patience, kindness, and encouragement. Whether youre splashing for the first time or working on your strokes, well make it a great time together! About me: I love reading, movie nights, good food, and cuddling my cat.
Matthew K.
Chicago, IL 60608
Sunsational Certified Since 2017
Hi my name is Matthew, I`ve been instructing swimming for 15yrs I am a USMS Masters Member ID# 217R-09N11 I formerly facilitated a program with Chicago Mary Kaplan and Autism Speaks called ĂĂÂŁAll in SwimĂĂĂ focusing on teaching children on the autism spectrum or any form of developmental difficulties. I`ve also taught 3rd and 4th grade English and speak Spanish fluently. I studied at the School of the Art Institute Chicago majoring in Fine Art
Nick P.
Chicago, IL 60608
Sunsational Certified Since 2017
Hey! I`m Nick and I have taught lessons for three years, first working with the YMCA with children of all ages and adults. I have also worked as a junior camp counselor and a religious education aide for 4th graders.The greatest joy I have is in helping beginners become confident with the water creating a lifelong enjoyment of water as well as the safety benefits. I swam competitively but even though I wasn`t Michael Phelps, the experience taught me to love water and I like to share that.
Nathaniel W.
Chicago, Illinois 60614
Certification N/A
I love sharing my love for the water and have taught hundreds of kids aged 4 to 11 both water survival skills and swim techniques. I am lifeguard and CPR certified. I have personally swum my whole life, both competitively and non-competitively. Swimming in high school, I specialized in the individual medley and breaststroke and will be swimming at the collegiate level next year.
Eder B.
Chicago, IL 60608
Sunsational Certified Since 2013
I have been working as a lifeguard and teaching kids how to swim for seven years. I started working for the Chicago Park District when I turned 16, I taught swim lessons and coached the swim team. I enjoy working with kids and ensuring they safe in the water. I love working and teaching kids/adults how to swim because I love to see how they progress and enjoy meeting new people.
Julia H.
Chicago, IL 60647
Sunsational Certified Since 2025
Hello, my name is Julia. I've been teaching swimming for 5 years to children age 2 and older, as well as to adults. I am a school teacher and tutor as well with 18 years experience. My education background is in Environmental Studies. I love teaching swimming because I believe I am helping children stay safe and enjoy the water. I recall learning to swim as a child from instructors at an indoor pool in New York City. Now I use those skills to stay healthy and help others.
Zahra J.
Chicago, Illinois 60657
Sunsational Certified Since 2024
Hi! Im Zahra. I have been teaching swim lessons for about 5 years and coaching for 1 year. I am experienced with all levels and place a great emphasis on water safety. I love to teach and look forward to having the opportunity to do so!
Joy S.
Chicago, IL 60647
Sunsational Certified Since 2019
Hi, my name is Joy and I've been teaching swim lessons for 7 years with ages 3 months to 80 years. I've also worked with children for 13 years as a a youth group counselor and a babysitter. I went to Seton Hall University and earned a degree in Psychology in 2013. I love teaching swimming because it brings me great joy to see children learning and progressing and this particular skill.
Clifford J.
Chicago, IL 60653
Sunsational Certified Since 2019
Hi, my name is Clifford James Jr and I've been teaching swim lessons for 17 years with ages 6 months to adults. I've also worked with children for 2 years as a summer camp instructor. I went to Malcolm X College and earned a degree in healthcare as a Paramedic in 2012. I love teaching swimming because I learned how to swim at 15 and I want to spread that joy with people. I taught tiny tots 1 & 2, all levels of learning to swim, water polo, aqua aerobics, lifeguarding, and competitive swim team.
Miguel Angel M.
Chicago, Illinois 60613
Sunsational Certified Since 2024
Hello and welcome! Im Miguel, and Im excited to help you achieve your swimming goals. With a background in Physical Education and a masters in Physiology, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to our sessions. Over the past seven years, Ive worked as a lifeguard, swim instructor, and triathlon coach for both children and adults in the United States and Colombia. Im passionate about sharing my expertise and believe that with the right plan, anything can be taught and learned. Thank you for choosing Sunsational! Im confident that together we can enhance your swimming skills, whether you aim to compete or simply enjoy the water safely.
Christopher R.
Chicago, Illinois 60623
Certification N/A
My name is Christopher Rodriguez. I have been swimming since the age of seven and have been teaching since February 2020. I have always been passionate about showing others new skills and am very patient with young or older students. My experience comes from a background of general teaching that began in high school as a lifeguard. Moving on to a dual lifeguard/swim instructor role, I began my teaching journey. I have taught students ages 1-76 and am mostly focused on teaching competitive swimming. Thank you, and I am excited to get started!
Samantha N.
Chicago, IL 60647
Sunsational Certified Since 2025
Hi! My name is Sam. I've been teaching swim lessons for over two years. I have worked with a range of people, including babies, children, teenagers and adults. I've worked with children for 8 years as a camp counselor, babysitter, coach, and teacher assistant. I went to UIC and graduated in 2018 with 2 degrees in criminal justice and psychology. I love teaching swimming because I love to see the progress of my swimmers who went from not knowing how to swim to being able to swim on their own.
Emily B.
Chicago, IL 60615
Sunsational Certified Since 2019
Hi, my name is Emily and I was raised in the water. From Los Angeles California, I don't remember a time when I didn't swim. I've been teaching swim lessons for 2 years with ages 3 to adult. I've been a nanny, babysitter and camp counselor. I love working with my students and teaching them life skills. I find it extremely fulfilling helping equip everyone with important skill sets. Swimming is something everyone should know how to do and I'd be more than happy to teach you or your child.
Audrey M.
Chicago, IL 60615
Sunsational Certified Since 2017
Hello! My name is Audrey and I've taught swim lessons for the last five years with ages 2 to 12. I also teach preschoolers through Jumpstart and have worked at various summer camps over the past six years. I am currently finishing my degree in Psychology at the University of Chicago. Swimming has always been my greatest passion, and as I enter my last year of competitive swimming, I hope to help more children develop the same love of swimming I've had my entire life.
Cynthia B.
Chicago, IL 60623
Sunsational Certified Since 2017
Hi, my name is Cynthia. I'm a Junior at DePaul University majoring in Business Management with a concentration in Sports Management. I've been teaching swim lessons for ten years with ages 3mo - 50 years. I volunteered at my local pool throughout high school. Today, I am on my 7th year as a Head Coach for swimming and water polo. Additionally, I taught group and private lessons at the YMCA for five years. Swimming is an amazing life-skill to have, that is why I love to teach.
Colby P.
Chicago, IL 60637-3634
Sunsational Certified Since 2024
I am an experienced swimmer who has swam at the state level with the Chicago Wolfpack Aquatics Club. I also have 7 years of swim instruction experience as well as lifeguard experience. I have worked with all age ranges and am comfortable in my ability to have anyone feel comfortable in the water.
Stacey K.
Cicero, IL 60804
Sunsational Certified Since 2017
Hi, my name is Stacey. I've been teaching & coaching swim for twenty years. I teach all ages: from infants through seniors. I'm a former competitive swimmer, but now enjoy the water non-competitively. My background as a Mental Health Therapist & Yoga Instructor encourage success with my students, as I strive to best support their learning styles and help them to find rhythm and relaxation via their breath. I hope to instill confidence in my students & for them to ultimately enjoy swimming!
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Available all across the USA!
Got questions?
We have answers. When should toddlers start swim lessons?
We make scheduling easy. Morning, afternoon, evening, and weekend lessons are avaialble 6AM-8PM to fit your familyâs lifestyle. You choose the days, times and number of lessons per week that works for you. Because all lessons are private, scheduling is completely flexible and can be adjusted for vacations or weather. In Chicago, our instructors teach year-round, so you can start lessons whenever youâre ready.
YesâSunsationalâs instructors in Chicago are CPR-certified and are insured under our company liability insurance policy. Every Sunsational certified swim instructor has a minimum prior 2 seasons of teaching experience. Lessons are always one-on-one or small group for close supervision. Our instructors teach toddlers to float, roll to their back, and safely reach the pool edgeâwhat we call the Sunsational Safety Sequence. These skills are proven to reduce the risk of drowning by up to 88% for children ages 1 to 4 years old[1] and are included in our Learn to Swim Guarantee for children ages 3 and up!
Your childâs first swim lesson focuses on safety, comfort, and trust. Our instructor will introduce floating, kicking, blowing bubbles, and gentle submersion using songs and games. Our private swim instructors in Chicago come to you and lessons are taught in your own pool to create a safe, familiar environment. Teers are not unexpected, but what is even more expected is that your child will become more familiar and more confident in the water!
Every child learns at their own pace, but most toddlers in Chicago start floating, kicking, and swimming short distances within a few weeks of consistent lessons. Sunsationalâs personalized approachâtaught in your own poolâhelps toddlers learn faster than in group swim schools. With Sunsational's Learn to Swim Guarantee, toddlers ages 3 and up are guaranteed to learn to swim within 12 lessons, or weâll provide up to four additional lessons free until they do.
Most parents in Chicago start toddler swim lessons between 18 months and 3 years old. At this age, children are curious, active, and ready to begin learning basic swimming and safety skills. Sunsationalâs certified instructors in {{metroAarea}} customize lessons to your toddlerâs confidence and comfort level. We offer a learn to swim guarantee for toddlers ages 3 and up!
Swim lessons help toddlers build coordination, strength, and confidenceâbut the biggest benefit is safety. In Chicago, where many families enjoy indoor pools, park district pools, beaches or indoor lap swim, Lake Michigan summers, early swim instruction reduces drowning risk by up to 88% for children ages 1-4 years old and teaches respect for the water while keeping learning playful.
Yes! Sunsational offers both private 1-on-1 swim lessons and small sibling or friend groups in Chicago and nearby neighborhoods in Chicagoland. Private lessons let your child learn at their own pace with minimal distractions.
We understand if you're concerned about selecting the right swim instructor for your lessons, because we are too! Our full-time, dedicated matching team carefully reviews your registration and hand selects a swim instructor for your lessons based on your swimmer's age, goals and your schedule. You'll receive a detailed instructor profile with experience, certifications, and reviews. If you'd like to request a specific instructor in Chicago, we'll do our best to accommodate. But rest assured that we stand behind each of our swim instructors and selections with our Satisfaction Guarantee.
For baby and some toddler lessons, parent participation is encouraged for building water comfort. For older children (typically ages 2+), parents are not specifically encouraged to be in the water, as our one-on-one private instruction is designed to build independence. However, we always require a responsible adult to be present on the premises for all lessons with minors. If you have specific preferences or concerns, our team is happy to accommodate them in your registration. We tailor each lesson to your comfort and goals.