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Special Needs Swim Lessons in Lake Forest

Private, at-home special needs swim lessons. One-on-one instruction for Autism, ADHD, Down Syndrome, and more – in your home pool.

Thousands of

5-star reviews

200k+

swimmers

2000+

Sunsational Swim instructors

Mobile swim lessons

Private special needs swim lessons in Lake Forest, CA!

When raising a child with special needs, learning to swim can feel like another hurdle – but it’s one that can be overcome. At Sunsational Swim School, we’re proud to offer special needs swim lessons near you in Lake Forest. Our experienced instructors teach one-on-one lessons for children with Autism, ADHD, sensory challenges, physical disabilities, and more. Our goal is to help our special needs students build water confidence, improve fitness and learn essential water safety skills.

Sunational Swim Lessons At Home!

We make special needs swim lessons near me convenient by letting you choose the schedule and location – whether it’s in the comfort of your home pool or a community pool. Our patient, caring instructors adapt lessons to your child’s unique needs, ensuring a positive and supportive experience that helps them thrive as safer, happier swimmers.

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We cater to many needs

Autism, Asperger’s or related syndromes

Cerebral Palsy

Down Syndrome

Sensory Integration Disorder

ADHD

Physical difficulties

Sensory challenges

And many others

Why are Lake Forest SNAP swim lessons so important?

Drowning is the second leading cause of accidental death in the US for children under 14, and in most cases, it happens in just minutes – even when a caregiver is nearby. In fact:

Why Swim lessons important image
75%of children who drown were out of sight for five minutes or less
9 out of 10drowning deaths occur while an adult is present

Enrolling your child in swimming lessons is one of the best ways to prevent drowning by teaching them essential water safety skills

Featured kids swim instructors in Lake Forest, CA

We believe our students deserve the best, so we work with only the best swim instructors in Lake Forest. Every Sunsational swim teacher has a minimum of 2 years teaching experience, is CPR/First Aid certified, passes a national background check, and has a proven track record of successful teaching before they even land an interview with Sunsational. We back their expertise with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Why? Because we know great instructors mean fast results!

Swim Instructor Profile Image: Jessica A.

Jessica A.

Rancho Santa Margarita, California 92688

Swim Instructor Profile Image: Brianna B.

Brianna B.

Rancho Santa Margarita, California 92688

Swim Instructor Profile Image: Aidan H.

Aidan H.

Mission Viejo, California 92692

Swim Instructor Profile Image: Cheyenne L.

Cheyenne L.

Irvine, California 92620

Swim Instructor Profile Image: Kristen C.

Kristen C.

Aliso Viejo, California 92656

Swim Instructor Profile Image: Zaid D.

Zaid D.

Irvine, California 92620

Swim Instructor Profile Image: Mia H.

Mia H.

Irvine, California 92606

Swim Instructor Profile Image: Thornton N.

Thornton N.

Tustin, CA 92782

Swim Instructor Profile Image: Nikita B.

Nikita B.

Irvine, California 92617

Swim Instructor Profile Image: Tristen P.

Tristen P.

Laguna Beach, California 92651

Swim Instructor Profile Image: Monica A.

Monica A.

Tustin, Ca 92780

Monica is so wonderful with our kids, 2 and 5 years old, and both are doing so well with their swimming after just a month!!! Highly recommended - super down to earth, wonderful at what she does, and most of all OUR KIDS LOVE HER, havelearned to love and be safe in the water, and have learned so much from her. Thank you, Coach Monica!!! - Laura M.

Swim Instructor Profile Image: Taylor C.

Taylor C.

Tustin, California 92780

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!

Start swimming faster with personalized special needs swim lessons in Lake Forest

At Sunsational Swim School, we believe special needs swim lessons are essential, and we make them convenient for families in Lake Forest. With flexible scheduling and lessons at your home pool, your loved one can learn in a safe and supportive environment.

Our instructors tailor each one-on-one session to your child's unique needs, ensuring personalized lessons that help them build confidence, improve skills, and achieve meaningful progress.

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start swimming faster img

Benefits of swimming lessons for special needs students

It could save their lives

Often it is simply a lack of awareness that causes danger among children with special needs. Our special needs swim lessons educate kids on all aspects of water safety, and the skills they need to survive in a water environment.

Help boost confidence & self-esteem

Many children with special needs have problems with confidence, but successfully learning a new skill like swimming with the help of a special needs swim instructor can make all the difference.

It improves their fitness & strength

Special needs children can benefit from the improvement of strength and fitness that comes with our swim lessons, making them healthier and more capable.

Improve coordination & range of motion

Swimming is an activity that improves balance, coordination and range of motion, all things that many special needs children struggle with. Our talented special needs swim instructors can help your child improve their skills in each area as they learn to swim.

instructor image

Special Needs And Abilities/ SNAP Swim Lesson Pricing

The more you buy, the more you save! Have special funding? We accept grants from third-party organizations to support swim lessons for special needs students.

1 Student

30+ Minute Private Lessons

(1Hr+ Can be divided by multiple students)

18 lessons

$

66

/ 30 minutes

-13%
$

92

/ HOUR

-12%

BEST VALUE

12 lessons

$

71

/ 30 minutes

-7%
$

98

/ HOUR

-7%

MOST POPULAR

6 lessons

$

76

/ 30 minutes

$

105

/ HOUR

*60+ minute lessons can be divided into back-to-back lessons for multiple children

Swim Lessons With Local Swim Instructors You Can Trust

instructor image

What makes our Swim Instructors Sunsational?

Passed Extensive Background Checks

Minimum 2 Years Experience

Current CPR/First Aid Certification

Fully Insured Through Our Company Policy

Patient, Caring and Love Teaching!

100% Satisfaction Guarantee

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 individualised instruction

vs

Slow Progress with limited 1-on-1 attention

Flexible scheduling, book multiple kids back-to-back

vs

Flexible scheduling, may vary 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 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!

Instructor Gabrielle A. profile Card Image

Gabrielle A.

Lake Forest, CA 92630

Sunsational Certified Since 2019

Hi, my name is Gabi, this will be my third year teaching lessons. I have taught all ages, anywhere from 6months-35 years old! My background with children includes not only swimming, but Girl Scouts as well. I have been a junior leader and a camp counselor. I graduated high school in 2015 from El Toro HS, and I am currently enrolled in both Saddleback and IVC, earning my AA for nursing. I am bilingual, and have my AA in Spanish. I love teaching because the progress the children make is priceless!

Instructor Taylor H. profile Card Image

Taylor H.

Lake Forest, CA 92630

Sunsational Certified Since 2017

Hi, my name is Taylor! I`ve been passionate about swimming my entire life. I started when I was 10 years old with a competitive swim team. I then did high school swim as well as teach swim lessons for the past 6 years with ages 1-18. I am in College studying exercise science and minoring in health. I have a very big passion for health and nutrition. I have worked as a lifeguard this past summer as well as nannying.

Instructor Colin C. profile Card Image

Colin C.

Mission Viejo, CA 92692

Sunsational Certified Since 2019

Hello future swimmers and parents! My name is Colin and I have been teaching people ages 3 - 21 how to have a safe and fun time in the water for 8 years. I have been working with children for 10 years now as a tutor, baby sitter, music mentor, and a volunteer through YMCA and OneOC. I went to UCSD and earned a bachelor's in music composition in 2016. I love teaching swimming because some of my best memories were created in the water and I want others to have similar lasting experiences. :)

Instructor Vanessa K. profile Card Image

Vanessa K.

Mission Viejo, CA 92692

Sunsational Certified Since 2017

Hi, my name is Vanessa, I teach swim lessons with kids ranging from 1 to 12 years old. I have also worked with children for many years as a babysitter. I went to Santa Margarita Catholic High School where I played Varsity Water Polo and Swim all four years. I love teaching swimming because it allows me to continue to be in the water and teach kids to do the things I love in a safe environment!

Instructor Jessica A. profile Card Image

Jessica A.

Rancho Santa Margarita, California 92688

Sunsational Certified Since 2024

Hi New Swim Buddies! With 3 years of experience as a swim instructor, Im passionate about teaching children from 6 months to 12 years old, including those with special needs. My approach centers on water safety, helping each child become skilled at swimming while building their confidence in and around the water. I cant wait to get to know you and your family!

Instructor Brianna B. profile Card Image

Brianna B.

Rancho Santa Margarita, California 92688

Certification N/A

Brianna has been teaching swimming since February 2013. With a passion for swimming that started young and moved into competitive swimming and water polo in high school. She loves teaching all ages, levels, and abilities, teaching ages from 4 months to adults. She loves helping even the youngest swimmers find a love for the water. A gentle but firm instructor to help give all kids the confidence they need to make it. Specialties: Parent and me, overcoming fears, stroke technique, children with special abilities, CPR/LG certified.

Instructor McKennley M. profile Card Image

McKennley M.

Irvine, CA 92618

Sunsational Certified Since 2025

Hi, my name is McKennley McDonald. I was a competitive swimmer for 12 years and have coached competitive and summer swimming since February 2021.

Instructor Bryanna R. profile Card Image

Bryanna R.

Irvine, CA 92620

Sunsational Certified Since 2023

Hi! My name is Bryanna! I have been a competitive swimmer my whole life I have been teaching swimmers of all ages for 5 years. I have my bachelors degree in Health Science and my minor in Psychology. I have worked in the outpatient rehab setting for 6 years helping children of all ages gain their strength back from injuries. I am currently the Fountain Valley HS JV swim coach and a coach for Speed a USA club team. Coaching and teaching swim is my passion and I cannot wait to work with you!

Instructor Aidan H. profile Card Image

Aidan H.

Mission Viejo, California 92692

Certification N/A

Hello! My name is Aidan, and Im so excited to connect with you! Since before I learned how to swim, I have loved the water, and thats exactly why my mom put me in swim lessons at a young age. Being named a little fish by my instructor, that love followed me through my life and led me to start teaching swim lessons since January 2022. Im a certified Red Cross Water Safety Instructor. I have worked with students starting at 3 months of age, including those with special needs. Water safety is incredibly important and has become a massive passion for me. I also have been working with children in all settings since October 2017 and am studying to become a teacher! I hope that we are able to schedule some lessons :)

Instructor Cheyenne L. profile Card Image

Cheyenne L.

Irvine, California 92620

Sunsational Certified Since 2025

Swimming has always been a huge part of my life. As a former Division 1 scholarship swimmer, I learned the value of dedication but also the joy that comes with being in the water. Now, as a swim instructor, I love sharing that passion with others. Ive worked with people of all ages and backgrounds since February 2015whether its helping kids feel safe in the water, guiding adults who are learning to swim for the first time, or working with individuals with disabilities. Recently, Ive also had the chance to work in underserved communities, which has been incredibly fulfilling for me. My focus is always on making swimming accessible, enjoyable, and safe for everyone, no matter where theyre starting from.

Instructor April C. profile Card Image

April C.

Aliso Viejo, CA 92656

Sunsational Certified Since 2019

Hello, my name is April. I have 5 years experience as a swim instructor and a lifeguard. My experience ranges from teaching infants to elderly including special needs. I also have experience teaching martial arts and played competitive water polo at the high school and collegiate levels. I love teaching swimming because I love to see people having fun learning something new and knowing that they are learning a life skill that will keep them safe for the rest of their lives.

Instructor Sierra T. profile Card Image

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!

Instructor Zaid D. profile Card Image

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!

Instructor Kristen C. profile Card Image

Kristen C.

Aliso Viejo, California 92656

Certification N/A

Kristen has been teaching swim lessons since February 2010. Her love of children is what sparked her interest in beginning to teach. She enjoys teaching all levels, abilities, and ages how to learn to love the water. She can take even the most hesitant of swimmers and help them grow to be safe, confident, and capable. Whether working with babies, beginners, or teaching the techniques of the strokes, her individualized approach has produced strong swimmers. She is Lifeguard/CPR certified, has worked with individuals with special abilities, and can help anyone overcome any fears they may have and learn to see the magic of the water.

Instructor Codi B. profile Card Image

Codi B.

Aliso Viejo, CA 92656

Sunsational Certified Since 2018

Hi, my name is Codi and I've been teaching swim lessons for five years now with the ages 1-14. I've also worked with children for two years as a sports instructor through the YMCA. I began swimming at the age of two and started club swim at the age of seven. I was a varsity and club swimmer all throughout high school as well. I love being a swim instructor because I am able to share my passion with others and watch kids love swimming and develop their skills just as I did.

Instructor Bita H. profile Card Image

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!

Instructor Kyle S. profile Card Image

Kyle S.

Coto de Caza, California 92679

Certification N/A

Hi, I'm Kyle Shobe, an enthusiastic swim instructor ready to teach your child of any age and skill level to be safe and confident in the water. As a competitive water polo player in high school, college, and master's programs for over 20 years off and on, I am an excellent teacher with a strong background in the water. My goal as a teacher is to help every student reach their potential with a personalized lesson plan that incorporates strong fundamentals and, of course, some fun!

Instructor Mia H. profile Card Image

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!

Instructor Payden L. profile Card Image

Payden L.

Ladera Ranch, California 92694

Sunsational Certified Since 2024

Hello! My name is Payden and I was on my club swim team for 4 years. I taught swim lessons for the school district for 4 summers and lifeguarded during my last 2 years of high school. The summer classes had 3-8 students, so Ive always taught with enthusiasm to keep my many students engaged. Learning to swim can be scary, but it should be fun! I look forward to making swim class an exciting part of your childs week.

Instructor Patricia R. profile Card Image

Patricia R.

Irvine, CA 92602

Sunsational Certified Since 2019

Hi, my name is Patricia and I have taught kids between the ages 3-12, some of which have autism, anxiety or were previously traumatized. I am the eldest sister of five and have always had a passion for working with kids. I am currently in college and I speak fluent Tagalog. I am a very sweet teacher who knows when to be firm. Whether I`m teaching your child water safety or athletic techniques, I will ensure every lesson is productive and fun!

Instructor Audra H. profile Card Image

Audra H.

Laguna Niguel, CA 92677

Sunsational Certified Since 2017

Hi, my name is Audra and I have been a competitive swimmer since the age of 5. I have been teaching swim lessons for over 3 years with children from age 2 all the way up to adults. I have also worked with children for 11 years as a babysitter and big sister. I currently go to Saddleback, compete on their swim team, and I am pursuing a degree in Finance Business. I love teaching swimming because children are so much fun and I am really passionate about water safety and drowning prevention.

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Got questions?

We have answers. How do you support students with special needs?

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 Lake Forest, our instructors teach year-round, so you can start lessons whenever you’re ready.

Private adaptive swim lessons help swimmers develop confidence, motor skills, sensory balance, and water safety awareness—skills that extend beyond the pool. For families in Lake Forest, private lessons mean convenience, personalized attention, and the reassurance of a trusted instructor coming directly to your pool.

Absolutely. Sunsational specializes in private, at-home swim instruction, so lessons happen in a familiar and comfortable environment. Many families in Lake Forest find that teaching in their own pool reduces sensory distractions and anxiety, helping swimmers focus and thrive. In addition, swimmers learn to safe where it matters most--their home!

Yes! Sunsational Swim School proudly provides adaptive swim lessons for children and adults with special needs throughout Orange County. Our certified instructors are trained to work with a wide range of learners—including those with autism, ADHD, Down syndrome, and sensory processing differences—using patience, flexibility, and proven teaching techniques.

Each lesson is customized to the swimmer’s unique abilities, comfort level, and learning style. Instructors focus on trust and communication first, then gradually introduce floating, kicking, and breathing skills. The pace is gentle and guided entirely by the student’s comfort—creating a positive, confidence-building experience in the water.

Yes—Sunsational instructors are certified in CPR and are insured under our company liability insurance policy. Many have professional experience working with children on the spectrum or with physical or developmental disabilities and are certified in adaptive teaching techniques. Every instructor is matched carefully to your swimmer’s needs and communication preferences that you note in your registration.

Our swim instructors travel to your home or community pool. Learn to Swim Guaranteed
with a Sunsational instructor!


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