Toddler swim lessons inFort Lauderdale
Looking for the best private toddler swimming lessons near me? It’s always a Sunsational time to learn to swim in Fort Lauderdale! Our private swim lessons ensure rapid progress in essential water safety skills.
Thousands of
5-star reviews
swimmers
Sunsational Swim instructors
Safe, fun, and taught at home!
With our Learn-to-Swim Guarantee, if your toddler can’t demonstrate the “Sunsational Swim Sequence” by the twelfth lesson, we’ll 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 Fort Lauderdale.
What are survival float lessons?
Fort Lauderdale 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 “forced back floating”, 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 Fort Lauderdale use gentle encouragement and positive reinforcement, which helps toddlers develop water skills in a fun, nurturing environment. We’re 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 – 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 in 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 kid’s 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 isn’t just about safety, it’s 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 isn’t just a fun activity and an important life skill, it’s 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 they’ve 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
vs
Group Swim Lessons
Quick Results with 30+ minutes of individualized instruction
vs
Slow Progress with limited 1-on-1 attention
Flexible scheduling, book multiple kids back-to-back
vs
Preset class schedules, often different schedules for each child
Save time lessons at your home or community pool
vs
Time-Consuming - travel required to and from lessons
Faster Progression saves money in the long run
vs
More Sessions Needed to see real progress
Why choose Sunsational Swim School for your toddler’s 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
Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale 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
73
/ 30 minutes
102
/ HOUR
BEST VALUE
12 lessons
78
/ 30 minutes
108
/ HOUR
MOST POPULAR
6 lessons
84
/ 30 minutes
115
/ 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!
Janelle S.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33315
Sunsational Vetted Since 2026
Hi. My name is Janelle Smiley, and I love teaching kids to swim. I grew up in South Florida and know the importance of this life-saving skill. I have been teaching swim lessons and water skills since March 2005. I can't wait to turn every person I meet that needs to learn how to swim into a fish.
Alexis M.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33305
Sunsational Vetted Since 2026
Hello! My name is Alexis Mihok, but I go by Lexxi. Im originally from Boardman, Ohio, and Ive been living in Florida for the past three years while completing my Biology degree at Lynn University, where Im also a member of the swim team. I have been swimming competitively since February 2013. Back home, my sister and I successfully ran our own swim lesson business called Swimming Sisters. In addition, I spent three summers coaching for my club swim team. Before coaching, I worked as a lifeguard for four years starting at age 16, which is also when I began teaching swim lessons. I truly enjoy working with kids and helping them grow more confident in the water.
Sylena J.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
Sunsational Vetted Since 2023
Hi! I'm Sylena, a swim coach and certified lifeguard. I grew up in Jamaica in a small fishing village where I learned to swim and dive in the sea. I have 5 years of experience with swimmers from 0-90 from all walks of life, including swimmers on the spectrum. I have the skill set to work with both beginner and advanced students. I love teaching people how to have fun and be safe in the water. I can't wait to see where your swim journey takes you.
Kalista S.
Oakland Park, Florida 33334
Sunsational Vetted Since 2024
Hello! My name is Kali. I think knowing how to swim is so important as water activities have impacted me the most in life. I have been swimming competitively and recreationally my whole life! I have taught every type of person, from infants to the elderly, as well as special needs students. I have also played water polo and love to teach those skills as well!
Lindsay H.
Oakland Park, Florida 33309
Sunsational Vetted Since 2026
Hey everyone! My name is Lindsay, and Im a 26-year-old registered nurse with a lifelong love for the water. I began swimming at a young age on a summer team, which later led to competing on club and high school teams. Serving as captain of my high school team and teaching swim lessons throughout were some of the highlights of my swimming career. After moving from Pennsylvania to Florida, I continued to teach lessons part-time in both pool and ocean settings while nannying. I have experience working with swimmers of all ages, from four months old through adulthood. As an RN, Im passionate about promoting water safety and helping build confidence in the water. My wish would be for everyone to develop a lifelong love and respect for swimming!
K'Shard C.
Lauderhill, Florida 33313
Sunsational Vetted Since 2026
Hi! Im Shard, and Ive been working as a lifeguard and swim instructor since February 2017. Im originally from St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, where growing up around the ocean helped me develop a lifelong love and respect for swimming and water safety. Ive had the opportunity to teach students of all ages from toddlers as young as 18 months old to adults in their 90s and I truly enjoy helping each person learn at their own pace. Whether someone is learning to swim for the very first time, building confidence in the water, or improving their skills, my goal is always to make lessons safe, supportive, and fun. Im passionate about water safety and believe everyone should feel comfortable and confident enjoying the water!
Matthew S.
Davie, Florida 33314
Sunsational Vetted Since 2026
I am an experienced and passionate swim instructor dedicated to helping swimmers build confidence, safety skills, and a love for the water. With over 15 years of competitive swimming experience and certifications as an American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor and Water Safety Instructor, I bring both skill and real-world experience to every lesson. I have worked with swimmers of all ages and levels, using a patient and adaptable teaching style to meet each swimmer where they are. I also recently graduated with my Bachelor of Science in Education, which helps me teach even better swim lessons. My goal is to create a safe, supportive, and enjoyable environment where every swimmer can grow and succeed.
Artemiy C.
Hollywood, FL 33020
Sunsational Vetted Since 2023
Hi, my name is Artemiy and I've been teaching swim lessons for almost 5 months at a swimming academy working with ages between 18 months and 54 years of age. I also have a lot of experience with swimmers who have special needs and fearful beginners. I am an ex-pro swimmer from Dubai, specializing in sprinting. I am studying 3D Design and I coach in my spare time. I love teaching swimming because as an ex-swimmer I still have that same passion for swimming that I want to pass on to other people!
Aidan K.
Davie, Florida 33328
Sunsational Vetted Since 2026
Hey! Im Aidan, and I have spent three years as a swim instructor, teaching all levels and ages. Im a student at Nova Southeastern University and really enjoy teaching and helping anyone out. I lifeguarded, which is where I learned to swim strongly and teach others.
Luis C.
Hollywood, Florida 33020
Sunsational Vetted Since 2025
My name is Luis Alejandro Cruz Pastrana! I have a large record of competitive experience back in my country, Cuba, where I'm originally from. After 15 years of representing Cienfuegos, the state where I lived as an elite athlete, I decided to continue my career as a coach. That's how the idea of becoming a bachelor's degree holder in Physical Education materialized. Since I finished my studies in 2011, I have coached more than a thousand swimmers from all over the world, fulfilling their needs and improving their capabilities. I have worked with students ages 1 through adults. I'm passionate about transforming lives through swimming. Whether you are overcoming aquaphobia, refining your technique, or preparing for competition.
Khai M.
Tamarac, Florida 33321
Sunsational Vetted Since 2025
Hello, my name is Khai. I'm an active lifeguard and swim teacher. I have experience teaching all ages and all levels and have worked for the City of North Miami Beach. I am excited to start our swim journey together!
Tetyana N.
Hollywood, FL 33021
Sunsational Vetted Since 2022
Hello! My name is Tetyana, and I am originally from Ukraine, where I started to swim at the age of 7 and became a member of the Ukrainian National team at the age of 15. I have a bachelor's degree in PE and Olympic Sports - Coaching. I have been teaching swimming since January 2015, from infants to master's classes. I worked for 10 years at the YMCA of Greater NY as an Aquatic Coordinator, Swim Coach, and Swim Instructor. I work now as the Aquatics Director in South Florida. I wish you enjoy swimming as much as I do!
Nicole V.
Cooper City, FL 33328
Sunsational Vetted Since 2014
I have had a close attachment to water since I was a little girl. I competitively swam from ages 3-18. During this time I coached an 8 and under competitive team. I then worked privately teaching individuals aging from infancy through adulthood for over 17 years. In addition, I was a pool manager and lifeguard for four years. Since I started with Sunsational I have also received my BSN RN from the University of Miami, and become a proud mother of two children.
Crista H.
Pompano Beach, FL 33064
Sunsational Vetted Since 2025
Hi, I'm Crista and I have 12+ years of experience instructing, lifeguarding, and coaching children and adults. I obtained my bachelor's degree from Ouachita Baptist University, where I competed at the NCAA Div. II level in swimming and cross country. I received my MD, and am now training to become a general surgeon. I love sharing my passion for swimming and athletics through teaching because I enjoy seeing my clients set goals, improve, build confidence, and have fun while doing it.
Celestino L.
Hallandale Beach, Florida 33009
Sunsational Vetted Since 2025
Hi! My name is Celestino Lpez. I'm a lifelong South Floridian. Aquatics and my upbringing go hand in hand. Additionally, I have been a professional educator since August 1999. I have 20 years of experience in elementary education. I combined both passions and found swimming instruction.
Briana T.
Tamarac, FL 33321
Sunsational Vetted Since 2018
Hello, My name is Briana! I have been teaching swim lessons for 7 years to ages 6 months to adults, including special needs students! I swam competitively since the age of 5 and decided to turn my love for swimming into something spectacular - Teaching students the only sport that can help potentially save their life or someone else's!
ORIT F.
Miami, Florida 33180
Sunsational Vetted Since 2022
I have been working with children for over 25 years. I have 20 years of instructing swimming and martial arts to children and adults of all ages. In addition, I have worked with special needs children in and out of the pool. I have also taught swimming to fearful swimmers. I love teaching children and watching them learn and improve their skill set. I have a Bachelors Degree from the University of Miami and a Masters Degree in education from Adelphi University.
David B.
Golden Beach, Florida 33160
Sunsational Vetted Since 2024
My name is David Block. Im 64 years old and excited about my second act as a swim instructor, swim team coach, and lifeguard. I was an ocean rescue lifeguard for 20 years before taking a 30-year break to practice law. I have experience instructing ages 18 mo -adults. I am now retired from law and back to my original love of aquatics.
Joseph A.
West Park, Florida 33023
Sunsational Vetted Since 2026
Greetings, yall! My name is Joseph, and I have been swimming since I was 4 years old and havent stopped since. I have gone to Regionals, Districts, and even States when I was a rising senior in high school. Ive always had a passion for the sport, along with teaching it! I have a background in tutoring math and chess to all ages, which helps with my patience and understanding towards learning. Im so excited to start lessons with anyone who is just as excited to learn! Thank you for your time.
Ramses P.
Davie, Florida 33325
Sunsational Vetted Since 2025
Hi, my name is Ramses Palma. I have been a swim instructor since February 2022, both independently and at private schools. Before that, I had always been an active swimmer on a team from elementary school all the way through high school, and I still enjoy going free diving in the open ocean. My goal as an instructor is to pass my experience in the water down to help kids become safe and confident swimmers while having fun.
Gabriella R.
Hollywood, Florida 33026
Sunsational Vetted Since 2026
Hello! My name is Gabriella Ramirez. I was born and raised in Miami, Florida, and I am 20 years old. I worked as a lifeguard for 3 years at C.B. Smith Water Park, then moved on to become a swim instructor at Big Blue Swim School and have also worked at a preschool for almost two years now! I would describe myself as a very outgoing, supportive, and kind person who loves anything to do with the water. I have worked with ages from 8 months old to 15 years old. I also have experience with children who have special needs or who are physically disabled. I would love a chance to not only help your children succeed and learn how to swim but to enjoy it as much as I do!
Loading...
Search our Serviced Locations
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 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 Fort Lauderdale, our instructors teach year-round, so you can start lessons whenever you’re ready.
Yes—Sunsational’s instructors in Fort Lauderdale 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 edge—what 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 child’s 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 Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale start floating, kicking, and swimming short distances within a few weeks of consistent lessons. Sunsational’s personalized approach—taught in your own pool—helps 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 we’ll provide up to four additional lessons free until they do.
Most parents in Fort Lauderdale 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. Sunsational’s certified instructors in {{metroAarea}} customize lessons to your toddler’s 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 confidence—but the biggest benefit is safety. In Fort Lauderdale, where many families enjoy backyard pools, condo pools, beaches or ocean swims, family pool time, 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 Fort Lauderdale and nearby neighborhoods in Miami-Dade. 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 Fort Lauderdale, 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.