Adult swim lessons inSan Mateo

Whether you are a total beginner or looking for an advanced swimming course, Sunsational Swim School offers private, at-home swim lessons for adults in San Mateo to ensure rapid progress!

Thousands of

5-star reviews

200k+

swimmers

2000+

Sunsational Swim instructors

Adult swim lessons in San Mateo, CA

For total beginners or advanced swimmers!

Sunsational Swim School offers adult swim lessons at home or in your community pool in San Mateo. Whether you're an adult beginner dipping your toe into the pool for the first time, working to overcome a fear of water, or seeking advanced swim training to complete the 1500-meter swimming split of a triathlon, we’ll be with you every stroke of the way to get you to your goals! Our expert swim instructors provide personalized, 1-on-1 adult private swim lessons to help you reach your goals. Learn to swim at your own pace with America’s #1 swim school.

Start swimming faster with a Sunsational private swim instructor in San Mateo

Getting to swim classes can be tough – that’s why we bring baby swim lessons to you! We want your baby to be comfortable in the water, so we offer private parent and baby lessons or the option to create a small baby group (3 to 6 babies) with your friends. Our instructors make it easy for everyone to have fun while learning key water safety skills together. Babies will receive a certificate after completing their lessons. What's more fun than your baby earning a certificate with their friends?

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Private adult swimming lessons are great for…

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    Adults in all swimming levels

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    Fear of water or aquaphobia

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    Adults with near drowning/traumatic experiences

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    Training for a triathlon or other swim competition

  • 5

    Learning stroke technique

  • 6

    Training for a swim test (military, school, etc.)

Why choose Sunsational Swim School to learn to swim?

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    Quick Results

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    Our adult swim students generally learn to swim within just 6 to 12 swim lessons

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    Built-in Convenience

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    Sunsational swim instructors travel to you & work around your schedule

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    Top Instructors

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    All Sunsational instructors are CPR/First Aid certified with a minimum of 2 years of experience teaching adult lessons

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    Satisfaction Guaranteed

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    Love your lessons or choose a new instructor or refund

Benefits of adult swimming lessons with Sunsational

If you want to learn to swim and you’re afraid or embarrassed to try in a group, the Sunsational Swim School’s private swimming lessons for adults can help you develop a strong set of basic swim skills quickly.

Private swim lessons are the most effective way to learn

Benefit Illustration

Our adult swim lessons can take place at your community pool or even in your own home swimming pool—at the times and days that work best for you.

We make it convenient to learn

Our private adult swim lessons are tailored to your comfort level and learning style. We create a relaxed environment where progress is easy and fast.

We tailor our lessons for you

You can choose a time slot for adult swimming lessons that fits with your own schedule and even book multiple lessons in advance at the same time.

Flexible scheduling

From the first splash to the last dive, our private swim lessons for adults help you advance at your pace in an encouraging and safe environment.

Non-swimmers to advance technique training

Benefit Illustration

Our instructors are CPR/First Aid certified, background checked, and trained in swim safety. They’re patient and experienced at teaching adults.

Highly qualified & patient instructors

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You’re never too old to learn

Learning to swim is an achievement to be proud of at any age, especially considering that nearly half of all American adults fear the deep end while 37% can’t swim at all. Our private adult swim lessons use personalized programs and proven methods to help adults of all levels build confidence, overcome their fear of water, and master essential swimming skills in a supportive environment.

Adult Beginner

How to be comfortable in the water

Water safety/survival techniques

Introduction to treading water

Proper floating, kicking, and breathing underwater

Front crawl/freestyle swim stroke

Adult Intermediate

Breaststroke, backstroke swimming techniques

Rotary breathing

Endurance building

Mechanical stroke refinement on established swim strokes

Adult Advanced

Advanced stroke techniques for improved efficiency and speed

Butterfly arm and kick coordination, flip turns, and diving

Speed, endurance and stamina

Specialized Training

Endurance-based interval training for long-distance and military swim tests

Swim training for swimmers participating in triathlons

Water aerobic exercise with stretching and strength training routines to improve all elements of fitness (flexibility, muscular strength, and cardiovascular fitness)

Recommended lesson plans for adult Swim Lessons

After teaching thousands of adults how to swim, we’ve found that these lesson plans work best based on skill levels and goals:

For beginner adult swim students

Lesson Length:

60 minutes

Recommended Lessons:

12-18

If you’re new to swimming or overcoming a fear of water, our 6-pack of 1-hour lessons is ideal for building your confidence. For adult beginners looking to master basic skills and progress to strokes like freestyle, our 12-pack offers extended practice and faster results.

For beginner adult swim students

For advanced adult swim students

Lesson Length:

60 minutes

Recommended Lessons:

6-12

For advanced swimmers training for competition, tests, or triathlons, as well as those who just want to improve their swimming skills, our 12 or 18-pack provides focused practice to refine your stroke technique. Better technique will help you swim faster with less effort.

For advanced adult swim students

Where and when you learn is up to you

All ages

Service over 40 Metro Areas Nationwide

Flexible scheduling

Where and when you learn is up to you

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!

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Adult Lessons

1 Hr or longer (add in 30 minute increments). Each hour can be divided by up to 4 students (max of 2 beginners at one time; both beginners must be age 4 yrs or older). 30 minutes private lesson per student to qualify for the guarantee.

1 - 4 Student

60 Minute private or semi-private lessons

(1Hr+ Can be divided by multiple students)

18 lessons

$

106

/ HOUR

-15%

BEST VALUE

12 lessons

$

112

/ HOUR

-10%

MOST POPULAR

6 lessons

$

125

/ HOUR

Need help? Call 1-888-788-2140

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 Sanam G. profile Card Image

Sanam G.

Burlingame, California 94010

Certification N/A

Hi, Im a lifelong water lover with experience as a swim instructor, coach, lifeguard, and water polo coachI even still play Masters water polo for fun! Whether youre just getting comfortable in the water or training to improve your technique, Im here to help you reach your goals and have a great time doing it. I studied Exercise Science at Cal Poly and earned my Masters in Healthcare Administration from Columbia University.

Instructor Mohamed A. profile Card Image

Mohamed A.

Belmont, CA 94002

Sunsational Certified Since 2018

Hi, my name is Moh and I have been teaching swim & squash lessons for over 3 years. I am a telecommunication engineer who received my degree in 1992. I love teaching swimming because it is my favorite sport and I want to use my experience to help others learn how to swim and enjoy the water!

Instructor Bryan K. profile Card Image

Bryan K.

Belmont, CA 94002

Sunsational Certified Since 2021

Hello, I am Coach Bryan Koester. I specialize in swimming development for all ages (6 months - 90 years) and levels (beginner to competitor). I've worked in the San Francisco Bay Area since January 2010 as a swim coach/instructor and lifeguard. I have helped hundreds of children and adults reach their swimming goals on many award-winning swim teams and swim schools, including disabled adults and children. I swam competitively in high school and still love swimming with my family and friends.

Instructor Thomas L. profile Card Image

Thomas L.

Redwood City, California 94062

Certification N/A

I am a retired public school teacher and administrator with many years of experience in and on the water. Sailing, kayak surfing, and snorkeling are water activities that I enjoy in my free time. I was a lifeguard and swimming instructor in college and have taught hundreds of children and dozens of adults to swim. I have also taught children and adults a variety of other water sports, including water skiing, sailing, bodyboarding, sea kayaking, and rowing. My many years of time on the water, experience as a swimming instructor, and years as a teacher have given me the skills to be an excellent swimming instructor.

Instructor Vivian R. profile Card Image

Vivian R.

Redwood City, California 94061

Certification N/A

Hi, my name is Vivian. From a young age, I learned to swim. I joined a competitive swim team. I had fun doing competitions, and I often won. My first job was as a lifeguard and swim instructor at my local pool. I have taught in many swim schools and aquatics programs. I have been teaching since February 2015. I teach all ages, from 3-month baby classes to adult first timers. Teaching people to swim, have fun, and be safe in the water is my passion.

Instructor Stanley P. profile Card Image

Stanley P.

Half Moon Bay, CA 94019

Sunsational Certified Since 2019

Hello, my name is Stanley and I have taught water safety and swim lessons with ages from 3 to adults. I have worked with children since college as private tutor, skiing coach, outreach programs, and volunteers. I love teaching swimming because I love it when people learn new skill for life. Safety is number when it comes to water. So making friends with water is what I am best at introducing beginners. After that, anything is possible.

Instructor Kaylie M. profile Card Image

Kaylie M.

Pacifica, California 94044

Certification N/A

Hi! My name is Kaylie, and Im a kindergarten teacher and certified swim instructor with a deep passion for helping children grow in confidenceboth in the classroom and in the water. I hold my California teaching credential and bring a patient, encouraging approach to every lesson. I played college water polo and swam competitively. I also spent many years as a lifeguard, where I developed a strong focus on water safety and prevention skills. I have worked with many neurodivergent students and tailor my lessons to meet each swimmers individual needs and learning styles. My goal is to create a safe, positive, and empowering environment where every swimmer feels confident, supported, and excited to learn.

Instructor Julia M. profile Card Image

Julia M.

Menlo Park, California 94025

Sunsational Certified Since 2024

Im a clinical psychology graduate student at PGSP-Stanford, and Ive been teaching swim lessons for 8 years. Ive been swimming competitively since the age of 6, and I attended Amherst College where I swam and played water polo. I have experience teaching both kids (1-18 years old) and adults (18+). I hope to teach students to love the water as much as I do!

Instructor Juliana W. profile Card Image

Juliana W.

Pacifica, CA 94044

Sunsational Certified Since 2018

Hi, my name is Jules and I've been teaching swim lessons for 8 years with ages 3 months through 80 years old. I've also worked with children and adults for 5 years through the local Special Olympics team. I swam competitively for 10 years and played water polo for 5 years. I went to UC Davis and earned a degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering in 2014. I love working with children and watching them succeed and become water safe.

Instructor Sheris M. profile Card Image

Sheris M.

Daly City, CA 94015

Sunsational Certified Since 2023

Hi there! My name is Sheris! I've swam for over 10 years in a competitive swim team, and have 3 years of experience teaching swim lessons for children 3yrs. to adults. I've worked as an after-school elementary teacher and YMCA lifeguard. This year in 2023 I received my Bachelor's in Psychology at UC Berkeley. I love teaching because I enjoy motivating and seeing students improve in the water. It is so rewarding and I'm excited to work with amazing soon-to-be fishes in the water!

Instructor Michael G. profile Card Image

Michael G.

Daly City, CA 94014

Sunsational Certified Since 2017

Hi, my name is Mike and I`ve been teaching swim lessons for over 5 years with ages 2.5-82. I`ve also worked with children for 32 years as a wrestling coach and teacher. I went to UCLA and earned a BA in History in 1985 and USF Law School in 1989, where I earned a Juris-Doctorate. I love teaching swimming because it is an important survival skill.

Instructor Nathan B. profile Card Image

Nathan B.

Menlo Park, CA 94028

Sunsational Certified Since 2018

My 11 years of competitive swimming experience has led to a highly detailed and practical understanding of stroke technique. After over two years of swim instruction at the Burgess Pool in Menlo Park and later, private lessons around Portola Valley, Palo Alto and Menlo Park, I am able to teach students of all ages to be more comfortable in the water and have a better "feel for the water." I also have years of experience with adults who are complete beginners.

Instructor Amber L. profile Card Image

Amber L.

San Francisco, CA 94112

Sunsational Certified Since 2017

Hi there! I'm Amber and I LOVE teaching swim lessons. I've worked for two summers as a swim instructor and lifeguard for my city and I've also assisted swim classes for my college. I have taught private lessons for many years and it is such an encouragement to see my swimmers grow. Ages I have worked with include 6 mo's. to 25 years old. I have two major goals I aim to accomplish: for you and your swimmer(s) to be confident in and around the pool and to improve.Have a great swim!Amber

Instructor Pablo V. profile Card Image

Pablo V.

San Leandro, CA 94579

Sunsational Certified Since 2024

Hi, I'm Pablo and I've been teaching swim lessons for two years with ages 3 to 60. Before this, I was also the leader of a youth choir for a year - working with ages 6 to 20. I'm currently a freshman at Cal State Univ. East Bay and pursuing a bachelors degree in communications. I swam competetively during high school on the varsity swim team. I enjoy teaching swimming because I believe it is an essential life skill - and I'm grateful to be a promoter of it. Also, it's fun to work with children!

Instructor Sara C. profile Card Image

Sara C.

Daly City, CA 94015

Sunsational Certified Since 2021

Hello, my name is Sara and I have nearly 20 years of personal swimming experience as well as over 10 years of experience working with children. I have been a babysitter, nanny, camp counselor, after school care worker, and swim instructor. I have been teaching swim lessons for 3 years and am capable of teaching students of all ages and skill levels. I am passionate about swimming and my favorite part of teaching is seeing my students have fun and gain confidence in the water!

Instructor Hana T. profile Card Image

Hana T.

Daly City, CA 94015

Sunsational Certified Since 2024

Hi, my name's Hana! I enjoy teaching people how to swim because it's a great life skill and it makes pool and beach days a lot more fun. I swam competitively on my high school and college swim team. I was also on my high school's water polo team for 3 years where I continued my love for water sports. I have been teaching swimming skills to the public for 7 years and I have worked with 2 to 40 year-olds.

Instructor Hailey H. profile Card Image

Hailey H.

San Leandro, California 94579

Sunsational Certified Since 2024

My strong connection with water and children has deeply influenced my career. From babysitter to in-home nanny, I found my passion for nurturing young minds. As a private swim coach for ages 1 to adults, I enjoy teaching swimming skills and building confidence around water. Since February 2021, I have specialized in swim lessons for children needing extra support. Its rewarding to see breakthroughs, such as children with autism swimming independently after tailored coaching.

Instructor Makena L. profile Card Image

Makena L.

Palo Alto, California 94303

Certification N/A

Hi! My name is Makena, and I can't wait to get into the pool and help create a safe and fun environment for kids of all ages to learn how to swim. Im passionate about making sure every child feels confident in and around water, so families can enjoy their time together at the pool worry-free! I grew up swimming competitively and was lucky to learn from coaches who are known across the country for their techniques. I have been working with children (and adults!) of all ages and skill levels since February 2023, from basic water safety to technique-focused lessons, all grounded in the American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor course. I focus on building a supportive space where lessons are tailored to fit each childs unique needs!

Instructor Sasha S. profile Card Image

Sasha S.

San Francisco, California 94107

Sunsational Certified Since 2024

Hey there! Im Sasha- I'm a swim instructor who's passionate about helping students feel comfortable and confident in the water, so they can free their inner fish. I used to live in Shanghai and worked at a preschool, so I'm passionate about bringing new experiences to curious learners. I have experience teaching all ages, including adults. In my free time, I love triathlons and stand up paddle boarding basically anything that involves being near the water! I'm excited to teach students the skills they need to be confident swimmers and teach skills to keep this hobby for life.

Instructor Emily L. profile Card Image

Emily L.

San Leandro, California 94577

Sunsational Certified Since 2024

Hello! My name is Emily. I began swim lessons when I turned 3. I have been competitively swimming on a club and high school team since I was 7 all the way up until I graduated high school. I have been swim instructing at the YMCA and I have plenty of experience swim instructing for all age groups, from as early as 6 months to up to 40 year olds.

Instructor Sergio R. profile Card Image

Sergio R.

Alameda, CA 94501

Sunsational Certified Since 2017

Hi, I'm Sergio! In Colombia, I was part of the Valle Del Cauca National Swim Team. I also swam competitively in the USA for the American Swimmers Club and at the collegiate level at Chabot College. I've been teaching swim lessons for 3 years now to a wide range of age, background, skill set and abilities. My favorite thing about teaching swim lessons is seeing my students fall in love with swimming and gain confidence in and around the water. See you soon!

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Got questions?

We have answers. When is the best time for adults to start swim lessons?

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

Yes — adults can absolutely learn to swim at any age. Sunsational Swim School specializes in private, at-home adult swim lessons that meet you where you are, from complete beginner to stroke refinement. Our certified, background-checked instructors use a safety-first approach and one-on-one instruction to build confidence, comfort, and efficient technique.

Many adult learners see meaningful progress in just 4 to 12 lessons with regular practice. If you’re searching for “private swim instructor near me” or swim lessons in San Mateo, our flexible scheduling, mobile swim instructors and personalized lesson plans make it easy to fit learning into your life.

While everyone learns at their own pace, we can give you a realistic timeline based on thousands of adult students. We see most beginners who take consistent private lessons in San Mateo achieve these milestones:

  • Within 1-3 lessons: Comfortably submerge their face, control their breathing, and perform a supported back float. The initial fear begins to fade.
  • Within 4-8 lessons: Can swim a short distance (10-15 feet) unassisted using a basic freestyle or elementary backstroke. They can also safely recover to a standing position.
  • Within 8-12 lessons: Develop the endurance and technique to swim the length of a typical backyard pool with confidence.

We understand that a real fear of water is not something you can just "get over." Our entire approach is built on trust and control. Here’s what it looks like:

You Are Always in Control: We start where you can comfortably stand, often on the pool steps. Your instructor will never push, splash, or rush you.

It Starts with Breathing: The very first skill your Sunsational instructor works with you is often breath control—learning to blow bubbles. This one simple action calms the nervous system and gives you a sense of command in the water.

We Demystify Floating: We explain the physics of why your body wants to float. We then guide you through it with full support, so you can feel the water holding you up without any risk. This is the "aha!" moment for most anxious swimmers.

One-on-one lessons are tailored to your objectives: water confidence, breath control, stroke mechanics, endurance, or open-water readiness. Safety skills such as floating, treading water, and emergency recovery are emphasized from day one. Your instructor will break complex skills into manageable drills, correct body position and timing, and add focused practice to accelerate improvement.

Our instructors are certified, background-checked, and CPR-trained, and lessons are delivered privately at your home pool for convenience. If you search “private swim instructor near me,” you’ll find Sunsational Swim School offers flexible lesson lengths and scheduling to match your lifestyle.

Your first lesson is all about comfort and confidence. Your instructor will assess your current ability, demonstrate proper breathing and floating techniques, and help you relax in the water. There’s no pressure to perform—just a calm, step-by-step introduction to swimming safely and efficiently.

Absolutely. Our advanced coaches teach the nuanced mechanics that define an efficient stroke. For freestyle, we move beyond the basics and focus on key areas of propulsion, like the high-elbow catch (early vertical forearm). We also offer advanced training for breaststroke, butterfly, backstroke, triathlon and more in our private at-home swim lesson programs available in San Mateo.

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 San Mateo, 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.

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!™

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