Special Needs Swim Lessons in Orinda

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 Orinda, 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 Orinda. 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 Orinda 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 Orinda, CA

We believe our students deserve the best, so we work with only the best swim instructors in Orinda. 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: Colleen W.

Colleen W.

Orinda, California 94563

Swim Instructor Profile Image: Eddie L.

Eddie L.

Moraga, California 94556

Swim Instructor Profile Image: Kathleen D.

Kathleen D.

Lafayette, California 94549

Swim Instructor Profile Image: Adrian B.

Adrian B.

Berkeley, CA 94708

Swim Instructor Profile Image: Roman J.

Roman J.

Berkeley, California 94704

Swim Instructor Profile Image: Isabelle G.

Isabelle G.

Berkeley, California 94704

Swim Instructor Profile Image: Andrea V.

Andrea V.

Berkeley, California 94704

Swim Instructor Profile Image: Elli B.

Elli B.

Berkeley, California 94705

Swim Instructor Profile Image: Jam M.

Jam M.

Oakland, California 94602

Swim Instructor Profile Image: Charlotte B.

Charlotte B.

Berkeley, California 94709

Swim Instructor Profile Image: Chuen Hon C.

Chuen Hon C.

Berkeley, California 94704

Swim Instructor Profile Image: Asuka L.

Asuka L.

Walnut Creek, California 94597-2679

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 Orinda

At Sunsational Swim School, we believe special needs swim lessons are essential, and we make them convenient for families in Orinda. 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

$

77

/ 30 minutes

-14%
$

106

/ HOUR

-15%

BEST VALUE

12 lessons

$

82

/ 30 minutes

-9%
$

112

/ HOUR

-10%

MOST POPULAR

6 lessons

$

90

/ 30 minutes

$

125

/ 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

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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 Colleen W. profile Card Image

Colleen W.

Orinda, California 94563

Certification N/A

Ive been immersed in the water since the age of five and bring extensive experience as a swim instructor, certified lifeguard, sailor, surfer, and abalone diver. I work with swimmers of all agesfrom toddlers to adults and individuals with special needs. My coaching emphasizes safety, confidence, and proper technique in a supportive, individualized environment. Whether you're learning to swim for the first time or refining advanced skills, Im dedicated to helping you reach your goals in the water.

Instructor Eddie L. profile Card Image

Eddie L.

Moraga, California 94556

Sunsational Certified Since 2024

Eddie Lee has been involved with rec swimming for the last 40 years. Eddie was the Head Coach for MIRA for 14 years. He was the Head Coach at Club Sports Valley Vista for seven years and Forest Hills Swim Team for two years. In his years at Valley Vista, his team consistently placed in the top 6 overall in the County Swim Meet. Eddie also has coached high school and college swimming/water polo. In this time, he led his teams to the top 3 finishes at the NCS and State level. Eddie swam locally at Gehringer Park in Concord as a child. In high school, Eddie swam for De La Salle and Walnut Creek Aquabears where he was a North Coast finalist in the 100 breaststroke and All-American. He swam for Cal Poly SLO in college.

Instructor Savannah R. profile Card Image

Savannah R.

Lafayette, CA 94549

Sunsational Certified Since 2017

Hi, my name is Savannah and I've swimming since age 2. I've been working with pre school age children for 3 years as a soccer and tumbling instructor, a respite care provider, and a Jumpstart corp. member teaching early childhood literacy. I have experience working with children on the autism spectrum and non-verbal children. I am going to Saint Mary's College of California to earn a degree in English. I graduate in 2020. I love teaching swimming because I love swimming and children.

Instructor Kathleen D. profile Card Image

Kathleen D.

Lafayette, California 94549

Sunsational Certified Since 2020

Hi! My name is Kathy and I enjoy teaching others of all ages. From helping toddlers overcome fear of the water and also an adult looking to improve their swimming. I was a competitive swimmer for 16 years. I taught swimming / life-guarded for 5 years. I also was a coaches aid for swim team. I have volunteered for both pre-school and elementary. I went to Stanford University and have degrees in Human Biology and Communication I am passionate to help others learn to swim and be safe!

Instructor Adrian B. profile Card Image

Adrian B.

Berkeley, CA 94708

Sunsational Certified Since 2020

My name is Deane (Adrian Deane), 5 years of experience with ages 2 years old to adults. I am a certified lakefront and pool lifeguard and Red Cross Level I-II instructor, and I've also given Levels 5-6 stroke-specific instruction. I am a lifelong water baby and am especially excited to introduce hesitant learners to the joys of the water.

Instructor Roman J. profile Card Image

Roman J.

Berkeley, California 94704

Sunsational Certified Since 2024

Hi! Im Roman, a Division 1 swimmer at UC Berkeley, currently in my sophomore year. Ive had the privilege of competing at the highest collegiate level, helping our team place second at the NCAA Championships two years in a row. Before Cal, I ranked in the top 10 nationally for my class in high school. I have been coaching and teaching swimming since February 2021, and Im passionate about helping swimmers of all levels build confidence in the water. Whether youre learning to float or training for competition, I bring energy, experience, and a love for the sport to every session.

Instructor Isabelle G. profile Card Image

Isabelle G.

Berkeley, California 94704

Certification N/A

Hello! My name is Isabelle. I'm a Red Cross-certified Water Safety Instructor, Lifeguard, and CPR provider. I have extensive experience teaching swim lessons and working with children and adults of all ages and skill levels. I have been swimming and playing water polo since October 2015, and Im passionate about helping kids feel confident and safe in the water. My goal is to build a healthy, positive relationship with swimming while making sure every person I teach learns the skills they need to be safe and strong swimmers. I strive to create a fun, supportive learning environment where everyone feels encouraged and excited to improve. I look forward to meeting you and helping you or your child succeed in the water!

Instructor Andrea V. profile Card Image

Andrea V.

Berkeley, California 94704

Certification N/A

Hi families! My name is Andrea, currently a rising junior at UC Berkeley. Although Im only here for the summer, I enjoy spending my time helping kids learn how to swim. A major skill at their age is water safety, which I am eager to teach! I worked at a swim school with kids ranging in age from 6 months to 14 years old. I taught them many skills depending on their levels, such as survival skills or swimming strokes. We can work together to ensure your kids' safety!

Instructor Vance P. profile Card Image

Vance P.

Lafayette, CA 94549

Sunsational Certified Since 2017

Hello, my name is Vance. I have been teaching swim lessons for two years with ages from 1 year old to 15 year olds. I have also done a lot of babysitting and coaching for sports. I am currently enrolled at The University of Colorado earning a degree in marketing. I love to teach swimming because to me nothing is cooler then teaching a kid how to swim.

Instructor Elli B. profile Card Image

Elli B.

Berkeley, California 94705

Sunsational Certified Since 2024

I grew up in a big, swim-oriented family; I played water polo for roughly ten years and was on the swim team for even longer. I have been teaching swim lessons and have worked with a diverse background of people (from 6 months to 58 years old) with different needs and capabilities. I look forward to meeting you in person.

Instructor Joshua R. profile Card Image

Joshua R.

Oakland, California 94602

Certification N/A

Hi, my name is Joshua Rubin, and I have been teaching swim lessons since February 2020 to toddlers through age fourteen and American Red Cross swim levels one through five. I also have experience working with fearful beginners who are not yet comfortable being in the water. I love teaching swimming because of how rewarding it is to help others overcome obstacles as I watch them become ever stronger and more confident swimmers.

Instructor Tyler D. profile Card Image

Tyler D.

Piedmont, California 94610

Certification N/A

Hello! I have been working as a swim instructor since February 2023, and I have swum competitively for 9 years on the Piedmont swim team, starting in 3rd grade and continuing through my senior year of high school. Water safety is a skill that is very important for all ages to know, and because of the many lessons I have taught and all ages, I am confident I will be able to help.

Instructor Jam M. profile Card Image

Jam M.

Oakland, California 94602

Certification N/A

Hello, My name is Jam, and I'm originally from the Monterey area. I am a former head swim coach since February 2019, a club coach since February 2022, and I have taught swimming lessons since February 2011. I am currently a qualified World Aquatics Masters swimmer and have competed at Worlds against other national-level swimmers to former Olympians. I have taught a wide scale of swim classes, from "Mommy & Me" to adult swim classes. Although I am currently in the middle of my Ph.D., I have a strong passion for the sport and want to help those gain a love and the safety skills to swim confidently. I look forward to working/teaching/swimming with you!

Instructor Charlotte B. profile Card Image

Charlotte B.

Berkeley, California 94709

Certification N/A

Hi there! My name is Callie Ballard! I love swimming and anything to do with the ocean. Previously, I taught swim lessons at the downtown Berkeley YMCA. During my lesson plans, I like to emphasize water safety and teach new skills while coaching existing ones. I think its just as important to learn how to become comfortable in the water as well as have fun! Outside of swim lessons, I love to hang out with dogs, read, cook, and spend time with friends! I hope to work with you and your family soon!

Instructor Chuen Hon C. profile Card Image

Chuen Hon C.

Berkeley, California 94704

Certification N/A

Im Ryan, a swim instructor with two years of experience teaching all ages and skill levels. I focus on building a welcoming, confidence-boosting vibe in the water while helping swimmers master all four strokes and enjoy swimming more every session since March 2023.

Instructor Tess W. profile Card Image

Tess W.

Berkeley, CA 94703

Sunsational Certified Since 2017

My name is Tess and I am very passionate about teaching children of all ages water safety skills. I have been swim instructing for 4 years and have experience with ages 1-15. In addition to teaching, lifeguarding, and coaching, I have tutored and provided daycare for almost 10 years. With 5 years of competitive swimming experience and 3 years on a water polo team. I enjoy sharing the love of water with children and supporting them in becoming safe, independent, confident swimmers!

Instructor ARIEL N. profile Card Image

ARIEL N.

Berkeley, CA 94705

Sunsational Certified Since 2018

Hi I'm Ariel! I have been teaching swim lessons for 10 years! I began when I was 12 and continued teaching throughout University. I work as an after-care teacher during the year. I have a degree in Theater Arts from Rutgers University. I love teaching swimming because I know that I can get anyone from fearful beginner afraid to put their face in the water, to an experienced swimmer wanting to work on their technique.

Instructor Cassidy L. profile Card Image

Cassidy L.

Lafayette, CA 94549

Sunsational Certified Since 2017

Hi, my name is Cassi and I have been teaching swim lessons for 5 years now. My experience comes from teaching as a swim instructor at Splash Swim School in Walnut Creek, CA. I found it incredibly rewarding that I played a part in making sure my student's became thoroughly water safe. Currently, I am finishing my college degree at San Francisco State University. I have 10 years of swim team experience at Heather Farms Swim team, so feel very confident about helping with stroke progression.

Instructor Vanessa H. profile Card Image

Vanessa H.

Oakland, CA 94609

Sunsational Certified Since 2017

Hi, my name is Vanessa! I have provided swim instruction for three years, both as a fellow swimmer and as a swim coach, and I have worked with swimmers ages 3-17. I was a competitive swimmer for 12 years, so I have developed a real passion for swimming and helping others swim! I also have lots of experience with children through tutoring and teaching, and I have taught and helped care for adults with special needs. As an Education major, my absolute greatest passion is helping others succeed.

Instructor Alyssa Z. profile Card Image

Alyssa Z.

walnut creek, California 94597

Certification N/A

Hello! I'm Alyssa, a current student at UC Davis. I study managerial economics and international relations. I swam competitively on a club team for 11 years and have been teaching swim lessons since February 2019. I can't wait to work with new students and am so excited to see improvements!

Instructor Olivia D. profile Card Image

Olivia D.

Berkeley, CA 94702

Sunsational Certified Since 2024

Hello! My name is Alex. Im 29 years old and a after school enrichment teacher. Although I teach middle schoolers during the school year, my experience teaching swim lessons is primarily with children ages 2 to 10. Swimming was a huge part of my childhood, and I love sharing that joy.

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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 Orinda, 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 Orinda, 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 Orinda 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 San Francisco South Bay. 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!


Bring the swim school to your pool!ℱ

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