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Toddler swim lessons inTempe

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

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Toddler swim lessons in Tempe, AZ

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 Tempe.

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What are survival float lessons?

Tempe 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 Tempe 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

Tempe 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 Tempe 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!

instructor image

Toddler lessons

The more lessons you buy, the more you save!

1 Student

30 - 45 Minute private Lessons

18 lessons

$

66

/ 30 minutes

-13%
$

92

/ HOUR

-12%

BEST VALUE

12 lessons

$

71

/ 30 minutes

-7%
$

98

/ HOUR

-7%

MOST POPULAR

6 lessons

$

76

/ 30 minutes

$

105

/ 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 Brittany A. profile Card Image

Brittany A.

Tempe, Arizona 85281

Sunsational Certified Since 2023

Hi, my name is Brittany Andrews, and I have been a lifeguard and swim instructor since May 2016! I have taught swim lessons to children starting at 6 months through adults varying in skill level from beginners to those working on stroke technique. I have taught people with special needs and of all physical abilities. For young students, I want to ensure that they are water-safe first before introducing strokes. For older students, I would teach more in-depth technique for all four strokes.

Instructor Jalen A. profile Card Image

Jalen A.

Tempe, Arizona 85281

Sunsational Certified Since 2024

Hey there! My name is Jalen Artiles. Im 20 years old and currently attending Arizona State University. I have taught people aged 6 months to 12. It's been an amazing experience thats taught me a lot about leadership and building great relationships with families. When Im not in the pool or studying, I love staying active with snowboarding, surfing, hitting the gym, playing guitar, or socializing with people I enjoy being around

Instructor Carsyn S. profile Card Image

Carsyn S.

Tempe, AZ 85281

Sunsational Certified Since 2023

Hello! My name is Carsyn Shark and I love teaching swim lessons. I have been instructing lessons and coaching water polo for 3 years, was a competitive swimmer for 8 years, and playing competitive water polo for 6. I am attending Arizona State University where I am also playing water polo and I cant wait to get started teaching!

Instructor Ella G. profile Card Image

Ella G.

Tempe, Arizona 85281

Certification N/A

My name is Ella, and Im currently a student-athlete at ASU on the NCAA DI swim team! I have been swimming competitively since February 2011 and have been in the water for even longer. I love being a part of the process that helps young swimmers reach their own goals! I have experience teaching ages 1 and up.

Instructor Janelle K. profile Card Image

Janelle K.

Tempe, AZ 85281

Sunsational Certified Since 2025

Hi, I'm Janelle and I have been teaching kids and adults of all ages how to swim for over two years now. I've been a lifeguard for over three years and love working with kids. I'm currently a student at ASU studying design, but I love teaching people how to swim because it's not only a lifesaving skill, but a fun one! Whether it is teaching survival skills to a new swimmer or instilling a passion for competitive swimming I have found this job to be very rewarding.

Instructor Gunner T. profile Card Image

Gunner T.

Tempe, AZ 85281

Sunsational Certified Since 2017

My name is Gunner. I am currently a student at Arizona State University earning a double major in Political Science and Economics. My interest in swimming led me to work as a lifeguard where I provide swim lessons for kids ages 2 and up. I teach anywhere between learning to float, to advanced stroke techniques. I truly enjoy teaching kids swimming, not only will they carry these skills throughout their childhood but it makes me happy knowing that they will be safe around the water.

Instructor Alex T. profile Card Image

Alex T.

Tempe, Arizona 85281

Certification N/A

Hi! Ive loved the water since I was littleI swam competitively from ages 5 to 17 and have been teaching and coaching since February 2015. I spent 5 years as a swim coach, a year doing private lessons, and have also taught dance and gymnastics, which helps me understand how kids move and learn best. Working with children has always been a passion of mine, and I love helping them gain confidence, stay safe, and discover the joy of swimming. My lessons are fun, encouraging, and tailored to each childs needs, whether theyre just starting out or ready to refine their strokes.

Instructor Jessica H. profile Card Image

Jessica H.

Tempe, Arizona 85281

Certification N/A

Hello! Im Jessica. I am a senior in college with a long history of swimming myself, as well as teaching swim lessons! I swam competitively for 14 years and have been teaching lessons since February 2019. I love working with kids of any age and like to make the sessions as fun as they can be while still letting kids learn! Whether you need someone to teach your child how to swim or just want to work more on technique, Im happy to help!

Instructor Anna R. profile Card Image

Anna R.

Tempe, Arizona 85281

Certification N/A

Hi, Im Anna! Ive been a swim instructor since February 2023, and Im passionate about helping swimmers of all ages build confidence, skill, and a lifelong love for the water. With a strong background in fitness, swimming, weight training, and running, I bring both energy and safety-focused instruction to every lesson. In June 2025, I swam 15 miles to raise awareness for the importance of swim lessons, a cause close to my heart. Im currently pursuing my Bachelors degree in Psychology, and I love combining my knowledge of human development with my teaching to create a positive, supportive learning environment for my students. I cant wait to get to know my swimmers and help them grow!

Instructor Kiera M. profile Card Image

Kiera M.

Tempe, Arizona 85288

Certification N/A

Im a college student whos been teaching swim lessons since February 2022. I also have a background in competitive swimming, so I love helping people learn new skills, improve their strokes, and feel confident in the water. Whether its your first time in the water or you just want to get faster, Im here to make lessons fun and positive!

Instructor Aiden B. profile Card Image

Aiden B.

Tempe, Arizona 85281

Certification N/A

Hey there! Im a lifelong water lover with a background in competitive swimming and triathlons, and Im here to help you reach your goals in the pool, whether that means learning to swim for the first time or shaving seconds off your race time. Over the years, Ive trained with some of the best in the business, including Olympic legend Jason Lezak, triathlon powerhouse Lionel Sanders, and world-record breaststroker Adam Peaty. Their knowledge and energy have shaped my coaching style: focused, motivating, and tailored to you. I work with swimmers of all ages and levels, from total beginners to athletes looking to compete. Ill meet you where youre at and help you get where you want to go!

Instructor Rachel S. profile Card Image

Rachel S.

Tempe, Arizona 85281

Certification N/A

Hi, my name is Rachel Stevenson and Im passionate about water safety and helping others build confidence in the water. I bring over a decade of experience as a competitive swimmer, along with three years of water polo training. I began teaching swim lessons as a junior instructor at age 11 and officially became a certified Water Safety Swim Instructor at 16. Ive also worked as a lifeguard and have experience in both group and individual swim coaching. I recently graduated from Arizona State University with a bachelors degree in Community Health, and Im originally from Gilroy, California. Whether youre just starting out or looking to improve your technique, Im here to make learning to swim fun, safe, and rewarding for all ages!

Instructor MacLain H. profile Card Image

MacLain H.

Tempe, AZ 85281

Sunsational Certified Since 2017

Hi there! My name is MacLain Hollerbach and I've been teaching swim lessons for 8 years. Most of my experience is with children ages 6 to 12, but I've also worked with children ages 4 to 14. I had an amazing time as the head swim team & water polo coach for 6 years, inspired by my previous experience as a competitive swimmer and water polo player. I recently graduated with a B.A. in Sports Business from ASU. Teaching children how to swim brings me joy, and I always do my best to make it fun.

Instructor Nicholas Z. profile Card Image

Nicholas Z.

Tempe, Arizona 85281

Certification N/A

My name is Nicholas Zimmerman, call me Nick for short. I have taught water safety and swimming since February 2023 for the city of Temecula. I have a great passion for teaching and coaching. I have taught from ages 3 all the way to senior citizens. On top of typical swim lessons, I have also taught countless adaptive swim classes for those with special needs

Instructor Allie H. profile Card Image

Allie H.

Tempe, Arizona 85281

Certification N/A

Hi! My name is Allie! I love swimming and have been doing it competitively and for fun since I was 5 years old! I have been a swim instructor since February 2023 and can work with children aged 1.5 to 17, as well as adults! I would love to dive in with you and spread the joy of swimming!

Instructor Alexander C. profile Card Image

Alexander C.

Tempe, Arizona 85288

Certification N/A

Hi! My name is Alex, and Im a certified lifeguard and WSI with a background in competitive swimming, water polo, and CrossSwim. Ive taught group and private lessons for kids, teens, and adults of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced swimmers. I love helping each student feel confident, safe, and strong in the water! Whether were learning to float, building stroke technique, or working through fear, I make lessons fun, motivating, and progress-focused. I bring patience, clear instruction, and positive energy to every session! Swimming is a lifelong passion, and Im committed to helping others grow through it. I look forward to being part of your swim journey, cheering you on, and helping you reach your goals in and out of the pool!

Instructor Nathan O. profile Card Image

Nathan O.

Tempe, Arizona 85281

Certification N/A

Hi! Im Nathan Ozias and Im currently attending ASU. I previously taught swim lessons to children ranging from ages 2 to 14, and I previously helped instruct in a preschool classroom for 2 semesters. I also swam for Scottsdale Aquatic Club for 6 years, giving me a very in-depth knowledge of swimming form and technique.

Instructor Alena H. profile Card Image

Alena H.

Tempe, AZ 85282

Sunsational Certified Since 2016

Hi, I'm Alena. I have 10+ years of experience teaching and nannying for children ages newborn to 15 years. 6 years teaching children's safety, helping with parenting skills and family coaching. MS in Psychology from Morehead State University, emphasis in Learning and Memory. If we, adults, teach them life skills in the way they learn best (interactively), they will have the skills they need to succeed in life and be aware of their environment at all times.

Instructor John L. profile Card Image

John L.

Tempe, AZ 85282

Sunsational Certified Since 2018

Hi, my name is John LeVally and I've been teaching swim lessons for 5 years with ages 2-15 years old. I have experience working with children of all skill levels, and I've even been recognized as one of the best instructors in all of Scottsdale. I earned my high school degree at Notre Dame Preparatory, and I am currently seeking a bachelor's degree at ASU's Walter Cronkite School of Journalism. I love teaching swimming because I think it's a valuable skill everybody should be able to perform!

Instructor elena r. profile Card Image

elena r.

Tempe, Arizona 85282

Sunsational Certified Since 2018

Hi, my name is Elena and I was a lifeguard who worked at the YMCA for 3 years. As a lifeguard I gave daily swim lessons to children ages 3-12. I was also a junior Coach on my club swim team in high school, and my club water polo team for a year each. I myself was on a swim team for 10 years and have played water polo for 9, including now, at ASU. I love teaching kids how to swim and I think it's a very important skill to have. Even if you already know how, you can always improve!

Instructor naomi d. profile Card Image

naomi d.

Tempe, AZ 85282

Certification N/A

Hi, my name is Naomi! I was a competitive swimmer throughout a large part of my childhood and I have been a swim instructor as well as a lifeguard for the past few years now. I have worked with children from infancy to teens through babysitting and tutoring, etc. I have successfully taught ages from 6 months old to adults how to swim. I have also been successful working with a variety of special needs students. I am bilingual and I am able to teach in both Spanish and English!

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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 Tempe, 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 Tempe 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 Tempe 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 Tempe 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 Tempe 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 Tempe, where many families enjoy backyard pools, HOA pools or home pool cooling, morning/evening swims, 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 Tempe and nearby neighborhoods in Phoenix Metro. 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 Tempe, 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!


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