Toddler swim lessons inRiverside
Looking for the best private toddler swimming lessons near me? Itâs always a Sunsational time to learn to swim in Riverside! Our private swim lessons ensure rapid progress in essential water safety skills.
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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 Riverside.
What are survival float lessons?
Riverside 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 Riverside 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
Riverside 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 Riverside 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!
Lissa D.
Riverside, CA 92507
Sunsational Certified Since 2025
Hello, my name is Lissa! I recently graduated from UC Riverside with a degree in Philosophy and am taking a gap year before heading to graduate school. I've been swimming since I was four years old, volunteering to teach swimming since I was in high school, and formally teaching swimming lessons since college. I am experienced working with students from ages 18 months to over 40 years old. I love educating people about important water safety skills and I find teaching swimming super fun!
Cecil C.
Riverside, CA 92507
Sunsational Certified Since 2023
Hello! My name is Cecil Craig, I've been teaching swim lessons for 5 years now with the ages of 2+. When I'm not teaching swim lessons I tutor various different subjects with all ages or conducting research. I have a BA from LSU in archaeology. I have always loved swimming and being in the water so my favorite thing about teaching swim lessons is being able to share that joy with others.
Haojun N.
Riverside, California 92507
Certification N/A
Hi! My name is Jack! I have been involved in water polo since February 2015, and I am a National First Level Water Polo Athlete in China. I know how to swim and swim well! Cant wait to see you out there in the pool!
Aidan M.
Riverside, California 92506
Certification N/A
I started swimming extremely young and have always loved the water because my grandparents always had a backyard pool. I had pool parties, took swim lessons, and would just swim for fun whenever I could. I got a job as a lifeguard and then a swim instructor when I was 16 and have done that ever since! I love my work and I love working with kids and ensuring everyone is safe and comfortable in the water. Ive also been a dancer since childhood and a dance teacher for K-12 ages for a couple of years, giving me extra experience with extra active kids. I love working with all ages, including adults, and am committed to helping anyone who wants to swim or at least just be comfortable in the water get started since March 2021.
Chloe C.
Riverside, California 92507
Certification N/A
Hello! My name is Chloe and Ive been teaching swim lessons since March 2019! Ive worked with kids as young as 2 years all the way up to adults. I swam competitively for 12 years and am also a certified lifeguard. Im happy to work with all skill levels, whether your goal is water safety or to learn the competitive strokes!
Ashton L.
Riverside, California 92507
Certification N/A
Hello! My name is Ashton. I am a current student at the University of California, Riverside. I am currently working for my BA and aim to get into the Doctorate program of Physical Therapy. I have been teaching kids as young as 3 years old to adults who wish to learn how to swim since September 2021 during my time as a swim instructor and lifeguard at the YMCA of San Francisco and the East Bay area. Aside from my professional experience, I have been swimming since I was 6 and did competitive swimming as well as water polo in high school. I hope to create the environment and space for your kids to enjoy the water as much as I do!
Valerie B.
Riverside, CA 92506
Sunsational Certified Since 2017
Hello, my name is Valerie. I`ve been teaching swim for a year now and I`ve worked with ages ranging from about 9 months to 14 years old. I was a lifeguard for over 4 years at a Christian summer camp. I currently attend Riverside Community College where I study business and play water polo. Teaching swimming interests me because I enjoy watching children learn to be comfortable and safe in the water, which I love to do while swimming and playing water polo.
Kimberley D.
Riverside, CA 92507
Sunsational Certified Since 2017
My name is Kimberley Do and I have been teaching swim lessons for 2 years from the ages 3 to 15. I am currently a second-year Ethnic Studies major at the University of California, Riverside. I have always enjoyed being in the water ever since I was a kid and that influenced me to become a professional swimmer for 8 years. Now, I love being able to teach young kids how to swim and enjoy being in the water as much as I do!
Austin S.
Riverside, California 92504
Certification N/A
My name is Austin Smith! I have been teaching swim lessons at the YMCA, where I've been able to teach all my students the necessary skills to not only survive but excel in the water! I have worked with students who have special needs. I have also been a lifeguard since February 2023. I can't wait to meet you! :)
Blair-Spencer A.
Riverside, California 92504
Certification N/A
Hi, my name is Blair-Spencer! I studied sociology and minored in economics at Pitzer College, where I developed a real passion for understanding how people learn and grow. I have been swimming since before I could walk, and I absolutely love helping others feel strong, confident, and happy in the water. I work with swimmers of all agesfrom energetic little ones to determined adultsand I bring a fun, positive vibe to every lesson. Butterfly is my favorite stroke, and I am all about making each session exciting, encouraging, and tailored to you!
Michaela H.
Riverside, CA 92506
Sunsational Certified Since 2017
Hi, my name is Michaela. My love of swimming first began while attending swim lessons at the age of 5 leading me to compete in high school and continue swimming as a means of exercise. I attended California Baptist University earning my degree in exercise science in 2017 and have worked with kids for 9 years as a babysitter/nanny. I have taught swim lessons for ages 5 to 21 and love to teach swimming because it opens others eyes to a new world many are afraid to dive into.
John D.
Riverside, CA 92507
Sunsational Certified Since 2017
John Dalton-Ballard- Swim Instructor since 2015- Lifeguard for 7 years straight - Camp counselor for 2 years (2 month long camps)- Graduated from the University of California, Riverside with Cum Laude Bachelor's of Science in Psychology - 2 years of undergraduate research in children's cognitive development- I have extensive experience working with children and adults, including children with simple to complex disabilities. - (707) 478-6720- jdalt002@ucr.edu
Akilah M.
Riverside, CA 92506
Sunsational Certified Since 2017
Hi, my name is Akilah Martin and I've been teaching swim lessons for 6 years and since I was 16. I have taught a wide range of age groups but predominantly children and babies with a few adult classes mixed in. The children have ranged in all ages from 6 or 7 months to 16 or 17 and a few have been special needs kids. I recently graduated from UCR in 2016 with my Bachelor's in Public Policy. I love teaching swim lessons and working with kids which is why I have been doing it for so long.
Jorge G.
Riverside, California 92504
Sunsational Certified Since 2024
Hello! My name is Jorge Gomez and I have been teaching swimming lessons for about 2-3 years. I have experience teaching swimming to students ages 2 1/2 to as old as 65+. I am very versatile in my teaching and can be firm or gentle depending on the student.
Monica G.
Riverside, California 92507
Certification N/A
Hello everyone! My name is Monica Gayed! I am a newly graduated Family Medicine Doctor. I have been swimming competitively since I was 4 years old, in Cairo, Egypt, to here in California. I fell in love with water polo in high school, where I made it to the Junior Olympic level. I have done every water sport imaginable and am always happy to introduce the joy that swimming brings by coaching others to learn, succeed, and have fun in our practice sessions! I have worked with students of all ages and have guided professional athletes in their rehab. My goal is to always bring your goals to life while building experience and having a great time doing it!
Delilah M.
Riverside, California 92504
Certification N/A
Im 19 with 4+ years of experience teaching swim lessons for all ages, plus over 10 years in competitive swimming and water polo. I currently play water polo in college while earning my bachelors in Health Science. Ive taught everything from beginner lessons to aqua exercise, helping infants, kids, and adults gain confidence and skill in the water. My teaching style is patient, adaptable, and encouragingI believe swimming is not just a sport but a vital life skill for safety, fitness, and confidence. Whether youre starting fresh or looking to improve technique, Id love to help you or your child become a stronger, safer, and more confident swimmer!
Natacha B.
Riverside, CA 92503
Sunsational Certified Since 2018
Hi, my name is Natacha and I have over 12 years of experience working with all age groups and different types of disabilities. I worked as a swim instructor, lifeguard and as a supervisor at the Janet Evans Swim Complex in Fullerton for 8 years, where I was trained with a program from Swim America, a very effective system that breaks down each stroke in a way that helps children and adults learn how to swim. I look forward to working with you!
Andrew S.
Riverside, California 92508
Certification N/A
My name is Andrew. I'm super passionate about the water and water safety. I worked for the City of Riverside for 2 years as a lifeguard and swim instructor, where I taught all age levels, from infants to adults. I have also worked with adaptive (special needs) kids and adults. I am First Aid, AED, Lifeguard, and CPR certified. I was in Boy Scouts for 5 years, where I earned my Eagle Scout rank. Not only do I hope to instill confidence in your children in their ability to swim, but to do that through the joy of learning.
Christian A.
Bloomington, CA 92316
Sunsational Certified Since 2017
Hi, my name is Christian and I've been teaching swim lessons for 4 of years with ages 6 to adult. I've also worked with children for 5 of years as a children's action tour in the OBX I've also babysat for many friends and family over the years.I love teaching swimming because i belong in the water and id love to give anyone the confidence the swim and feel safe in pools, its a great time and a great part of life.
Jordan B.
Riverside, CA 92503
Sunsational Certified Since 2017
Hi, my name is Jordan and I've been teaching swim lessons for 3 years with ages 2.5 to 14 years. I go to George Washington University and am currently on the Water Polo team. I am currently earning a degree in business administration with a concentration in sports management. I love teaching swimming because ever since I was 6 I have been in and out of the pool and enjoy bringing my love for the water to others.
Alexandra C.
Colton, CA 92324
Sunsational Certified Since 2018
Hello, I am an energetic and loving person that enjoys teaching and being around children. I have a lot of experience in childcare and teaching swimming. I have worked as a swim instructor and lifeguard in the recent years. I attended Southern Adventist University and received a degree in Business Administration. I love teaching swimming, because it gives me a sense of pride to see children learn a new life skill!
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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 Riverside, our instructors teach year-round, so you can start lessons whenever youâre ready.
YesâSunsationalâs instructors in Riverside 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 Riverside 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 Riverside 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 Riverside 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 Riverside, where many families enjoy backyard pools, community centers or home pool days, desert heat relief, 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 Riverside and nearby neighborhoods in Inland Empire. 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 Riverside, 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.