Toddler swim lessons inMclean
Looking for the best private toddler swimming lessons near me? Itâs always a Sunsational time to learn to swim in Mclean! Our private swim lessons ensure rapid progress in essential water safety skills.
Thousands of
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swimmers
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 Mclean.
What are survival float lessons?
Mclean 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 Mclean 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
vs
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
Mclean 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 Mclean 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
77
/ 30 minutes
106
/ HOUR
BEST VALUE
12 lessons
82
/ 30 minutes
112
/ HOUR
MOST POPULAR
6 lessons
90
/ 30 minutes
125
/ 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!
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!
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.
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!
Christina P.
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
Sunsational Certified Since 2017
Hi, my name is Christina and I've been teaching swim lessons for 7 years with ages 1 to 70. I've also worked with children for 12 of years as a babysitter, swim instructor, camp counselor, and more. I have worked with many types of children, including those with disabilities. I went to Miami University in Oxford, Ohio and earned a Bachelor's degree Psychology in 2015. I love teaching swimming because I understand the importance of water safety and want to make swimming fun for all ages!
Clark W.
Washington, District of Columbia 20016
Certification N/A
Hi there! My name is Clark, and Ive worked as a swim teacher since March 2016. I love any chance I get to help new students learn how to swim or to become stronger swimmers. Ive worked with students aged 18 months to 18 years old and have taught one-on-one as well as small and large group lessons. Ive had the chance to work with students with a wide range of differing abilities and skill sets, as well as physical or neurological differences, and I always work to tailor lessons so that they can get the best possible swimming experience. Ive worked as a lifeguard, water safety instructor, and swim coach over the past decade, and I have also worked with kids outside of the pool as a math and social studies tutor during high school and college.
Miles H.
Bethesda, Maryland 20815
Certification N/A
Hi there! Im Miles, and Im thrilled to be your swim coach! Ive spent the last 16 years in the water. Right now, Im a college swimmer at Carnegie Mellon University, and in my most recent season, I competed in the 1650-yard freestyle finals at the NCAA Championships. I have been coaching since March 2018, doing everything from helping brand-new swimmers find their confidence to guiding experienced swimmers in their technique. Ive taught individual lessons to all ages and skill levels, and in the past, I coached a 150-member swim team. What I love about coaching is seeing my swimmers improve. Im here to cheer them on, challenge them, and make sure they have a great time getting better!
Gabriel L.
Washington, District of Columbia 20015
Certification N/A
Hello! My name is Coach Gabriel, and I have been teaching swimming lessons since February 2021 over several different jobs! Im excited to get a chance to continue to teach personalized swim lessons for your children!
Benjamin W.
Bethesda, Maryland 20817
Certification N/A
Hi, I am Ben Waterman! I am a rising junior at UMD. I have been swimming competitively since I was 8, and I love sharing my skills with others through swim lessons. I have been teaching lessons since June 2020, and I have coached a competitive swim team since June 2021. I have experience working with kids with special needs. I am happy to work with your family to design a unique and effective swim instruction plan!
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!
Kyree J.
Arlington, VA 22209
Sunsational Certified Since 2017
Hi, my name is Kyree and I have taught swimming lessons for 3 years with ages ranging from 2 to 62. I've also done volunteer work with special needs children helping them to get acclimated to the water for 4 seasons. I have been a Lifeguard/poolmanager for 4 years. I teach swimming because everyone should know how to swim no matter the age. One of my favorite moments is when you achive something you never thought possible. Times like that inspire me to want to teach everyone!!
Stephanie S.
Rosslyn, VA 22209
Certification N/A
Hi, Im Stephanie! I have experience teaching swimming lessons to many children from infants to middle schoolers, and adults. With competitive swimming experience since February 2015 and a background as a lifeguard, I have a strong foundation in swimming techniques, water safety, and helping swimmers of all levels feel confident in the water. I am passionate about helping kids learn to love swimming while also learning important safety techniques. I offer lessons at my outdoor rooftop pool, or I can come to your poolwhatever works best for you! Whether your child is just starting to learn how to swim or is looking to refine their techniques, I am here to make the process fun, engaging, and tailored to their needs. Lets dive in!
Shayna V.
Washington, DC 20016
Sunsational Certified Since 2021
Hi there! I'm Shayna, a Southern California native with 12 years of competitive swim experience. I spent 3 years working as a Swim Coach and Instructor for kids ages 2.5-12. Water safety gives you the freedom to enjoy summers in the pool- swim shaped me into the dedicated and focused person that I am today! Now that I am living in Washington, DC to pursue an MA from American University, I want to be able to continue to give kids the confidence and ability to find comfort in the water.
Dominick S.
Washington, District of Columbia 20016
Sunsational Certified Since 2024
Id be in the pool all the time if I could and felt that way since I was 5. The love of water turned to speed and afforded the ability to train with olympians and world record holders, earning myself a place alongside those exceptional athletes in the finals of the 2004 Olympic trials. Since then I appreciated the opportunity to develop swim lesson programs for an early childhood center/community center, but I feel a greater sense of accomplishment when I teach, having taught ages 3 to 72 and assistant coached a team of 250+ swimmers in middle and high school. I feel lessons are most effective when we can create a comfortable environment to encourage openness to learning, and use my experience to tailor lessons to each individual.
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!
Isabella P.
Washington, District of Columbia 20015
Certification N/A
Hi! My name is Isabella. I am very passionate about swimming as I have been swimming for swim teams since May 2005. I am very familiar with all the strokes and can teach all. I am also a big advocate of water safety as I was a lifeguard and EMT for three years. I have much experience with all ages, especially children. I currently volunteer with children with disabilities, coaching them through physical exercise. I am patient and encourage each swimmer through their journey!
Erin D.
Washington, District of Columbia 20008
Certification N/A
Hi, Im Erin! I have been teaching swim lessons since February 2017 and love helping swimmers of all ages feel safe, confident, and excited in the water. As a former Division I swimmer who started competitive swimming at age 4, I have experience teaching all skill levelswhether its working through a fear of the pool or hoping to improve strokes at an elite level. My goal is to create a positive, encouraging space so you can enjoy swimming while building skills that last a lifetime! :)
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.
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.
Sheila K.
Arlington, VA 22204
Sunsational Certified Since 2017
Hello! My name is Sheila, a California native, and swimmer for 15+ years. with 6 years of expertise as a lifeguard & swim instructor. I conduct private lessons & group classes, teaching children of all levels, from beginner to pre-swim team & adults. I have a BA in Poli Sci, LMU (2013), & dual Master's from Syracuse University (M.A. IR & M.S. PR, 2015). As a former professional water polo player & swimmer, I particularly enjoy focusing on stroke technique with children at a young age.
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.
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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 Mclean, our instructors teach year-round, so you can start lessons whenever youâre ready.
YesâSunsationalâs instructors in Mclean 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 Mclean 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 Mclean 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 Mclean 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 Mclean, where many families enjoy backyard pools, community centers or neighborhood pool time, 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 Mclean and nearby neighborhoods in South Bay. 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 Mclean, 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.