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Special Needs Swim Lessons in Saint Petersburg

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 Saint Petersburg, FL!

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 Saint Petersburg. 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 Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg, FL

We believe our students deserve the best, so we work with only the best swim instructors in Saint Petersburg. 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: Shelby H.

Shelby H.

St. Petersburg, FL 33705

Swim Instructor Profile Image: caitlin t.

caitlin t.

St. Petersburg, Florida 33705

Swim Instructor Profile Image: Tonia E.

Tonia E.

St. Petersburg, Florida 33705

Swim Instructor Profile Image: Trent M.

Trent M.

St. Pete, Florida 33702

Swim Instructor Profile Image: Mckenzie R.

Mckenzie R.

St Petersburg, FL 33716

"Kenzie was great. She knew how to make my lessons fun for my 2 year old. Kenzie is patient and sweet!" - Joanne K.

Swim Instructor Profile Image: Dayna V.

Dayna V.

Seminole, FL 33777

Swim Instructor Profile Image: Dawn C.

Dawn C.

Largo, Florida 33773

Swim Instructor Profile Image: Gavin R.

Gavin R.

Seminole, FL 33772

Everyone is nice, had to switch from 120 min to 60 min and with no problem, they were able to change. Our kids absolutely love their swim instructor Gavin, he does so well with little ones. -Carolina G.

Swim Instructor Profile Image: Melanie F.

Melanie F.

Tampa, Florida 33611

Swim Instructor Profile Image: Brenna H.

Brenna H.

Largo, Florida 33773

Swim Instructor Profile Image: Jilian S.

Jilian S.

Tampa, Florida 33629

Swim Instructor Profile Image: Brianna P.

Brianna P.

Apollo Beach, FL 33572-2114

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 Saint Petersburg

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

Book Swim Lessons
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

$

56

/ 30 minutes

-16%
$

79

/ HOUR

-11%

BEST VALUE

12 lessons

$

59

/ 30 minutes

-12%
$

84

/ HOUR

-6%

MOST POPULAR

6 lessons

$

67

/ 30 minutes

$

89

/ 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 Emily C. profile Card Image

Emily C.

St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Sunsational Certified Since 2017

Hi, my name is Emily and I have been teaching swim lessons for 9 years with ages 3 to 15. I have also worked with children for 9 years as a camp counselor and outdoor education teacher, and I have been a certified lifeguard for 9 years. I went to Middlebury College and earned a degree in English and Education in 2015. I also played water polo in college! I love teaching swimming because I love to watch children achieve new skills and independence!

Instructor Heidi B. profile Card Image

Heidi B.

FL, USA USA

Sunsational Certified Since 2017

Hi, my name is Heidi and I've been teaching swim lessons for over 20 years to children 3 years old to adults. I'm a professional in the aquatic safety industry. I really enjoy seeing children succeed and I want to make sure that as many children as possible know how to swim. (Drowning is 100% preventable)! I was a competitive swimmer and water polo player which led to my love of aquatics. I also have a bachelor's degree from Eckerd College.

Instructor Tiffany D. profile Card Image

Tiffany D.

St Petersburg, FL 33713

Sunsational Certified Since 2016

Hi, my name is Tiffany and I've been teaching swimming lessons 8 years with infants through 12 years old. I have been a social worker since 2004 in the mental health field. I went to the University of La Crosse Wisconsin and earned a Bachelors degree in 2002. My passion is helping people. I love the water and competitively swam from elementary school into high school.

Instructor Kerri C. profile Card Image

Kerri C.

Saint Petersburg, FL 33701

Sunsational Certified Since 2019

Hi! My name is Kerri and I have been teaching children of all ages (3months to teens) thru adults. I have worked with children for over 8 years total as a lifeguard, babysitter, and have lots of nieces and nephews! I went to Suffolk University in Boston, MA and earned a B.S in Pre-Law. I love teaching swimming because I miss doing it and I`m really fond of children learning safety tips that will carry them thru life. I am currently training for a triathlon so I`m in the pool five days a week.

Instructor Shelby H. profile Card Image

Shelby H.

St. Petersburg, FL 33705

Certification N/A

Hi! My name is Shelby. I have been teaching swim lessons for 10 years! I have taught over 2,000 clients from ages 6 months - 70 years. I also have experience working with students who have various disabilities such as nonverbal, blindness, autism, and more. I have taught at over 8 facilities and for 4 school districts. During college, I ran a private swim lesson business where I taught 22 children a week. I have taught in ID, WA, CT, TN, and now FL! I cant wait to work with you!

Instructor caitlin t. profile Card Image

caitlin t.

St. Petersburg, Florida 33705

Certification N/A

Hi! My name is Caitlin, and I have been teaching lessons since January 2017! I have taught students aged 1 to 75 with varying ability levels. Additionally, I have extensive experience working with developmental disabilities both in the pool and in clinical settings. I also have experience as a lifeguard, lifeguard instructor, PADI scuba instructor, RBT, and autism researcher! I absolutely love the water and cant wait to start working with you.

Instructor Tonia E. profile Card Image

Tonia E.

St. Petersburg, Florida 33705

Certification N/A

Hi, my name is Tonia. I've always had a deep love for the water, and it's what first inspired me to start teaching swim lessons. I have experience working with kids and adults alike, including teaching children's swim lessons and leading water aerobics classes. I'm excited to dive back in and help others feel confident and safe in the water.

Instructor Thomas Z. profile Card Image

Thomas Z.

St. Petersburg, Florida 33701

Certification N/A

Hello, my name is Tom Zucker! I have spent the last 5 years teaching at Pinellas County Schools, first at Tyrone Middle School and now at Osceola Fundamental High School. Before I became a teacher, I spent 7 summers lifeguarding, including 1 summer during which I also coached a swim team and 1 summer during which I provided swim lessons to children under 10. My experience both in the pool and in the classroom makes me the ideal person to help your child along their swimming journey. I look forward to working with you!

Instructor Krista F. profile Card Image

Krista F.

St. Petersburg, Florida 33713

Certification N/A

I grew up in Southern CA surfing and body surfing. I was born to be in the water; my mom had me in a pool when I was only one week old! I started doing private swim lessons as an instructor at 14 and specialize in ages 0-14 years. I love helping people fall in love with being in the water and growing in their confidence while swimming. From brand new to perfecting swim strokes and dives, I love teaching it all. Everyone learns differently, and my favorite part of teaching is coming up with unique ways for each individual to learn a new skill and grow in their swimming capability. Im also a big fan of games and making things an adventure every lesson. My other hobbies are scuba diving, Pilates, hiking, traveling, and reading.

Instructor Isabela S. profile Card Image

Isabela S.

St. Petersburg, FL 33713

Sunsational Certified Since 2024

Hello! My name is Isabela Izzy Segoviano. I am a 20 year old swim instructor and lifeguard. I was also on swim team for 5 years. Aside from swimming on my own; I immensely enjoyed being a lifeguard and teaching lessons! I have experience teaching ages 5-10. I am so excited to work with your kids to not only teach them water safety and technique but how to have fun in the water!

Instructor Elizabeth H. profile Card Image

Elizabeth H.

St. Petersburg, FL 33713

Sunsational Certified Since 2019

Hi, I'm Elizabeth! I've been teaching swim lessons for the last 10+ years working with children ages 2-18. My whole life I've been on competitive swim teams and been giving swim lessons. Then I went away to FSU and USF to get a bachelor's and master's degree in education. I now work as a high school teacher and high school swim coach. Water safety skills and strokes and instilling a love for swimming is why I teach. Looking forward to meeting you!

Instructor Trent M. profile Card Image

Trent M.

St. Pete, Florida 33702

Sunsational Certified Since 2024

Being born and raised in Saint Petersburg, I had no choice but to grow up surrounded by water. My mother had me and my twin brother in the water as soon as she possibly could. I have been a lifeguard since June 2019. I started my journey at Admiral Farragut Academy for a camp called Little Captains. I then moved to Circle C Ranch Academy to teach swim lessons to toddlers up to late teenagers. I am a rescue diver and competed in competitive swimming in high school. I am currently pursuing a degree in Unmanned Aircraft Systems at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. I have a passion for teaching children how to swim so that they can be more involved with the people and environment around them. I am First Aid, CPR, and Lifeguard certified.

Instructor Rachael M. profile Card Image

Rachael M.

St. Petersburg, FL 33710

Sunsational Certified Since 2024

My name is Rachael and I've been teaching swim lessons for 5 years. I've had the chance to work with all ages, and teach those with special needs. I've been a competitive swimmer for almost 8 years and been coaching my collegiate swimming team for over a year, which is why I wanted to become certified and teach others. I attend the University of Florida and I am getting a degree in Nutritional Sciences. I love teaching swim lessons because I believe swimming is an important life skill!

Instructor Laura N. profile Card Image

Laura N.

St. Petersburg, FL 33702

Sunsational Certified Since 2017

Hi! My name is Laura and I have been teaching swim lessons for over 6 years. I was an all state swimmer in high school, while in college I became a lifeguard and swim instructor. I graduated with a B.S. in Health Care administration. I have taught mommy and me classes and individual student classes from age 5 to adults. I love showing students of all ages skills and techniques to have fun and be safe in the water. I am excited to see you in class!

Instructor Colleen R. profile Card Image

Colleen R.

St. Petersburg, FL 33710

Sunsational Certified Since 2017

Hi, I am Colleen Reilly and I taught over 800 adults to swim and was a professional lifeguard for 10 years at Cornell University. I have also taught children ages 5+. I have over 30 years teaching, coaching and managing people of all ages. I find it extremely rewarding to share my love of the water with others and create a comfortable and safe environment for them. I am currently in my 2nd year of a Doctor of Chiropractic program.

Instructor Kirt K. profile Card Image

Kirt K.

St. Petersburg, FL 33702

Sunsational Certified Since 2025

Kirt's love of the water was ingrained in him at a very early age. His mother said "that Kirt could swim before he could walk."He is an energetic instructor whose biggest reward is the transformation of an intimidated child to a capable swimmer.Swimming lessons for all ages and abilities from children to adults. Certifications:ÔÇô Red Cross Water Safety Instructor ÔÇô Red Cross First Aid, CPR and AED ÔÇô Red Cross Certified Lifeguard

Instructor Mckenzie R. profile Card Image

Mckenzie R.

St Petersburg, FL 33716

Sunsational Certified Since 2018

Hi, my name is Mckenzie. I'm currently working towards my PharmD and MBA at Palm Beach Atlantic University. For 6 years I have been teaching swim lessons. In that time I've worked with ages 6 months-adults, special needs swimmers, and swim teams, I myself was on one for 7 years. Fearful beginners are the main reason I love teaching. I love seeing and being a part of the process that occurs when someone is able to conquer their fears and transition from victim to victor.

Instructor Dayna V. profile Card Image

Dayna V.

Seminole, FL 33777

Sunsational Certified Since 2023

My name is Dayna. I have been teaching swim lessons since February 2005. I have taught all ages from infants to adults. I have worked at YMCAs, Girl Scouts, summer camps, and independently. I have been a daycare teacher and a camp counselor. I am WSI and Lifeguard certified. Im also FLOAT certified which is YMCA version of ISR. I love teaching swimming; it's rewarding knowing I'm teaching someone a skill they will have for a lifetime. I went to Lackawanna College in PA and have an Associate's degree in ECE. I'm also a US Sailing instructor and have taught kayaking and canoeing.

Instructor Dawn C. profile Card Image

Dawn C.

Largo, Florida 33773

Certification N/A

Hello, my name is Dawn. I am a middle school Health and Physical Education Teacher/Coach. I have been teaching since February 2013. In my spare time, I like to participate in CrossFit. I used to love to swim as a kid and figured I should get back into it. I taught swimming lessons when I was younger.

Instructor Caitlyn M. profile Card Image

Caitlyn M.

Largo, Florida 33773

Certification N/A

Hi! My name is Caitlyn! I have been a competitive swimmer since I was 8 years old and have taught swim lessons since March 2023. I love helping others feel more confident in and around the pool and can't wait to share my love of swimming with others!

Instructor Nicole H. profile Card Image

Nicole H.

Tampa, FL 33616

Sunsational Certified Since 2025

Hi, my name is Nicole. I've been teaching swim lessons for 5 years. I have experience conducting group swimming lessons as well as private individual lessons. I have experience with children ages 10 months-10 years and can teach both beginner swim lessons and some basic stroke technique. I've worked with children for 8 years as a nanny, swim instructor, and behavioral therapist for children with Autism. I am currently attending USF for a Masters Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis.

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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 Saint Petersburg, 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 Saint Petersburg, 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 Saint Petersburg 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 Tampa. 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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