Toddler swim lessons inSanta Monica
Looking for the best private toddler swimming lessons near me? It’s always a Sunsational time to learn to swim in Santa Monica! Our private swim lessons ensure rapid progress in essential water safety skills.
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Sunsational Swim instructors
Safe, fun, and taught at home!
With our Learn-to-Swim Guarantee, if your toddler can’t demonstrate the “Sunsational Swim Sequence” by the twelfth lesson, we’ll 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 Santa Monica.
What are survival float lessons?
Santa Monica 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 “forced back floating”, 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 Santa Monica use gentle encouragement and positive reinforcement, which helps toddlers develop water skills in a fun, nurturing environment. We’re 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 – 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 in 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 kid’s 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 isn’t just about safety, it’s 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 isn’t just a fun activity and an important life skill, it’s 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 they’ve grown!
A fun way to stay active and healthy
100% Satisfaction Guarantee
We're so confident in the quality of our swim instructors that we stand behind them with our Sunsational Instructor Guarantee!
If your first lesson is anything less than Sunsational, just let us know and we can either refund your unused lesson time or re-start your lesson package with a more suitable Instructor, your choice!
Private swim lessons vs. Group swim lessons
Learn about why parents choose Sunsational for their Private Swimming Lessons
Private Swim Lessons
vs
Group Swim Lessons
Quick Results with 30+ minutes of individualized 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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Preset class schedules, often different schedules 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 to see real progress
Why choose Sunsational Swim School for your toddler’s 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
Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica swim instructors are highly experienced and have a minimum of two years teaching, CPR and First Aid Certified, and many are also Red Cross lifeguard or Water Safety Instructor certified.
Lessons are fun and age-appropriate
We make learning to swim fun and engaging with games, activities and age-appropriate techniques. Young children also earn Sunsational skill charts and certificates to celebrate their progress!
Toddler lessons
The more lessons you buy, the more you save!
1 Student
30 - 45 Minute private Lessons
18 lessons
77
/ 30 minutes
106
/ HOUR
BEST VALUE
12 lessons
82
/ 30 minutes
112
/ HOUR
MOST POPULAR
6 lessons
90
/ 30 minutes
125
/ HOUR
*60+ minute lessons can be divided into back-to-back lessons for multiple children
Search Nearby Instructors
*If you'd like to work with a specific instructor, we'll do our best match you with your request. However, instructor availability is not guaranteed. If the instructor is unavailable, we'll pair you with a swim instructor who's equally qualified!
Heather B.
Santa Monica, California 90405
Sunsational Vetted Since 2025
Hi, Im Heather - a water lover and avid surfer passionate about helping people feel confident in and around the water. I strive to share that love so you can enjoy the ocean or pool safely, and with a smile! Ive coached all ages (6mo to adults) through programs including the Red Cross Learn to Swim program at the Santa Monica Swim Center, LA Citys Learn to Surf Camp, Surf Academy Santa Monica, Offshore Vibes Surf School, and 1:1 private clients, where I focused on building confidence, ocean safety awareness, and strong foundational skills in a fun and supportive environment. Previously, I spent 20+ years leading teams in the media world, and I bring that same level of professionalism, organization, and enthusiasm to every lesson. If you want a passionate, reliable coach who loves helping others grow and learn, lets connect!
Juan pablo c.
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Sunsational Vetted Since 2022
Hi, my name is Juan Pablo and I've been teaching swim lessons for 9 years from infants to adults. From an early age, I started swimming daily and even volunteered to teach occasionally after practice. I came to the United States on a swimming scholarship to Santa Monica College and California State University Northridge, where I earned a degree in film. I love teaching swimming because it not only changed my life and opened doors for me but it is also a very important life skill to have.
Ashley C.
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Sunsational Vetted Since 2019
Hello! My name is Ashley, and I have been a swim instructor since March 2015 and a caregiver for over 12 years. I am a certified teacher and have my Red Cross CPR/AED/First Aid certificate. Not only that, but I am also a sailor and a competitive triathlete. Needless to say, I am passionate about kids and the water. I would love to work with a family where my strengths and talents can prove useful in helping children feel healthy, happy, and loved.
Janna R.
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Sunsational Vetted Since 2023
Hi, my name is Janna, and I have taught swim lessons for 10+ years from infant/toddler to stroke refinement, and also have experience in professional lifeguarding and coaching swim teams. I have received certifications from the Red Cross, YMCA, and ASA. My personal swimming includes Varsity High School Swimming, CSU Triathlon Team, Masters Swimming, and PADI Advanced Scuba. I love teaching kids to swim because it keeps kids safe and is a fun, lifelong sport!
Matthew G.
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Sunsational Vetted Since 2023
Hi, Im Matt! Ive been a swim instructor for over 11 years and I truly love what I do. I have taught a wide variety of ages ranging from 6 months to 15 years old and I enjoy the different challenges that each age brings. I pride myself on patience, enthusiasm and results. I attended university of Arizona and majored in communications, I also have been swimming and surfing for over 25+ years. I believe Swim lessons should be nothing but fun, positive, and always end with a smile!
Jessica M.
Los Angeles, California 90291
Sunsational Vetted Since 2025
I fell in love with swimming at a young age and began swimming competitively at just 5 years old, continuing all the way through college. In high school, I discovered my passion for teaching when I started giving swim lessons and found it incredibly rewarding to help swimmers gain confidence in the water. After college, I continued sharing my love of the sport by coaching at my local YMCA, where I spent 7 seasons coaching the swim team and teaching lessons since September 2016. With years of experience teaching swimmers from infants to adults, I focus on creating a safe, supportive, and fun environment that helps each student reach their goals. Whether its teaching water safety, building foundational skills, or refining technique, I love helping swimmers develop both confidence and a lifelong love for the water.
Azi B.
Santa Monica, California 90405
Sunsational Vetted Since 2025
Ever since I started teaching swimming, there has been nothing I enjoy more than sharing my love for the water with others. I have experience working with students ages 5 and up, in both group and private settings. I look forward to working with you!
John O.
Santa Monica, California 90405
Sunsational Vetted Since 2025
Hello, I'm Clemente! I've been swimming ever since I can remember, and I love everything about the pool, ocean, and swimming. I've been a lifeguard and swim instructor since May 2023, and I have a true passion for teaching. Also, I swam competitively for 7 years, so I have experience with teaching and learning the fundamentals of swimming, as well as refining technique for a test, team, or personal growth. I like to think of myself as very easy-going, and I like to customize the pace we go at based on you or your child to make sure you are getting the most out of your time. Feel free to reach out!
Benjamin Z.
Los Angeles, California 90291
Sunsational Vetted Since 2025
My name is Ben Zovickian, and I have been teaching swimming and water polo since February 2019. I have experience with kids of all ages. I was a Division 1 swimmer and water polo player in New York. I love to help kids learn about swimming so they can enjoy the water as much as I have.
Grace B.
Los Angeles, California 90066
Sunsational Vetted Since 2026
Hi! Im Grace, a swim instructor with a lifelong connection to the water. From a young age, I was encouraged to feel safe and confident in the water, and I strive to create that same mindset in every swimmer I teach. I grew up swimming competitively until high school and have been teaching lessons since February 2021 to children of all ages and skill levels. Outside the pool, I am a Registered Nurse, which strengthens my focus on safety and individualized care. My lessons emphasize a patient, encouraging, and tailored lesson for each swimmer. Whether the goal is water safety, skill development, or confidence in the water, Im here for every step of the process. See you in the pool!
Jamie C.
Marina del Rey, California 90292
Sunsational Vetted Since 2025
Hi, Im Jamie! I have been teaching swim lessons since February 2015, helping kids of all ages feel safe, strong, and confident in the water. I grew up swimming, I surf now, and I just love helping people feel at home in the water. Im patient, fun, and all about building trust with the student.
Eben K.
Los Angeles, California 90291
Sunsational Vetted Since 2025
I started competitive swimming when I was 10 years old, and I started teaching swim lessons when I was 15 years old. Crazy to say I have been teaching swimming lessons since February 2015! I was fortunate enough to earn a scholarship to swim at Penn State University. From there I launched into my ocean lifeguard career. It has been the best 4 years ever! Concurrently, I coach the elite 9-12 year olds at Beach Cities Alpha (formerly Alpha Aquatics). Im excited to work with you to reach any and all of your swim goals!
Oscar B.
Los Angeles, California 90025
Sunsational Vetted Since 2025
Hello! My name is Oscar. Im an 18-year-old student living in Los Angeles during the fall and spring semesters. I swam competitively for seven years prior to teaching ages 3-18 at a local gym in my town. Im very patient and know how to balance work and fun with younger children and keep them comfortable in the water.
Enya G.
Los Angeles, California 90025
Sunsational Vetted Since 2025
Hi! Im Enyaa certified swim instructor who believes the water is one of the best places to build confidence, creativity, and body awareness. My lessons are fun, playful, and rooted in trust. I help kids connect with their bodies in the water, feel safe, and learn real skills through games, movement, and presence. Whether were practicing floats, kicking like dolphins, or playing underwater treasure hunts, my goal is to make swim time something your child looks forward to while gently building safety and skill along the way.
Jennifer T.
Los Angeles, California 90025
Sunsational Vetted Since 2025
Hello, my name is Jennifer. Ive lived in Los Angeles for 15 years, but my swimming journey began much earlier. I started swimming at 2, competing at 6, and continued until I was 22. Born and raised in Hong Kong, I was honored to represent my country in competitions. In college, I swam at USC, training alongside top athletes. Since February 2021, I have coached swimmers of all ages, from babies to seniors, helping each feel safe and confident in the water. On weekends, I volunteer at Therapy Place 4 Kids, supporting children of all abilities, including kiddos with special needs. I create a calm, supportive environment where safety is always my top priority! Teaching is my passion, and I look forward to sharing the joy of swimming with you!
Alys L.
Los Angeles, California 90034
Sunsational Vetted Since 2025
Hi! My name is Alys Lindsay, and I grew up swimming competitively my whole life. From swim team practices to lifeguarding and teaching lessons, being in the water has always been second nature to me. Ive worked with kids of all ages (since January 2021) and skill levels, and I love helping swimmers build their confidence, improve their technique, and have fun while staying safe. Im passionate about creating a positive and supportive environment where everyone feels encouraged to grow!
Lauren P.
Los Angeles, California 90066
Sunsational Vetted Since 2025
Hi, my name is Lauren! I have been a swimmer my whole life. I started off in swim team when I was younger, and then I worked at a pool as a swim instructor since February 2021. I enjoy teaching and find so much joy in seeing my students improve over time. I am excited to get to work with you!
Nathaniel G.
Los Angeles, California 90024
Sunsational Vetted Since 2025
My name is Nathaniel, and I have been a competitive swimmer since I was 7! Im a molecular, cell, and developmental biology major at UCLA. I have taught swim lessons as a lifeguard since January 2020 and have taught a wide range of ages and skill levels. Ive also worked as an assistant head coach for a competitive recreational swim team.
Violet H.
Los Angeles, California 90024
Sunsational Vetted Since 2024
Hi, I'm Violet, your soon-to-be swim instructor! Born in San Diego, I've loved the water since childhood. As a junior lifeguard and varsity water polo and swim team member, I bring a wealth of knowledge. I've coached water polo, taught swimming, and led kayak camps to ages 1+, honing my teaching skills. Swimming is more than a sportit's a life skill. My lessons are fun, engaging, and prioritize safety and confidence. Let's make swimming a joyful experience for your children!
Rafael N.
Los Angeles, California 90034
Sunsational Vetted Since 2025
Hi, Im Rafael! Im a professional beach tennis player and coach, but one of my greatest joys is teaching kids how to swim . Since February 2024, I have been living in Orlando and working with Little Aquatics and now Im super excited to be part of the Sensational Swim School family here in L.A.! I bring not just experience, but a heart full of patience , energy , and a special connection with children. I believe learning should feel like play , and I do my best to make every lesson fun, safe, and full of smiles . One splash at a time!
Aaron W.
Los Angeles, California 90034
Sunsational Vetted Since 2025
Hi, Im Coach Aaron its great to meet you! Im a former competitive swimmer who has been teaching swim lessons and coaching since I was 16. It was my very first job, and Ive been passionate about it ever since. I have worked personally with swimmers of all ages and ability levels. Although I expanded my work to include competitive swim coaching and strength and conditioning, I never stopped doing what I first loved: private lessons. I deliver results by using my experience with swimmers of all ages and abilities to guide students through discovery, problem-solving, and skill development. My goal is to make sure each swimmer becomes fundamentally sound and more importantly, falls in love with the process and everything swimming has to offer.
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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 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 Santa Monica, our instructors teach year-round, so you can start lessons whenever you’re ready.
Yes—Sunsational’s instructors in Santa Monica 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 edge—what 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 child’s 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 Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica start floating, kicking, and swimming short distances within a few weeks of consistent lessons. Sunsational’s personalized approach—taught in your own pool—helps 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 we’ll provide up to four additional lessons free until they do.
Most parents in Santa Monica 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. Sunsational’s certified instructors in {{metroAarea}} customize lessons to your toddler’s 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 confidence—but the biggest benefit is safety. In Santa Monica, where many families enjoy backyard pools, condo pools, beaches or home pool days, beach outings, 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 Santa Monica and nearby neighborhoods in Los Angeles County. 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 Santa Monica, 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.
