Toddler swim lessons inIrvine
Looking for the best private toddler swimming lessons near me? Itâs always a Sunsational time to learn to swim in Irvine! 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 Irvine.
What are survival float lessons?
Irvine 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 Irvine 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
Irvine 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 Irvine 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!
Thornton N.
Tustin, CA 92782
Sunsational Certified Since 2022
Hi, my name is Thornton and I've been teaching swim lessons to ages 6 months to adults. I've worked with children for 3 years as a babysitter, a bible study leader, and Best Buddies (a club that provides special needs children with a friend). I am attending UCR and played 3 years of water polo on high school and club teams where I was team captain. I love teaching swimming lessons because it is rewarding to share a passion of mine and to get a child excited to swim.
Brody L.
Irvine, California 92612
Certification N/A
Hey! My name is Brody Luke. I am going into my junior year on the Mens Water Polo team at UC Irvine, majoring in Civil Engineering. I have experience playing semi-professionally, as well as coaching experience abroad in Sevilla, Spain. In addition, I also currently coach at the Water Polo Shooting Academy, founded by Dan Klatt and Bojan Hrlec. My experience in coaching ranges from all ages.
Ella S.
Irvine, California 92606
Certification N/A
Hi guys! My name is Ella, and I have been a swim instructor since February 2020 at Irvine Swim League and Boston University Swim School. I started swimming when I was 6 and was one of the varsity captains at Woodbridge High School!
Mia H.
Irvine, California 92606
Certification N/A
My name is Mia, and Im a recent graduate from the University of California, Irvine. I have been a lifeguard since February 2021 and have been a swim instructor since February 2018! I have worked with students from ages 3 months to 50 years old, and Im very passionate about spreading water safety throughout my community!
Fatemeh S.
Irvine, CA 92612
Sunsational Certified Since 2017
Hi my name is Fatemeh and I have been teaching swim lessons for 2 years for children ages of 3 to 15. My students were mostly scared of water and did not even want to get in the water, but I was able to teach them swimming successfully. I have also been a lifeguard for about 3 years. I am currently a chemistry, pre-med student at UCI. I love teaching swimming because I enjoy being a positive role model to people and motivating them to be a better version of themselves
Bita H.
Irvine, CA 92603
Sunsational Certified Since 2017
Hi, my name is Bita and I love being a swim coach! I have a background in swimming as well as coaching. I enjoy working with kids very much, it is my passion. I have experience working with children ages 6months old-12 years old.I also have experience working with kids with special needs. besides swimming, I enjoy reading, hiking, cooking, and traveling. I look forward to working with your family!
Reza T.
Irvine, CA 92603
Sunsational Certified Since 2017
Hi, my name is Reza and I've been teaching swim lessons for about 10 years.I am a 2005 long distance(2.4 miles) gold medalist in Persian Gulf. I have already trained hundreds of students. I love teaching swimming because I love passing on the knowledge, techniques, and experiences to those who want to become a fish as well. I used to swim over 11 miles nonstop daily. It's achievable with right techniques and PATIENCE.
Nikki M.
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Sunsational Certified Since 2025
My name is Nikki, I am so passionate about being a swim lesson instructor! I first started instructing in 2006. I was first a competitive swimmer on the swim team from age 8 untill I was 16. I have taught every age level and also coaches swim team. I was also a life guard and lifeguard instructor starting at the age of 16. I love the water and believe everyone should have the opportunity to feel safe in the water and learn skills to become a better swimmer!
Sierra T.
Irvine, California 92618
Certification N/A
Hello! I was a competitive swimmer for 9 years and have a background in instructing both private and group lessons for kids ages 2-17 since October 2019! As a former high school All-American swimmer, I bring an adaptive teaching style for beginners and experienced swimmers alike. My goal is to help students feel safe and confident in the water while having fun along the way! I look forward to working with you!
Kassidy P.
Costa Mesa, California 92626
Sunsational Certified Since 2023
Hi, my name is Kassidy and I've taught swim lessons for 4 years with ages ranging from 1 to 70 years old. I also have other working experience with children such as tutoring and babysitting for 2 years. I went to Long Beach State and earned a degree in Marine Biology in May of 2023 so at lessons I can also share fun ocean facts. I love teaching swim lessons because it is important for individuals to know what to do and be comfortable in dangerous situations around water.
Lafras l.
Costa Mesa, California 92626
Certification N/A
Hey there! I love coaching kids and adults, and I love swimming! I started swimming on a team at age 8 and became competitive at 13. I set a league record in the 100 yd Breaststroke at 16, and when my swim career ended at 19 due to an injury, I began my coaching journey! I co-coached a brand-new team to a second-place victory at Champs in year one, and in the second year, we took first! After I stopped coaching, I became a personal trainer and developed a deep understanding of physiology and effective programming. So, whether it's teaching basic water safety to a beginner, acclimating them to the water and equipping them with the skills they need to enjoy the water safely, or refining the technique of a more experienced swimmer, I'm your guy!
Andrea M.
Santa Ana, California 92707
Certification N/A
Hello! My name is Andrea, and I am a bilingual English and Spanish private swim instructor in Orange County. I have experience working with ages 3 to adults!
Gabe G.
Costa Mesa, California 92626
Sunsational Certified Since 2023
Hello, my name is Gabe and I have been teaching swim lessons since February 2020! I have worked with children aged from 6 months to 12 years old. I have also worked with children for about 7 years, doing after-school sports and enrichment. I have swum and played water polo for nearly 15 years! I have a true passion for water safety and ensuring everyone's swimming goals are met!
Zaid D.
Irvine, California 92620
Certification N/A
Hello! My name is Zaid. I have been teaching swimming lessons since February 2022, specializing in both safety swimming for beginners and coaching for competitive swimming for more advanced students. More than half my life is spent in the water; I might as well be a fish! I love to swim and swam competitively for my schools. I surf, scuba dive, and love doing just about anything in the ocean and/or pool. Pura Vida!
Aaliya V.
Irvine, California 92617
Certification N/A
Hello! My name is Aaliya Virani, and I am currently a student at the University of California, Irvine. I grew up with a great love for swimming, and this is my third summer teaching swim lessons since June 2022! I am passionate about teaching swimming and would love the opportunity to spread that passion in my community!
Nikita B.
Irvine, California 92617
Sunsational Certified Since 2023
Hey, my name is Nikita, and I have been a swim instructor since February 2021 for kids and adults alike. I can teach clients from the ages of 3 months to 70 years, if not older. I additionally have been swimming competitively for the Cleveland swim team since February 2021. I would be a great fit as a swim instructor for you since I am silly, so every lesson can be quite fun, but I also have taught at 4 different institutions, so I know many different teaching styles. Additionally, I love teaching because it lets me experience the hardships and successes of those I teach.
Hanna L.
Irvine, CA 92617
Sunsational Certified Since 2017
Hi, my name is Hanna and I've been teaching swim lessons for 5 years with students as 3-12 as well as adults. I've also worked with children for 6 years in total as a babysitter and nanny. I attended Knox College and earned my B.A. in Theatre and Creative Writing in 2018. I love teaching swimming because watching students become comfortable and confident in the water is extremely rewarding.
Monica A.
Tustin, Ca 92780
Sunsational Certified Since 2022
My name is Monica I love to swim and professionally taught children from 5 mo. to 12 years. I have experience with special needs and enjoy parent and me classes. I have experience teaching older kids, breath control, tempo & technique in freestyle, side stroke, back stroke, & breast stroke. I also have a medical & teaching background. I have been working with kids for over 15 years. I love to meet & teach new families lifesaving skills!
Victoria P.
Newport Beach, California 92660
Certification N/A
4-year Division 1 water polo player at Brown University. I have been teaching swimming lessons since October 2010 with all ages. I am currently a substitute teacher (K-12). I love working with kids!
Evan B.
Santa Ana, California 92704
Certification N/A
Hi! My name is Evan Brandt. Im currently an EMT with the fire department and a certified swim instructor. Before this, I served as an Ocean Lifeguard Instructor, teaching large groups how to stay safe and confident in the water. Im excited to bring that same energy and experience to help you or your child learn to swim, stay safe, and have fun in and around the water! I also have experience working with students who have special needs.
Reyna S.
Costa Mesa, California 92627
Certification N/A
Hello! My name is Reyna. Im an early graduate from UCI with a Bachelors in Psychology and I am looking to pursue further education in Clinical Psychology. I used to swim competitively for eight years, competing multiple times in state championships for both club and high school teams. I have experience in both lifeguarding and childrens swim instruction, and I am passionate about ensuring that kids feel safe in the water. Swimming is a great skill and hobby, and I believe that every child deserves to experience swimming confidently!
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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 Irvine, our instructors teach year-round, so you can start lessons whenever youâre ready.
YesâSunsationalâs instructors in Irvine 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 Irvine 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 Irvine 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 Irvine 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 Irvine, where many families enjoy backyard pools, HOA pools, beaches or home pool parties, coastal beach days, 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 Irvine and nearby neighborhoods in Orange 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 Irvine, 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.