Toddler swim lessons inGaviota
Looking for the best private toddler swimming lessons near me? Itâs always a Sunsational time to learn to swim in Gaviota! 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 Gaviota.
What are survival float lessons?
Gaviota 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 Gaviota 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
Gaviota 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 Gaviota 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!
Trenton W.
Goleta, California 93117
Certification N/A
Hello! :) My name is Trenton, I am 23 years old, born and raised in California! I have been involved in aquatics since October 2014. From playing to coaching, now instructing, I am eager to help you and your child learn water safety! My teaching style consists of fun, energetic games that focus on basic to intermediate skills such as holding breath, floating without panic, swimming to the nearest wall for safety, and more. Choose me as your instructor for not only great work but great vibes too! :)
Kenneth N.
Goleta, CA 93117
Sunsational Certified Since 2017
Howdy, I'm coach Kenneth, I've been teaching swim lessons for four year with children aged three years old and up. I have also worked as a lifeguard for the same amount of time. I swam for my high school's varsity swim team and even managed to become the team captain for my junior year. My favorite part of teaching swim lessons is giving students fine technique improvements to help them become more efficient swimmers.
Alex R.
Goleta, California 93117
Certification N/A
Hi, my name is Alex, and I have been a swim instructor since February 2021! Ive been a competitive swimmer for a decade and became a certified lifeguard and swim instructor in February 2021. Ive taught both private and group lessons for ages ranging from infant classes to technical lessons for older age groups. I cant wait to work with you!
Henry B.
Isla Vista, CA 93117
Sunsational Certified Since 2018
Hi my name is Henry and I`ve been teaching swim lessons for three years with ages three to sixty. I currently am a sophmore at the university of Arizona studying physical health. I used to be a lifeguard instructor at the beach and helped kids learn about the ocean and ocean safety as well as being an instructor I have played water polo for eight years and I am very comfortable in the water. I like to include fun excersizes that keep the kids engaged the whole swim lesson.
Mai L.
Goleta, CA 93117
Sunsational Certified Since 2018
I am about to start my first year at the University of California Santa Barbara as an undeclared major. I swam on the varsity swim team for 4 years at La Quinta High School and am a CIF Southern Section Division 4 Qualifier. I have been a lifeguard and swimming instructor for 2 years to both children and adults. I've also volunteered as a bible teachers' assistant for 4 years. I have a great passion for working with children and increasing awareness about water safety, so let's get started!
Alina K.
Goleta, CA 93117
Sunsational Certified Since 2017
Hi! My name is Alina Kadyntseva and I've been a swim instructor and lifeguard for the last four years. I have also been a babysitter for about seven years. I have taught and worked with kids from the ages of seven months up to adults. I currently attend University of California, Santa Barbara where I study environmental studies. I have been on swim team since I was eight years old which is why I love teaching swim lessons!
Ayush S.
Goleta, California 91337
Sunsational Certified Since 2024
Hi! My names Ayush and I have worked with children from 3-4 months to 16 years of age, as well as children with special needs and on the autism spectrum. Ive been swimming my whole life both for school and at my old apartment pool and have developed a great passion for making sure your children become safer, smarter, and more confident swimmers!
Sophia W.
Isla Vista, California 93117
Certification N/A
Hi, Im Sophia! I have been a swim instructor since October 2020, and I have taught primarily swim team at Rancho San Miguel Swim Club. I have worked with kids ages 2-12! I have been a swimmer my entire life, and I now play water polo at UC Santa Barbara. I love sharing my passion for swimming with kids!
Hudson V.
Santa Barbara, California 93106
Certification N/A
Hi! My swim journey began in 7th grade when I started swimming competitively. I did that through high school and now continue to stay in the pool through swim lessons and my own workouts. I have been a swim instructor since February 2023 and have experience with kids as young as 1 all the way up to adults learning to swim. I also have commonly worked with special needs kids over the years.
Viviana H.
Isla Vista, California 93117
Certification N/A
Student and swim instructor! I have been working with kids since February 2020, and I cannot wait to help teach water safety and skills!
Amelia V.
Goleta, California 93117
Certification N/A
I have been teaching swim lessons since February 2023. I love the water and love sharing my excitement and passion with new swimmers. I have mostly worked with younger kids but am comfortable with older swimmers as well.
Owen R.
Santa Barbara, California 93111
Certification N/A
I have been swimming all of my life and have a vast background in water sports in general. I love being in and around the water, whether it's swimming, playing water polo, surfing, kayaking, or lifeguarding. I was a competitive, four-year varsity swimmer in high school, and I competed with the UCSB Club Swim Team for two years. I have been teaching swim lessons since February 2023 and am very passionate about the sport and water safety as I have been a lifeguard since February 2021.
Patricia S.
Santa Barbara, California 93111
Certification N/A
Hi! Im Patricia, a sports scientist originally from Germany, where swimming is mandatory. I love teaching babies, toddlers, and adults how to swim, with a focus on trust, fun, and safety. I never force submersion; instead, I help each swimmer build confidence at their own pace. Im also a former semi-professional track athlete and triathlete, and I still compete. My athletic background helps me coach with patience, skill, and energy. I cant wait to help you or your child feel strong and confident in the water. I also have a two-year-old daughter who absolutely LOVES swimming.
Josephine F.
Santa Barbara, California 93110
Sunsational Certified Since 2023
Hello! My name is Jo & I have been teaching swim lessons since 2015 and have been working with kids for over 12 years! I have taught group, private, and special needs swim classes, and love getting creative to help everyone learn how to swim! I love teaching all ages (infants through adults) & levels and look forward to meeting your swimmer!
Rachel P.
Santa Barbara, California 93111
Certification N/A
Hi, my name is Rachel! I swam competitively for 14 years and have taught lessons since February 2015 (ages preschool to adult). I love the water, and I really enjoy being able to help people learn to love being in the water and have fun! I am all about technique, safety, and teaching the excitement of learning to swim freely. Super excited to teach for you! :)
Carrisa K.
Santa Barbara, California 93111
Certification N/A
Hi, Im Carrisa! Ive loved the water for as long as I can remember. I swam and played water polo all through high school, and Ive been teaching swim lessons since February 2021. Ive worked with everyone from tiny splash-happy babies to teens fine-tuning their strokes. My goal is to make lessons fun, safe, and full of confidence-building wins. I bring lots of energy, patience, and encouragement to every class. Im CPR/AED and First Aid certified and currently finishing my degree in political science and sociology. My goal is to help your child feel safe, confident, and excited every time they jump in the water. I cant wait to meet you at the pool!
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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 Gaviota, our instructors teach year-round, so you can start lessons whenever youâre ready.
YesâSunsationalâs instructors in Gaviota 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 Gaviota 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 Gaviota 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 Gaviota 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 Gaviota, where many families enjoy home/club pools, beaches or coastal beach days, lap swim, 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 Gaviota and nearby neighborhoods in Santa Barbara County. 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 Gaviota, 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.