Toddler swim lessons inSouth Pasadena

Looking for the best private toddler swimming lessons near me? It’s always a Sunsational time to learn to swim in South Pasadena! Our private swim lessons ensure rapid progress in essential water safety skills.

Thousands of

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200k+

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Sunsational Swim instructors

Toddler swim lessons in South Pasadena, CA

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!

Baby enjoying a swim lesson

Sunsational Swim School brings essential swim skills to your home pool or local community pool, helping everyone enjoy the water more safely across the South Pasadena.

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What are survival float lessons?

South Pasadena 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 South Pasadena 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.

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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:

Why Swim lessons important image
Drowningis the 1# leading cause of accidental death in the U.S. among children under 5 years old
9 out of 10drowning deaths occur while an adult is present
75%of children who drown were out of sight for five minutes or less

Swimming lessons can save lives. Give your toddler the gift of swimming which lasts a lifetime!

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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

Member of National Drowning Prevention AllianceMember of United States Swim School AssociationMembers of Female FoundersMember Stop Drowning Now

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

Benefit Illustration

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

Benefit Illustration

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 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

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

South Pasadena 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 South Pasadena 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!

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Toddler lessons

The more lessons you buy, the more you save!

1 Student

30 - 45 Minute private Lessons

18 lessons

$

70

/ 30 minutes

-13%
$

98

/ HOUR

-11%

BEST VALUE

12 lessons

$

75

/ 30 minutes

-6%
$

104

/ HOUR

-5%

MOST POPULAR

6 lessons

$

80

/ 30 minutes

$

110

/ 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!

Instructor David S. profile Card Image

David S.

Pasadena, CA 91105

Sunsational Certified Since 2017

Hi my name is David and I've been teaching swimming lessons for 15 years. I've also worked with children for 15 years as martial arts instructor in addition to swimming, ages 2.5 and above. I have also worked with special needs and fearful beginners. I love teaching swimming because I love to connect people with the water by sharing my knowledge and skills. I have a background as a child competitive swimmer. I'm also a certified PADI advanced & rescue diver

Instructor TIM L. profile Card Image

TIM L.

Los Angeles, California 90042

Certification N/A

Im Tim, a swim coach with a passion for helping people unlock their potential in the water. From teaching the basics to guiding special needs swimmers, I focus on patience, positivity, and personalized techniques. Whether youre building confidence, training for a race, or just looking to enjoy the water more, Im here to support your journeyone stroke at a time.

Instructor Daniel H. profile Card Image

Daniel H.

Pasadena, California 91105

Certification N/A

Hello there! My name is Daniel, and my priority as an instructor is to help kids feel confident and safe in addition to developing a skill set in the water. I bring a calm, friendly, and patient approach to every lesson, tailoring my teaching style to fit each childs personality and comfort level. Whether your child is a complete beginner or looking to refine their skills, I focus on building trust, encouraging progress, and making learning fun. Ive worked with students of all ages and love creating an environment where they feel supported and proud of themselves. I also emphasize water safety and independence, making sure each swimmer gains essential skills theyll carry with them for life. Im excited to be part of your childs swim journey.

Instructor Ellis C. profile Card Image

Ellis C.

Los Angeles, California 90032

Certification N/A

Hi, Im Ellis Cho, and Im currently a rising senior at USC studying Business. I have been involved in club swimming and water polo since May 2018, have been a lifeguard since May 2021, and was a private swim instructor last summer. I also enjoy playing piano, reading, and working out. I look forward to helping your kids get comfortable in the water and teaching them to enjoy aquatics as much as I do!

Instructor Vidar H. profile Card Image

Vidar H.

Pasadena, California 91103

Sunsational Certified Since 2024

Hello, my name is Vidar. I was born in East Tennessee, and I live in Pasadena. I swam competitively for 16 years. I have experience working with students ages 19 months - adults, including students with special needs. I believe in making achievable goals and working with whatever support system a swimmer already has in place. My top priorities are floating and breathing, after that I make goals according to the learner and parent/guardian.

Instructor Jude G. profile Card Image

Jude G.

Los Angeles, California 90042

Certification N/A

Hello! My name is Jude Gorski, and I would love to be your swim instructor! I grew up doing swim team and loved how it felt to be so confident in the water. I am CPR certified and have had swim instructing experience with kids ages 3-17. I have had over 6 years of childcare experience in various settings (daycare, summer camp, tutoring, babysitting) as well as 3 years of infant care. I am very warm, friendly, and receptive to a childs needs. I would love to help your kid become a strong swimmer and give them the confidence that comes with it!

Instructor Damian C. profile Card Image

Damian C.

Los Angeles, California 90042

Certification N/A

Hello, my name is Damian and I believe that swimming is one of the most fun and important things to do in life. I have been swimming recreationally since I was about 5 years old and I have been a professional swim instructor since February 2023 with students from 3 years old to adults. The experience I gained was from Waterworks Aquatics and I was also privileged with the time to train in all 4 competitive swim strokes. I am also currently training and completed my first triathlon at the Pasadena Rose Bowl in 2024. The best part for me in swim teaching is being a part of every students moment in their journey from one goal to the next, and Im always looking for great moments and experiences with my fellow swimmers.

Instructor Lauren P. profile Card Image

Lauren P.

Pasadena, California 91106

Certification N/A

Hi, my name is Lauren and Im a swim instructor with over 5 years of experience teaching everyone from infants to competitive swimmers. I focus on helping each swimmer feel safe, build strong technique, and enjoy being in the water. Whether its one-on-one or in a group, I tailor each lesson to meet individual needs. With a background in competitive swimming and team leadership, I aim to make every lesson fun, supportive, and confidence-building. I look forward to working with you!

Instructor Esmeralda V. profile Card Image

Esmeralda V.

Alhambra, CA 91803

Sunsational Certified Since 2022

Hiiii! My name is Esmeralda, Esme for short, and I have been teaching swimming since February 2022. I work with students of all ages, starting from 3 months up. I have worked with children for a total of 5 years now. From babysitting to tutoring and coaching different sports, I am currently studying to become a behavioral therapist for children with special needs. I love teaching because I enjoy the feeling of accomplishment and seeing my students succeed and excel in a skill that they will carry on for a lifetime.

Instructor Lena D. profile Card Image

Lena D.

Los Angeles, California 90041

Certification N/A

Hi, my name is Lena, and Ive been teaching swim lessons since May 2017! Ive taught individual and group lessons to kids ages 1 to 11 at a city pool and in-home private lessons for a family with three children, ages 4 to 10. Additionally, Ive taught private lessons to a 2-year-old girl with special needs.

Instructor Amanda D. profile Card Image

Amanda D.

Pasadena, CA 91104

Sunsational Certified Since 2024

Hi, my name is Amanda. I've been teaching swim lessons for many years with a variety of ages. I have taught children from 6 months old and up. I've also worked with children for 8 years, as childcare provider. I love teaching swimming because I have been swimming since I was 5 years old and it's my passion. I love working with infants and kids also I have experience working with fearful children as well. I have competed in dive as well.

Instructor Ellinor W. profile Card Image

Ellinor W.

San Gabriel, CA 91775

Sunsational Certified Since 2018

Hi I am Ellie. I have taught for 3 years. I started at a program through high school where I taught children from 2 months-16 yr. All the kids varied in experience. I worked at a private swim club and taught the 4 to 6 year old age group for both spring and summer sessions. I enjoy working with those disabled. I just finished my first year at Pasadena City College in speech pathology. I am first aid and CPR trained. I swam and played water polo competitively for 6 years. Thank you :)

Instructor Nayleen C. profile Card Image

Nayleen C.

Pasadena, CA 91104

Sunsational Certified Since 2024

Hi, my name is Nayleen and i've been swimming since I was 4 years old. I've worked with newborns up to 10 year olds. I've also worked with children for 8 years as a babysitter, coach, and volunteering. I will be majoring in Child Development at Fullerton in the fall of 2020. I love teaching swimming because I can see growth and seeing the parents and kids get excited when they feel accomplished.

Instructor Abigail L. profile Card Image

Abigail L.

Pasadena, California 91103

Certification N/A

Hi! My name is Abby, and I am so excited to help your child feel safe, comfortable, and confident in the water. I have been a swim instructor since February 2020 and have a Master's in Education from Claremont Graduate University. I use a play-based teaching style with lots of positive reinforcement and fun games to make lessons something everyone looks forward to. I love watching my swimmers improve their skills and have more and more fun in the water as we work together. I have taught a wide range of ages, from parent and baby classes to teenagers who are competitive athletes, as well as adult students! If you have any questions, please feel free to message me!

Instructor Jack S. profile Card Image

Jack S.

Los Angeles, California 90041

Certification N/A

Hi everyone! I'm Jack (21 Male) and I'm excited to be your private swim instructor this summer. I live in Elmhurst, IL, and have been a water polo goalie for over 8 years, including currently playing at Occidental College in Los Angeles where I'm getting a biochemistry degree before I go to med school. I was on the York High School Swim team for 4 years and led our York Water Polo team to state two years in a row. In addition, I helped run the Elmhurst Park District Swim Program for two years and have experience teaching all ages and skill levels (infant to adult). Im looking forward to meeting you all this summer!

Instructor Maxwell C. profile Card Image

Maxwell C.

Pasadena, California 91104

Certification N/A

Hey everyone, Im Max. I am a local here in Pasadena. I started my swimming journey in high school with water polo and swim. During this time, I became a lifeguard/swim instructor and further developed my skills by playing water polo for the Rose Bowl. My time in college was filled with water polo, more lifeguarding, and marine biology. I am full of patience and kindness, but I will push you toward your goals. Whatever you want to learn in the water, I can teach you!

Instructor Ahren S. profile Card Image

Ahren S.

Los Angeles, California 90041

Certification N/A

Hello! My name is Ahren, and I am a student at Occidental. I have been in the aquatics industry since February 2023 as a swim instructor, lifeguard, and lifeguard instructor at a gym and two of my local community centers. I am so excited to work with students! My favorite skills to teach are front crawl and whip kicks. I am very familiar with different teaching and learning styles and am very adaptable to the needs of every individual student. I have taught different curriculums; however, I will always adapt a lesson plan to meet the individual needs.

Instructor Gary I. profile Card Image

Gary I.

Pasadena, CA 91104

Sunsational Certified Since 2025

Hi, my name is Gary. I`ve been teaching, coaching, training (triathlon) for 10 years. I`ve worked with ages 6 months - 82years old. I`m a triathlete, I compete every chance I get. I also have a passion for scuba diving. In high school I played waterpolo and swam for swim team. I attended Glendale Community College. I have a degree in criminal justice. I love teaching swimming because of the life saving, positive impact it has on all students regardless of age. Learning how to swim saves lives!

Instructor Ryan K. profile Card Image

Ryan K.

Monterey Park, California 91754-2101

Sunsational Certified Since 2024

Hi! My name is Ryan. I have been on a pool deck pretty much my entire life. I competitively swam and played water polo from age 8 through high school, then went on to play in college. I have coached a wide range of students from 1 year olds - adults, including special needs students. I currently coach High School Aquatics and look forward to teaching everyone how to swim and have fun!

Instructor Leo I. profile Card Image

Leo I.

Glendale, California 91205

Certification N/A

Hi! My name is Leo, and Im excited to be your swim instructor. Ive been a professional swimmer since October 2018 and trained through YMCA, where I also taught swim lessons to students of all ages. My goal is to make every lesson fun, safe, and progress-focused, while helping students feel comfortable in the water. I tailor each lesson to your or your childs comfort level and learning style. Whether were just starting with water safety or building stroke techniques, Im here to guide and support every step of the way. I look forward to working with you and helping you reach your swim goals.

Instructor Andre J. profile Card Image

Andre J.

Temple City, California 91780

Certification N/A

Hi! Im Andre, and I have 14 years of swimming experience. I love swimming, and I enjoy teaching and showing others how fun swimming can be! Ive been an instructor since February 2024, and I have taught kids of all ages and even adults! :D

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Got questions?

We have answers. When should toddlers start swim lessons?

No. Sunsational Swim School’s infant swim lessons are based on a child-centered and caring approach that focuses on building trust and rapport with the instructor and wonderment and respect of the water. When designing your baby’s swim lesson plan, our instructors consider all aspects of the well-being of your baby, including physical and emotional. Your swim instructor will create a safe environment for your baby to learn water-safety skills that include back floating, roll over breathing, “swim-float-swim”, the monkey crawl, and what to do after a fall into the pool. All of these skills are taught in a way that’s both fun and educational, using games, repetition, and even songs, at a pace that’s healthy for your little one.

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

Every child is unique and develops at their own pace. Physical and emotional readiness, motor skills and willingness all play a role in the pace your baby learns. However, the most common and most influential factors in the student’s learning pace we find is repetition and consistency. We recommend our baby students take 3 lessons per week for maximum skill retention and fast progression. Most of our students make significant progress within 12 to 18 lessons in our baby swim classes.

Yes—Sunsational’s instructors in South Pasadena 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 South Pasadena 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 South Pasadena 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 South Pasadena 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 South Pasadena, 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 South Pasadena 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 South Pasadena, 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.

Our swim instructors travel to your home or community pool. Learn to Swim Guaranteed
with a Sunsational instructor!


Bring the swim school to your pool!ℱ

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