Adult swim lessons inFairfax
Whether you are a total beginner or looking for an advanced swimming course, Sunsational Swim School offers private, at-home swim lessons for adults in Fairfax to ensure rapid progress!
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Sunsational Swim instructors
For total beginners or advanced swimmers!
Sunsational Swim School offers adult swim lessons at home or in your community pool in Fairfax. Whether you're an adult beginner dipping your toe into the pool for the first time, working to overcome a fear of water, or seeking advanced swim training to complete the 1500-meter swimming split of a triathlon, we’ll be with you every stroke of the way to get you to your goals! Our expert swim instructors provide personalized, 1-on-1 adult private swim lessons to help you reach your goals. Learn to swim at your own pace with America’s #1 swim school.
Start swimming faster with a Sunsational private swim instructor in Fairfax
Getting to swim classes can be tough – that’s why we bring baby swim lessons to you! We want your baby to be comfortable in the water, so we offer private parent and baby lessons or the option to create a small baby group (3 to 6 babies) with your friends. Our instructors make it easy for everyone to have fun while learning key water safety skills together. Babies will receive a certificate after completing their lessons. What's more fun than your baby earning a certificate with their friends?
Private adult swimming lessons are great for…
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Adults in all swimming levels
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Fear of water or aquaphobia
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Adults with near drowning/traumatic experiences
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Training for a triathlon or other swim competition
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Learning stroke technique
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Training for a swim test (military, school, etc.)
Why choose Sunsational Swim School to learn to swim?
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Quick Results
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Our adult swim students generally learn to swim within just 6 to 12 swim lessons
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Built-in Convenience
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Sunsational swim instructors travel to you & work around your schedule
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Top Instructors
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All Sunsational instructors are CPR/First Aid certified with a minimum of 2 years of experience teaching adult lessons
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Satisfaction Guaranteed
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Love your lessons or choose a new instructor or refund
Benefits of adult swimming lessons with Sunsational
If you want to learn to swim and you’re afraid or embarrassed to try in a group, the Sunsational Swim School’s private swimming lessons for adults can help you develop a strong set of basic swim skills quickly.
Private swim lessons are the most effective way to learn
Our adult swim lessons can take place at your community pool or even in your own home swimming pool—at the times and days that work best for you.
We make it convenient to learn
Our private adult swim lessons are tailored to your comfort level and learning style. We create a relaxed environment where progress is easy and fast.
We tailor our lessons for you
You can choose a time slot for adult swimming lessons that fits with your own schedule and even book multiple lessons in advance at the same time.
Flexible scheduling
From the first splash to the last dive, our private swim lessons for adults help you advance at your pace in an encouraging and safe environment.
Non-swimmers to advance technique training
Our instructors are CPR/First Aid certified, background checked, and trained in swim safety. They’re patient and experienced at teaching adults.
Highly qualified & patient instructors
You’re never too old to learn
Learning to swim is an achievement to be proud of at any age, especially considering that nearly half of all American adults fear the deep end while 37% can’t swim at all. Our private adult swim lessons use personalized programs and proven methods to help adults of all levels build confidence, overcome their fear of water, and master essential swimming skills in a supportive environment.
Adult Beginner
How to be comfortable in the water
Water safety/survival techniques
Introduction to treading water
Proper floating, kicking, and breathing underwater
Front crawl/freestyle swim stroke
Adult Intermediate
Breaststroke, backstroke swimming techniques
Rotary breathing
Endurance building
Mechanical stroke refinement on established swim strokes
Adult Advanced
Advanced stroke techniques for improved efficiency and speed
Butterfly arm and kick coordination, flip turns, and diving
Speed, endurance and stamina
Specialized Training
Endurance-based interval training for long-distance and military swim tests
Swim training for swimmers participating in triathlons
Water aerobic exercise with stretching and strength training routines to improve all elements of fitness (flexibility, muscular strength, and cardiovascular fitness)
Recommended lesson plans for adult Swim Lessons
After teaching thousands of adults how to swim, we’ve found that these lesson plans work best based on skill levels and goals:
For beginner adult swim students
Lesson Length:
60 minutes
Recommended Lessons:
12-18
If you’re new to swimming or overcoming a fear of water, our 6-pack of 1-hour lessons is ideal for building your confidence. For adult beginners looking to master basic skills and progress to strokes like freestyle, our 12-pack offers extended practice and faster results.
For advanced adult swim students
Lesson Length:
60 minutes
Recommended Lessons:
6-12
For advanced swimmers training for competition, tests, or triathlons, as well as those who just want to improve their swimming skills, our 12 or 18-pack provides focused practice to refine your stroke technique. Better technique will help you swim faster with less effort.
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!
Adult Lessons
1 Hr or longer (add in 30 minute increments). Each hour can be divided by up to 4 students (max of 2 beginners at one time; both beginners must be age 4 yrs or older). 30 minutes private lesson per student to qualify for the guarantee.
1 - 4 Student
60 Minute private or semi-private lessons
(1Hr+ Can be divided by multiple students)
18 lessons
106
/ HOUR
BEST VALUE
12 lessons
112
/ HOUR
MOST POPULAR
6 lessons
125
/ HOUR
Need help? Call 1-888-788-2140
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
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!
Angelina Z.
Fairfax, Virginia 22032
Sunsational Certified Since 2023
Hi, my name is Angelina and I've been teaching swim lessons for 4 years with ages 1 to 14. I've also worked with children for 4 years as a swim coach. I go to George Mason University and study Kinesiology as well as being apart of their competitive swim team. I love teaching swimming because it has brought so much to my life and I am excited to share my love of the sport and water safety with others.
Caroline H.
Fairfax, Virginia 22032
Certification N/A
Hi! Im Caroline, a 24-year-old swim instructor from North Carolina. I come from a big family of five and have been in the water for as long as I can remember. I grew up swimming competitively on a swim team and spent my high school years coaching both group and private swim lessons. Teaching swim has always been one of my passionsits where I feel most at home! I feel that knowing how to swim is one of the most important skills to have. When Im not in the pool, you can usually find me at the beach or reading a good book in the sun. I cant wait to help your swimmer build confidence and have fun in the water!
Stella P.
Fairfax, Virginia 22032
Certification N/A
Hello! My name is Stella Paradise. I am a collegiate swimmer and freshman at Ave Maria University in Florida. I have been swimming competitively since June 2017 at both Nations Capital Swim Club and Ave Maria Universitys varsity swim team. I am a Water Safety Instructor certified by the American Red Cross and have been teaching private and group swim lessons at my club, which I thoroughly enjoy! I love working with kids and teaching them how to not only be safe in the water but also to love swimming!
Virendra P.
Annandale, Virginia 22003
Certification N/A
Hi, please call me Viren. I have experience teaching since October 2017. I teach private, semi-private, and group lessons. I can teach from beginner to advanced or swim team-ready in all four strokes. I teach ages from 3 to adult, and toddlers with Mommy and Me. I can also make lesson plans for your individual requests.
Jihan A.
Springfield, VA 22152
Sunsational Certified Since 2019
Howdy! My name is Jihan (G-han), and I have been a swim instructor on and off for the past 14 years. I have always found it very rewarding to work with children and being a part of their development. I am also a radon inspector and a Freshman Football Coach at McLean High School. This Fall will be my 3rd year coaching. Growing up I was a competitive swimmer from ages 6-18. I always loved being a swimmer and I enjoy being able to share what I have learned with others. See you soon!! =)
Greg H.
Reston, VA 20191
Sunsational Certified Since 2017
Hello! My name is Greg and I have been working with kids since I was 16. I started as a camp counselor and also worked at Adaptive Aquatics teaching people who are mentally and physically challenged how to swim. During the school year I work at a preschool where we swim twice a week. During the summer I'm a camp counselor working with ages from 3 to 14. I also go to school for hospitality but have a passion for kids. Look forward to meeting you!
Andrew N.
Mclean, VA 22102
Sunsational Certified Since 2022
Hi, my name is Andrew and Ive been teaching swimming lessons for over 10 years with ages ranging from 3 to adults. I've worked with children's for 10 years as a swimming instructor and a recreational coach. I went to Cal State Long Beach and earned a degree in Kinesiology, Emphasis in Sport Psychology and Leadership in 2018. I love teaching swimming lessons because I enjoy educating people the proper way of swimming and helping people overcome their fears of being in the water.
Ahmed F.
Falls Church, VA 22043
Sunsational Certified Since 2025
Hello! My name is Ahmed and I have been teaching swimming lessons for approximately 4 years to children ages 8 and up, as well as, to competitive swimmers. I am a two-time national swimming medalist and have been a professional swimmer. Swimming, for me, is an absolute passion and something that I profoundly enjoy. I am a lawyer. I completed my LLB (Hons.) from the University of London, graduating with First Class Honors (2014-2017) and will be attending Harvard Law School in the fall.
Felicity H.
Alexandria, Virginia 22312
Sunsational Certified Since 2023
Hi! My name is Felicity Hicks and I've been teaching swim lessons since 2013. I graduated from George Mason University with a BA degree in Psychology in 2017. I've worked with a wide range of ages, from 1 year old kiddos to 70 year old young-at-hearts. I've also worked with children ages 1-12 as a babysitter for 14 years. I started swimming competitively when I was 11, and continue to bring that joy and passion for swimming into my teaching. I love seeing clients progress and learn new skills.
Wallis L.
Alexandria, Virginia 22312
Certification N/A
Hi, my name is Wallis Lahtinen-Hicks. I have been a swim instructor and coach since February 2014. September through May, I coach with the FISH swim team, working with the 5-9 year old group in addition to teaching private lessons to people of all ages and skill levels. As a lifelong swimmer, I love teaching children and adults how to swim, be safer, and have fun in the water.
Kristine T.
Chantilly, Virginia 20151
Sunsational Certified Since 2023
Hi, my name is Kristine and I've been teaching swim lessons for over 4 years with ages 3-15. I've also worked with children for over 7 years as a lifeguard, babysitter, and tutor. I went to Virginia Tech and graduated with a degree in Microbiology. I love teaching swimming because it is amazing to see how children adapt to a new environment!
Anna K.
Arlington, VA 22204
Sunsational Certified Since 2024
Hi, my name is Ania I am from Poland and I've been teaching swim lessons for 5 years with ages 2 to 18+. I've also worked with children for 11 years as a tutor, babysitter and Camp Counselor. I love teaching swimming because it makes me feel very proud and happy to see the progress that kids are able to make during the lessons.
Alex T.
Herndon, Virginia 20170
Sunsational Certified Since 2017
Hi, Im Alex and Ive been teaching swim lessons for 5 years with experience teaching toddlers and adults. My passions for aquatics started from the age of 7 when I started summer swim team and it has only grown since then. I've been working as a lifeguard for a little over 4 years now additionally I have 3 seasons of competitive swim coaching and I have been managing pools for a little over 2 years. Currently I attend Christopher Newport University where i'm studying Political Science.
Estelle N.
Arlington, Virginia 22204
Certification N/A
Hi! My name is Stella, and I have been teaching swim lessons since August 2022. I have always been passionate about watching students grow and flourish. I have been a swimmer all my life, both competitively and just for fun! I have worked with children as young as 3 months to 15 years old. My main focus, especially for the little ones, is always water safety. As a competitive swimmer, I also have the knowledge, ability, and experience to teach older kids the proper form and technique so that they can truly feel confident in the water. I have worked with kids with a variety of special needs, including gross motor deficiencies and autism, so Ive learned to adapt to what each child needs and how to mold the teaching environment into what works best for them!
Grace T.
Alexandria, Virginia 22311
Certification N/A
Hi, Im Grace! Ive been swimming since February 2011 and continued through college, where I swam competitively all four years and earned two conference championships. I have been instructing and coaching since July 2016. I have also worked with a wide range of swimmersfrom beginners learning basic water safety to experienced swimmers honing their technique. Whether you're looking to build water confidence, improve stroke mechanics, or prepare for competition, Im dedicated to creating a safe and supportive environment where every swimmer can thrive. I look forward to working with you or your child and helping you achieve your goals in the water!
Alyssa G.
Springfield, Virginia 22153
Sunsational Certified Since 2023
Hello, I am looking forward to making a splash as your child and I learn to swim together. I have been in education for the last 15 years and have taught swim for people ranging preK to adults. My philosophy has always been that loving the water and swimming unlocks so much but more than that, its a safety skill - it can save a life.
Tejas P.
Alexandria, VA 22304
Sunsational Certified Since 2019
Hi. I am Tejas Patel and swimming is a life-skill that I enjoy teaching to others. I have been teaching since 2013 with ages 6 months to 14 years. I`ve also worked with children since 1999 as a Soccer, T-Ball, and Track & Field Coach, Boy Scout Volunteer, and as a tutor and teacher. I love passionate and able to execute a quality swim program.
Celia O.
Arlington, Virginia 22201
Certification N/A
Hi! My name is Celia, and Im an NCAA swimmer with a passion for teaching kids how to swim. I love helping them build confidence, stay safe, and discover the joy of being in the water. Swimming has shaped who I am, and sharing that with the next generation is incredibly rewarding!
Taliha J.
McLean, Virginia 22101
Certification N/A
Hi! My name is Taliha Jaeder, and Ive been a swim instructor since February 2016 with over eight years of experience teaching swimmers of all ages and abilities. Ive taught at Lake Naomi Club and the YMCA, working with everyone from 3-month-old infants to adults over 60. I also have experience teaching adaptive swim lessons for individuals with physical and developmental disabilities, always focusing on creating a safe, encouraging, and personalized environment. Outside the pool, I work as a software engineer, but swimming has always been a lifelong passion. Whether its building water confidence, learning foundational skills, or refining technique, I love helping each student reach their goals. I look forward to sharing that love for the water with you or your child!
Jamie O.
Arlington, Virginia 22203
Sunsational Certified Since 2019
Hi my name is Jamie and I`ve been teaching swim lessons for 4 years. I`ve taught boys and girls ages 5-13 with varying skill levels. I`ve also worked as a camp counselor for 6 summers and coached a 2nd grade girls` soccer team this past Fall. I love teaching swimming because I believe swimming is a skill that everyone should learn. I love helping kids grow and most importantly having fun while learning!
Jiayanni L.
Herndon, VA 20170
Sunsational Certified Since 2023
Hi parents and students, as a certified American Red Cross swim instructor, helping children to stay safe in, on and around water is capital and rewarding. I have experience with ages 6 months to adult. I assisted my coach and taught other children learn how to swim for 5 years. I like to pay attention to individual needs. I also like to make up songs and games to make learning fun and memorable. Every learner needs a helpful friend and an instructor who will motivate and encourage them.
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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 is the best time for adults to start swim lessons?
We make scheduling easy. Morning, afternoon, evening, and weekend lessons are avaialble 6AM-8PM to fit your family’s 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 Fairfax, our instructors teach year-round, so you can start lessons whenever you’re ready.
Yes — adults can absolutely learn to swim at any age. Sunsational Swim School specializes in private, at-home adult swim lessons that meet you where you are, from complete beginner to stroke refinement. Our certified, background-checked instructors use a safety-first approach and one-on-one instruction to build confidence, comfort, and efficient technique.
Many adult learners see meaningful progress in just 4 to 12 lessons with regular practice. If you’re searching for “private swim instructor near me” or swim lessons in Fairfax, our flexible scheduling, mobile swim instructors and personalized lesson plans make it easy to fit learning into your life.
While everyone learns at their own pace, we can give you a realistic timeline based on thousands of adult students. We see most beginners who take consistent private lessons in Fairfax achieve these milestones:
- Within 1-3 lessons: Comfortably submerge their face, control their breathing, and perform a supported back float. The initial fear begins to fade.
- Within 4-8 lessons: Can swim a short distance (10-15 feet) unassisted using a basic freestyle or elementary backstroke. They can also safely recover to a standing position.
- Within 8-12 lessons: Develop the endurance and technique to swim the length of a typical backyard pool with confidence.
We understand that a real fear of water is not something you can just "get over." Our entire approach is built on trust and control. Here’s what it looks like:
You Are Always in Control: We start where you can comfortably stand, often on the pool steps. Your instructor will never push, splash, or rush you.
It Starts with Breathing: The very first skill your Sunsational instructor works with you is often breath control—learning to blow bubbles. This one simple action calms the nervous system and gives you a sense of command in the water.
We Demystify Floating: We explain the physics of why your body wants to float. We then guide you through it with full support, so you can feel the water holding you up without any risk. This is the "aha!" moment for most anxious swimmers.
One-on-one lessons are tailored to your objectives: water confidence, breath control, stroke mechanics, endurance, or open-water readiness. Safety skills such as floating, treading water, and emergency recovery are emphasized from day one. Your instructor will break complex skills into manageable drills, correct body position and timing, and add focused practice to accelerate improvement.
Our instructors are certified, background-checked, and CPR-trained, and lessons are delivered privately at your home pool for convenience. If you search “private swim instructor near me,” you’ll find Sunsational Swim School offers flexible lesson lengths and scheduling to match your lifestyle.
Your first lesson is all about comfort and confidence. Your instructor will assess your current ability, demonstrate proper breathing and floating techniques, and help you relax in the water. There’s no pressure to perform—just a calm, step-by-step introduction to swimming safely and efficiently.
Absolutely. Our advanced coaches teach the nuanced mechanics that define an efficient stroke. For freestyle, we move beyond the basics and focus on key areas of propulsion, like the high-elbow catch (early vertical forearm). We also offer advanced training for breaststroke, butterfly, backstroke, triathlon and more in our private at-home swim lesson programs available in Fairfax.
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 Fairfax, 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.