Toddler swim lessons inElgin
Looking for the best private toddler swimming lessons near me? Itâs always a Sunsational time to learn to swim in Elgin! 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 Elgin.
What are survival float lessons?
Elgin 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 Elgin 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
Elgin 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 Elgin 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!
Benjamin W.
St Charles, IL 60175
Sunsational Certified Since 2023
Hi, my name is Ben, and I have taught swim lessons since June 2017, with ages ranging from 2 to adults. I have also coached a swim team (ages 4-15) for multiple years. Personally, I have loved swimming since I was very young and was on the swim/dive team in high school. Currently, I am pursuing an MS in aerospace engineering remotely through Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. The best part of teaching swimming for me is seeing the students grow confident in their skills and get excited about swimming!
Marla S.
Wheaton, IL 60187
Sunsational Certified Since 2025
Marla has 5 years of experience teaching ages infant -12 with the Illinois Park Districts. She also has 2 years of experience assisting in Montessori schools.
Brenna L.
Arlington Heights, IL 60004
Sunsational Certified Since 2024
Hi families!! My name is Brenna and Im so excited about the opportunity to be teaching you all! I was a competitive swimmer for 8 years and have 6 years of instructing experience. Ive taught all skills and abilities ages ranging from 6 months to 85 years of age (because its never too late!). I was also a lifeguard for 5 years. I was also a swim coach for a 8&U boys and girls at a nearby park district for 3 years!! I cant wait to get to know all of you and help you grow!
Tom F.
Aurora, IL 60504
Sunsational Certified Since 2018
Hi, my name is Tom and I've been teaching swimming lessons for 2 years with children ages 3-12. I also have experience teaching adults who are novice swimmers. I am a full-time P.E. teacher, and I have been working with kids for just over 5 years. I graduated from Illinois State University with my B.S. in Physical Education. I love teaching swimming because it helps children build confidence and it's a great activity for lifelong fitness!
Mary R.
Elmhurst, Illinois 60126
Certification N/A
I have been passionate about swimming for as long as I can remember. I started as a competitive swimmer with FMC Swim Club at age 5, competing through my high school years. Over the years, I have gained extensive teaching experience, working with swimmers of all ages at the Elmhurst Park District, from toddlers to middle schoolers and even adults. Additionally, I have taught private lessons and lifeguarded at La Grange Country Club and River Forest Country Club. As a sophomore nursing student, I am driven to share my knowledge of swimming, water safety, and skill development with others. I am also CPR and AED certified, and I am eager to help swimmers of all levels feel confident and safe in the water.
Ernest R.
Glenview, Illinois 60025
Certification N/A
Hello! Im Eric, a rising sophomore at Emory University, a state and national-level swimmer with numerous top placements, and the current captain of the Emory Swim Club. Im a former varsity swim team captain with over 10 years of competitive experience, and I specialize in all four strokes. Ive coached and mentored swimmers of all levelsfrom beginners learning the basics to advanced athletes refining technique. My approach is patient, encouraging, and tailored to each swimmers goals, whether thats improving stroke mechanics, building endurance, or boosting confidence in the water. Im passionate about helping others enjoy the sport as much as I do.
Elizabeth W.
Lincolnshire, Illinois 60069
Sunsational Certified Since 2023
Hello, my name is Elizabeth and I have over 3 years of experience in teaching individual and group lessons along with coaching swimmers at the competitive level, ages infants to adults. I also have been a personal trainer for ages 8-14, and as a college/career consultant for high school-aged children. I love teaching swimming because I believe is a very necessary skill to have, as well as being a great way to allow my clients to grow while helping push them past their fears.
Isabella R.
Vernon Hills, Illinois 60061
Certification N/A
Hi! I am a student-athlete at Boston University studying Health Sciences. My long career in swimming has led me to a passion for teaching others! I have been a swim instructor since February 2021 and swimming since February 2011!
Jacob G.
Northbrook, Illinois 60062
Sunsational Certified Since 2024
Hello! My name is Jacob, and I am beyond excited to get started. I was a state-qualifying swimmer for 4 years at Glenbrook South, and now I play Division 1 water polo. I have been in the water for as long as I can remember, and I would love nothing more than to share my swimming experience.
Madison V.
Riverwoods, Illinois 60015
Sunsational Certified Since 2024
Hi! Im Maddie, and Ive been teaching swim lessons since February 2019. Im licensed in behavioral therapy and have experience working with kids with special needs ages 220. I started teaching swim at 14 and have worked with ages 218 ever since. I was introduced to CPR and water safety early on, and Ive helped over 80 kids pass weekly swim tests. With about 7 years of experience working with children, my goal is to make swimming fun, safe, and something every child can enjoy and feel proud of!
Michelle L.
Clarendon Hills, Illinois 60514
Sunsational Certified Since 2017
Hi, I'm Michelle & I've been teaching swim lessons & coaching for more than 15 yrs. I have worked as a guard, instructor, coach and trainer. I was a competitive swimmer through HS and earned All Amer. consideration & Iowa state champ runner-up & earned a scholarship. My Bach. degree is from the Univ. of Iowa. I'm comfortable teaching all ages how to swim, perfect your stroke or train you for a competitive career. I love showing kids how to be confident, safe & love to swim for a lifetime.
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Find out if a Sunsational Swim instructor is in your area
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 Elgin, our instructors teach year-round, so you can start lessons whenever youâre ready.
YesâSunsationalâs instructors in Elgin 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 Elgin 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 Elgin 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 Elgin 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 Elgin, 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 Elgin 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 Elgin, 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.