Toddler swim lessons inDarby
Looking for the best private toddler swimming lessons near me? Itâs always a Sunsational time to learn to swim in Darby! Our private swim lessons ensure rapid progress in essential water safety skills.
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Sunsational Swim instructors
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 Darby.
What are survival float lessons?
Darby 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 Darby 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
Darby 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 Darby 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
66
/ 30 minutes
92
/ HOUR
BEST VALUE
12 lessons
71
/ 30 minutes
98
/ HOUR
MOST POPULAR
6 lessons
76
/ 30 minutes
105
/ 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!
Paul W.
Philadelphia, PA 19143
Sunsational Certified Since 2017
Hi my name isPaul, I`ve been teaching swimming since I was 14. I`ve taught to many different levels, from infants to adults, beginners to experts. In high school I was captain of my swim team. I have a lot of teaching methods to fit almost any student, and achieve the goal of safe swimming.
Samantha M.
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Sunsational Certified Since 2019
Hello! My name is Sami and I would like to teach your kids how to hone their swimming skills or just get comfortable around the water! I have been teaching lessons for three years with ages 3-10. I am also currently in an Early Childhood Education program at Ivy Tech online. I love the water and am very comfortable in it and I did competitive swimming for two years, as well. Teaching swimming is very exciting and rewarding job and I can't wait to get started with your child!
Andrea G.
Rutledge, PA 19070
Sunsational Certified Since 2019
Hi, my name is AndrâÂźa. I`ve been teaching swim lessons for 8 years with students ages 1 to 14 years old. I also have experience teaching lessons to special needs children. I`ve worked with kids for almost 13 years as a babysitter, a swim instructor, a lifeguard, and a tutor. I graduated from Ursinus College in 2018 with a bachelors degree in chemistry. I love teaching swim lessons because I love the sense of accomplishment I can see on a child's face when they are finally successful.
DâMar M.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19139
Certification N/A
Easy-going, and my lesson strategy is flexible and straightforward. Not only am I looking to help you become a better swimmer through comfort and technique, I am also looking to help make you more knowledgeable about some advanced terminologies and intricacies that come with the sport or hobby of swimming!
Sarah P.
Havertown, PA 19083
Sunsational Certified Since 2021
Hi! My name is Sarah. I have been a certified swim instructor since February 2021. During that time, I have worked with children and adults of many ages and varying levels of experience, including parents with infants and young toddlers, preschool and school-aged students, beginning teens, and adults, and families with disabilities. As a parent, I know firsthand how important it is to ensure your child's safety and comfort around water - that is just one of the many reasons why I love to teach!
Samuel J.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
Certification N/A
Hi, Im Sammy! I believe every child deserves to feel safe, confident, and excited in the water. I have been a swim instructor at Camp Horseshoe and the West Chester Summer Swim program since February 2021, and I have also served as an Aquatics Director at the camp. Ive helped kids of all ages discover the joy of swimming. My lessons combine patience, encouragement, and fun with a strong focus on safety, so parents can relax knowing their children are in good hands. Whether its learning to float, mastering strokes, or simply building confidence, I make swimming a positive and memorable experience for every child.
Terrence B.
Philadelphia, PA 19131
Sunsational Certified Since 2023
Hi, my name is Terrence and I've been teaching swim lessons for 5 years with ages 3 to adults. I've also worked with children for 8 years as a teacher, etc. I went to Penn State and earned a degree in Psychology and a minor in Business. I love teaching swimming because I love swimming and I just feel like everyone should know how to swim. Its very beneficial!
Carolyn Q.
Philadelphia, PA 19121
Sunsational Certified Since 2016
Hi, my name is Carolyn and I've been teaching swim lessons for about 5 years to swimmers ages 6 months to those who swore they were teenagers at heart! In addition to teaching, I was also a lifeguard and a competitive swimmer before leaving for college. I went to Drexel University and earned a degree in Engineering in 2015, but am looking forward to getting back to teaching. My favorite part of teaching is the excitement from my students when they reach a milestone in the ultimate goals!
Caryn L.
Ardmore, PA 19003
Sunsational Certified Since 2018
Hi, My name is Caryn and I have been teaching swimming for 6 years from the age of 6 month infants-15 years of ages. I am also a mother of a six year old. I have had experience with children most of my life as a camp counselor and baby sitting. I love teaching swimming because I love to see the reward the student gets after they have the confidence and can do it!!!
Emi B.
Wallingford, Pennsylvania 19086
Certification N/A
Hi! Im Emi, and Im from Media, PA. I have been competitively swimming since January 2014 and have been working with children since February 2016. This will be my third season as a swim instructor and my first as a Sunsational partner. I recently graduated from Skidmore College with a BA in Neuroscience and Psychology (along with a minor in Education), and I love incorporating research-backed teaching methods into my lessons. Im comfortable working with swimmers of all ages and skill levels. Im looking forward to working with you!
raanan m.
Philadelphia, PA 19147
Sunsational Certified Since 2017
Hi, my name is Raanan and I've been teaching swim lessons for 9 years to children from 4 years old to adults. I currently hold my Basic Life Saver from the American Heart Association as well as my Water Safety Instructor from the American Red Cross. I received my bachelors degree from Rutgers University in '16 in Criminal Justice, and am pursing a career in social services. I love teaching others to swim because it teaches a survival skill, and others to enjoy the water, as much as I have.
Kristin Z.
Ardmore, PA 19003
Sunsational Certified Since 2019
Hello, I'm Kristin. I've taught swim lessons at YMCA for a few years. I enjoy teaching children (5 and up) how to enjoy and be safe in the water. I'm a triathlete who loves working with adults on improving their stroke. I can also help with open water swimming.
Peter B.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19123
Certification N/A
Hi, Im Peter! Im a Computer Science student at Temple University, and Ive been in the water pretty much my whole life. I actually started swimming on my own when I was just 3 years old, and I went on to swim competitively throughout high school. Im really excited to start teaching and to help others feel more comfortable and confident in the pool. Looking forward to getting started.
Coeli T.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19127
Certification N/A
Hi! I'm Coeli (pronounced Chay-Lee). I grew up swimming and diving at various swim clubs and found a passion for the water. I have experience teaching swim teams, private lessons (6 months to 50+ years old), and fitness aquatic classes. I love making practices fun, focused, and encouraging!
Julie B.
Media, PA 19063
Sunsational Certified Since 2017
Hi, my name is Julie! I taught swim lessons for 7 years and was a lifeguard for 6 years. I also swam competitively for 14 years! I`m now a speech language pathologist working with students aged 5-8, which I`ve been doing for 4 years. I earned my bachelors and masters degrees in speech pathology from La Salle University and now I`m getting a second masters degree in special education from Penn State. I have a passion for teaching and a love for swimming and I can`t wait to share that with you!
michael l.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19123
Certification N/A
Hi, Im Michael! Im a 24-year-old film student living in Philadelphia with a passion for teaching swimming. I bring over a decade of competitive swimming experience and two years as a swim instructor, specializing in working with children ages 4 months to 13 years. Ive had the privilege of teaching kids from diverse backgrounds and with a wide range of physical abilities. I consider myself an intuitive and encouraging instructor, and I believe learning should be fun while still building essential, life-saving skills. My goal is always to create a safe, positive environment where kids feel confident and excited to grow in the water since February 2023.
Caitlin C.
Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania 19010
Certification N/A
Hi! My name is Caitlin, and I am a rising sophomore at the University of Pennsylvania. Ive swum competitively since 2nd grade, was co-captain of my high school team, and have lifeguarded since February 2021! I have given swim lessons to children aged 2 to 12, of all skill levels. Im confident in my ability to teach from the basics all the way to technical stroke assistance!
Kathryn S.
Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania 19010
Certification N/A
I was a competitive swimmer for 14 years and recently finished my Division I college career at Colgate University. I have a passion for sharing the knowledge I have gained through my time in the sport, as well as emphasizing the importance of water safety for children of all ages. I have been teaching swimming lessons since October 2016, with over 8 years of experience in one-on-one and group swim lessons for children of all ages. I love getting to know my students, and I am confident in my ability to tailor swim lessons to fit each childs needs and comfort level!
Evelyn M.
Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania 19010
Certification N/A
Hi! My name is Evelyn, and I am a current college student in Pennsylvania with a lifelong background in aquatics! I have taught swim lessons with multiple reputable companies since August 2023 and enjoy cultivating an individualized lesson plan and teaching approach for every student. I have worked with all levels in all age ranges and am very patient with my students, as I understand that swimming and refining technique can be very intimidating and difficult. My goal as an instructor is to have each student feel that they have learned something new every lesson that they can apply in the future. I am also an Emergency Medical Technician on an ambulance, a lifeguard, a current aqua aerobics instructor, and an ex-water polo player.
Mohammad U.
Westville, New Jersey 08093
Sunsational Certified Since 2024
Hi, I'm Nihan, your swim instructor with over 5 years of experience. As a former competitive swimmer, I teach all age groups and skill levels. Focused on water safety and technique improvement, I create lessons tailored to individual needs. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your strokes, my patient and supportive approach will help you achieve your swimming goals.
Jeanne H.
Brookhaven, Pennsylvania 19015
Certification N/A
Special Education teacher of 40 years with 10 years of swim instruction and coaching experience at a local swim club.
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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 Darby, our instructors teach year-round, so you can start lessons whenever youâre ready.
YesâSunsationalâs instructors in Darby 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 Darby 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 Darby 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 Darby 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 Darby, where many families enjoy indoor pools, community centers or indoor lap swim, summer pool programs, 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 Darby and nearby neighborhoods in Greater Philadelphia. 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 Darby, 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.