Toddler swim lessons inSurfside

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

Thousands of

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200k+

swimmers

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Sunsational Swim instructors

Toddler swim lessons in Surfside, 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 Surfside.

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What are survival float lessons?

Surfside 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 Surfside 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 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

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 individualized instruction

vs

Slow Progress with limited 1-on-1 attention

Flexible scheduling, book multiple kids back-to-back

vs

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

vs

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

Surfside 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 Surfside swim instructors are highly experienced, most have at least two years teaching experience and are CPR Certified. 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

$

73

/ 30 minutes

-13%
$

102

/ HOUR

-11%

BEST VALUE

12 lessons

$

78

/ 30 minutes

-7%
$

108

/ HOUR

-6%

MOST POPULAR

6 lessons

$

84

/ 30 minutes

$

115

/ 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 Kelsey W. profile Card Image

Kelsey W.

Huntington Beach, California 92649

Sunsational Vetted Since 2026

Hey there, my name is Kelsey! I have over 15 years of child care experience, ranging in age from 3 months to 17 years. In a swim education capacity, Ive taught children with developmental delays and children as young as 2 years old. I love play and engage through conversation and laughter. I work with the childs individual needs and boundaries so that each lesson is made fun and informative for them. Originally from the east coast, I recently relocated to CA and enjoy the arts and being in nature. I look forward to connecting and seeing if wed be a good fit to work together.

Instructor Herb R. profile Card Image

Herb R.

Huntington Beach, California 92647

Sunsational Vetted Since 2025

Hello, my name is Herb, and I started competitively swimming at age 5. I have taught swimming and water safety to all age groups. I am a father of two girls and have taught them both how to swim and surf. I am committed to water safety and enjoy sharing my knowledge and experience with compassion and humor.

Instructor Toby J. profile Card Image

Toby J.

Long Beach, California 90814

Sunsational Vetted Since 2026

With over a decade of elite competitive experience, I specialize in helping athletes build confidence, refine technique, and reach their full potential in the pool. Athletic Background -15 Years of Competitive Swimming: Focus on stroke mechanics, speed, and conditioning. -10 Years of Competitive Water Polo: Specialized knowledge in game IQ, eggbeater efficiency, and ball handling. -Collegiate Athlete: Competed in both swim and water polo at the junior college level. Coaching Experience -I have spent years training diverse age groups and high-level athletes across elite travel programs, including: -San Luis Obispo Water Polo Club (Travel Coach) -Jewish Community Center (JCC) in Irvine (Travel Swim Team Coach)

Instructor holland p. profile Card Image

holland p.

Seal Beach, California 90740

Sunsational Vetted Since 2024

Hello! My name is Holland and I have been swimming for about 14 years! I am a lifeguard and swim instructor and it truly is my passion! The ages of my kiddos range from infants in parents and child classes to teens and even adults! Ive truly taught a wide spread of ages. I also have worked with children that have disabilities and special adaptions to the curriculum! Patience, support, positivity, and trust are very important in a swim lesson and at the top of my priorities as a teacher!

Instructor Ava K. profile Card Image

Ava K.

Seal Beach, California 90740

Sunsational Vetted Since 2026

Hi! My name is Ava. I have been swimming since I was 5 years old! I swam competitively in the past, and Im currently a student at UC Irvine. I specialize in young students, even those fearful or nervous around water, using a gentle and playful approach. I teach students ages between 3 months to adulthood! Cant wait to start our swim journey together!

Instructor Amalia T. profile Card Image

Amalia T.

Westminster, California 92683

Sunsational Vetted Since 2023

Hello! My name is Amalia Tigan. I am a certified swim instructor who works with both children and adults of all skill levels. I focus on water safety, building confidence, and developing strong techniques in a supportive and structured environment. My teaching style is patient and encouraging, and I tailor each lesson to fit the individuals needs and pace. Whether youre just starting out or looking to improve your skills, my goal is to make every session productive, comfortable, and enjoyable.

Instructor Grace Z. profile Card Image

Grace Z.

Long Beach, California 90815

Sunsational Vetted Since 2026

I have been teaching swimming lessons since February 2015 and grew up in the water, which built a strong foundation in both skill and safety. Ive also had the privilege of working with children of all ages, including those with special needs, and Im passionate about creating a supportive, patient, and fun environment for every swimmer.

Instructor Tori H. profile Card Image

Tori H.

Long Beach, California 90815

Sunsational Vetted Since 2025

Hi! My name is Tori, and I have been a swim instructor since February 2022. I have worked with swimmers of all agesfrom babies to adultsand I love helping each person feel confident and safe in the water. I adjust my teaching style based on the swimmers age and experience, whether its building comfort with little ones or improving technique with older swimmers. I also provide weekly report cards so families can track progress and know what were working on each week. I am passionate about creating a positive, supportive environment, and I look forward to helping you or your child grow and succeed in the water. Communication is important to me, so feel free to reach out with any questions. I'm excited to bring patience, energy, and encouragement to e

Instructor Manny M. profile Card Image

Manny M.

Los Alamitos, California 90720

Sunsational Vetted Since 2025

Hello, my name is Manny Madla. I became a swim instructor later in life. I am 59 years old. I have always loved swimming, and it's my favorite way to stay fit. In March 2023, I became a Deep End Fitness instructor and discovered that I have a real knack for teaching new swimmers. I became a swim instructor at the Y and found continued success teaching adult beginners and kids from infants to elementary age. I am an excellent swim teacher because I am a dad (two kids, one in college and one in high school), I have a deep knowledge of swimming technique, I am creative, empathetic, and very patient. It is very fulfilling for me to help kids and adults overcome fears and learn how to survive and thrive in water. Thank you for your consideration.

Instructor Maya W. profile Card Image

Maya W.

Long Beach, California 90804

Sunsational Vetted Since 2025

Hi there, Im Maya! I have experience in teaching swimming to kids of all ages and kids with special needs. I also have previous experience as a lifeguard.

Instructor Wendy D. profile Card Image

Wendy D.

Long Beach, California 90815

Sunsational Vetted Since 2025

Hi, my name is Wendy. I have taught swim lessons since March 2010, and I was also a lifeguard. I grew up around rivers, lakes, and the Pacific Ocean. I love to swim. I swam on the team in high school and in college. At age 17, I started teaching at the YMCA, doing classes from beginner swimmers to advanced and adults. I then taught at swim schools teaching private lessons. Then I became a mom, had a family, and started a different career, but still kept my small business and helped my friends and family learn to swim. Its important that everyone is water safe and confident in the water. I have worked with students 9 months through adults, including those with special needs.

Instructor William B. profile Card Image

William B.

Westminster, California 92683

Sunsational Vetted Since 2023

My name is Will, and my swim experience goes back to when I was 3 and I learned to swim. I then joined a club from ages 6 -14 as well as junior lifeguards. In high school, I joined swim and polo and a polo club team from 14-19 while I also taught swim lessons at Golden West College for ages 1-14 where I gained the majority of my teaching experience. I look forward to helping your kids stay safe in the water as well as progress and become the great swimmers I know they can all be.

Instructor Alexis G. profile Card Image

Alexis G.

Long Beach, California 90814

Sunsational Vetted Since 2024

I swam in high school and college, and love the water. My favorite was always freestyle. I teach basic water safety as well as swim strokes. We play a lot of games to learn our swimming skills in my lessons :) I also teach middle school math. My life revolves around teaching students!

Instructor Yasmin C. profile Card Image

Yasmin C.

Long Beach, California 90802

Sunsational Vetted Since 2024

Dive into the world of swimming with Yasmn Cravalho, your experienced swim instructor! With a passion for teaching and a focus on safety, I'm here to help you build confidence and master your strokes. Ive been swimming for over 12 years and have been teaching ages 6 months to adults for over 4 years! Lets make waves together!

Instructor Hope S. profile Card Image

Hope S.

Long Beach, CA 90802

Sunsational Vetted Since 2020

Hello! My name is Hope. I'm an experienced educator and swim instructor who works with kids ages 2-14. In the past, I swam competitively, played water polo, and coached a youth water polo team. I began teaching swim lessons since February 2019 at a swim school in San Diego and began working with Sunsational in February 2021. I look forward to helping your kiddo(s) develop strong water safety and swim skills over the summer!

Instructor Laurie W. profile Card Image

Laurie W.

Long Beach, California 90815

Sunsational Vetted Since 2025

Hello, my name is Laurie and I have a passion for teaching swim lessons! I have been a swim coach/instructor for over 10 years and have worked with ages 2 and up. I have experience working with students who are fearful of the water and I am excited to start our swim journey!

Instructor Kelvin V. profile Card Image

Kelvin V.

Long Beach, California 90802

Sunsational Vetted Since 2026

Hi, my name is Kelvin Villegas. I have taught swim lessons since June 2018, have worked as a swim team coach, and have even coached a youth diving team for a season. I love the water!! I used to swim competitively and now I swim 2 to 3 times a week in the pool and at least once in the ocean. My goal for teaching swimming is primarily to help people see the water as a place that they can be in and have fun. Water brings real danger and it is important that we learn proper safety procedures but our goal is ultimately to feel as comfortable in water as we do on land. Swimming, for me, is a portal into another dimension. I often invite my students to imagine that being in water is like being in outer space. I love to be silly and enjoy finding creative ways that fit every student.

Instructor Nicholas T. profile Card Image

Nicholas T.

Long Beach, California 90808

Sunsational Vetted Since 2026

Hi there! My name is Nick and I have been a swim coach since June 2014. Before that I was a swimmer, so I have over 20 years of experience in and around the water! I have taught swim lessons to students ages 3 through adults, including students with special needs.

Instructor Christina J. profile Card Image

Christina J.

Hawaiian Gardens, CA 90716

Sunsational Vetted Since 2023

Hi, my name is Christina and I have been teaching swim lessons for 8 years to students ages 2 to 60. I have been swimming since I was 5 years old in club swim/school teams. I also have life guarding experience at YMCA and experience working with special needs students. I graduated from UCSD, and I will be working as a nurse this summer. I am always excited to meet new kids wanting to swim and be a part of their swim experience.

Instructor Michael N. profile Card Image

Michael N.

Fountain Valley, California 92708-2333

Sunsational Vetted Since 2024

I am a former all-American swimmer who swam all through school. I am currently a foster resource parent with the county, and I have coached age group swimmers at the club level. I have worked with ages 3-18. I believe learning is more successful when it is fun. A student that desires to come back each day will stick with the activity, and then learning comes through repetition. I believe in praise for positive actions and by reinforcing those actions the individual will find success.

Instructor Jennifer M. profile Card Image

Jennifer M.

Costa Mesa, California 92626

Sunsational Vetted Since 2025

I look forward to helping children and adults feel comfortable and safe in the water while teaching proper stroke technique. My background in child development and a holistic approach to teaching provide a welcoming and supportive environment to learn to swim. My experience includes: Competitive swim and water polo player. Private swim lesson instructor since July 2010. Currently a youth swim coach at a competitive swim program.

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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 Surfside, 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 Surfside are CPR-certified and are insured under our company liability insurance policy. Every Sunsational certified swim instructor is vetted and has experience teaching swim. 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 Surfside 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 Surfside 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 Surfside 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 Surfside, where many families enjoy backyard pools, HOA pools, beaches or home pool parties, coastal beach days, 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 Surfside and nearby neighborhoods in Orange 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 Surfside, 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!™

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