Adult swim lessons inWashington DC
Whether you are a total beginner or looking for an advanced swimming course, Sunsational Swim School offers private, at-home swim lessons for adults in Washington DC to ensure rapid progress!
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Sunsational Swim instructors
For total beginners or advanced swimmers!
Sunsational Swim School offers adult swim lessons at home or in your community pool in Washington DC. Whether you're an adult beginner dipping your toe into the pool for the first time, working to overcome a fear of water, or seeking advanced swim training to complete the 1500-meter swimming split of a triathlon, we’ll be with you every stroke of the way to get you to your goals! Our expert swim instructors provide personalized, 1-on-1 adult private swim lessons to help you reach your goals. Learn to swim at your own pace with America’s #1 swim school.
Start swimming faster with a Sunsational private swim instructor in Washington DC
Getting to swim classes can be tough – that’s why we bring baby swim lessons to you! We want your baby to be comfortable in the water, so we offer private parent and baby lessons or the option to create a small baby group (3 to 6 babies) with your friends. Our instructors make it easy for everyone to have fun while learning key water safety skills together. Babies will receive a certificate after completing their lessons. What's more fun than your baby earning a certificate with their friends?
Private adult swimming lessons are great for…
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Adults in all swimming levels
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Fear of water or aquaphobia
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Adults with near drowning/traumatic experiences
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Training for a triathlon or other swim competition
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Learning stroke technique
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Training for a swim test (military, school, etc.)
Why choose Sunsational Swim School to learn to swim?
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Quick Results
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Our adult swim students generally learn to swim within just 6 to 12 swim lessons
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Built-in Convenience
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Sunsational swim instructors travel to you & work around your schedule
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Top Instructors
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All Sunsational instructors are CPR/First Aid certified with a minimum of 2 years of experience teaching adult lessons
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Satisfaction Guaranteed
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Love your lessons or choose a new instructor or refund
Benefits of adult swimming lessons with Sunsational
If you want to learn to swim and you’re afraid or embarrassed to try in a group, the Sunsational Swim School’s private swimming lessons for adults can help you develop a strong set of basic swim skills quickly.
Private swim lessons are the most effective way to learn
Our adult swim lessons can take place at your community pool or even in your own home swimming pool—at the times and days that work best for you.
We make it convenient to learn
Our private adult swim lessons are tailored to your comfort level and learning style. We create a relaxed environment where progress is easy and fast.
We tailor our lessons for you
You can choose a time slot for adult swimming lessons that fits with your own schedule and even book multiple lessons in advance at the same time.
Flexible scheduling
From the first splash to the last dive, our private swim lessons for adults help you advance at your pace in an encouraging and safe environment.
Non-swimmers to advance technique training
Our instructors are CPR/First Aid certified, background checked, and trained in swim safety. They’re patient and experienced at teaching adults.
Highly qualified & patient instructors
You’re never too old to learn
Learning to swim is an achievement to be proud of at any age, especially considering that nearly half of all American adults fear the deep end while 37% can’t swim at all. Our private adult swim lessons use personalized programs and proven methods to help adults of all levels build confidence, overcome their fear of water, and master essential swimming skills in a supportive environment.
Adult Beginner
How to be comfortable in the water
Water safety/survival techniques
Introduction to treading water
Proper floating, kicking, and breathing underwater
Front crawl/freestyle swim stroke
Adult Intermediate
Breaststroke, backstroke swimming techniques
Rotary breathing
Endurance building
Mechanical stroke refinement on established swim strokes
Adult Advanced
Advanced stroke techniques for improved efficiency and speed
Butterfly arm and kick coordination, flip turns, and diving
Speed, endurance and stamina
Specialized Training
Endurance-based interval training for long-distance and military swim tests
Swim training for swimmers participating in triathlons
Water aerobic exercise with stretching and strength training routines to improve all elements of fitness (flexibility, muscular strength, and cardiovascular fitness)
Recommended lesson plans for adult Swim Lessons
After teaching thousands of adults how to swim, we’ve found that these lesson plans work best based on skill levels and goals:
For beginner adult swim students
Lesson Length:
60 minutes
Recommended Lessons:
12-18
If you’re new to swimming or overcoming a fear of water, our 6-pack of 1-hour lessons is ideal for building your confidence. For adult beginners looking to master basic skills and progress to strokes like freestyle, our 12-pack offers extended practice and faster results.
For advanced adult swim students
Lesson Length:
60 minutes
Recommended Lessons:
6-12
For advanced swimmers training for competition, tests, or triathlons, as well as those who just want to improve their swimming skills, our 12 or 18-pack provides focused practice to refine your stroke technique. Better technique will help you swim faster with less effort.
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!
Adult Lessons
1 Hr or longer (add in 30 minute increments). Each hour can be divided by up to 4 students (max of 2 beginners at one time; both beginners must be age 4 yrs or older). 30 minutes private lesson per student to qualify for the guarantee.
1 - 4 Student
60 Minute private or semi-private lessons
(1Hr+ Can be divided by multiple students)
18 lessons
98
/ HOUR
BEST VALUE
12 lessons
104
/ HOUR
MOST POPULAR
6 lessons
110
/ HOUR
Need help? Call 1-301-235-2661
Private swim lessons vs. Group swim lessons
Learn about why parents choose Sunsational for their Private Swimming Lessons
Private Swim Lessons
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Group Swim Lessons
Quick Results with 30+ minutes of individualised 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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Flexible scheduling, may vary for each child
Save time lessons at your home or community pool
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Time-Consuming - travel required to and from lessons
Faster Progression saves money in the long run
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More Sessions Needed Needed to see real progress
Search Nearby Instructors
*If you'd like to work with a specific instructor, we'll do our best match you with your request. However, instructor availability is not guaranteed. If the instructor is unavailable, we'll pair you with a swim instructor who's equally qualified!
Diana G.
Washington, DC 20036
Sunsational Certified Since 2017
Hi! My name is Diana and I have been teaching private and group swim lessons of children age 2-15 for 8 years. I swam competitively through college and am highly knowledgeable about the technique and safety measures required in swimming. I absolutely love sharing my passion for swimming with young swimmers! I attended the University of Delaware and completed a bachelors degree in International Business and currently work in non-profit fundraising.
Diya S.
Washington, DC 20036
Sunsational Certified Since 2024
Hi! Im Diya, a 19-year-old with 15 years of swimming experience. I've competed for almost 10 years and have been coaching for the past 3 years. With a strong background in teaching and managing swim programs, Im passionate about designing engaging and effective lessons for swimmers of all ages and skill levels. My goal is to create a supportive and enjoyable environment where you can achieve your swimming goals. I look forward to potentially working together and making a splash!
Ileana R.
Washington, DC 20001
Sunsational Certified Since 2019
Hello, my name is Ileana. a rising senior at American University. I have taught swim lessons and employed as a lifeguard for more than 6 years. I've worked with kids ages 2 to 10 years old, teaching basic water skills to professional strokes and even helping fearful beginners! It is always fulfilling seeing my students' progression in the water as they learn to love the pool as much as I do.
Renee G.
Washington, District of Columbia 20009
Sunsational Certified Since 2024
I received my bronze medallion from the Royal life-saving Society, in north London in 1992. I have taught hundreds of people to swim. I have been a passionate swimmer since I was a child, and I have been teaching swimming for 25 years. During this time, I have gained experience in teaching both adults and children of all ages. I have an in-depth knowledge of different swimming techniques and can easily adapt to cater to the needs of each individual student.
Tristan S.
Washington, District of Columbia 20001
Sunsational Certified Since 2024
My name is Tristan Stevens. I am sports medicine major chemistry minor at Howard University. I am a student athlete at the Division 1 University where I am the captain of the mens swim and dive team. I have been teaching swim lesson since my freshman year of high school and have experience with kindergartners to adults. I am very passionate about the water and have a very enthusiastic and genuine approach to teaching
Abby K.
Washington, District of Columbia 20008
Sunsational Certified Since 2024
My name is Abby, and I am a graduate student at George Washington University. I've been teaching swim lessons since 2015, starting with group lessons before moving to private instruction. I have worked with students ages 2 and up! One memorable student was a girl who was initially terrified to put her face in the water. By the end of our lessons, she was confidently jumping in and swimming. I still treasure the thank-you card she gave me. Over the years, I've helped children conquer their fear of water, worked with swim team members to refine strokes, and helped adults improve their skills. Seeing my students' pride when they achieve something they once thought impossible is my greatest joy.
Fawziyyah S.
Washington, District of Columbia 20001
Certification N/A
A little background: my love for the water was extended beyond the womb to a birthing pool in Coney Island, NYC. If my parents tried to end bath time, I would protest, leaving the bathtub until my skin resembled a bleached prune. At a young age, I joined the NYC Parks Swim Team Club, representing Brooklyn, and was fortunate to sustain a winning record as I later transitioned to junior Olympics and then to the Olympic trials. Along the way, my swim instructors were paramount in helping to shape the person that I am today. Outside of my loving parents, they have been the most influential in instilling in me focus, self-discipline, and a caring nature. They are my heroes, and I long to become for others what they were to me.
Aubrey H.
Washington, District of Columbia 20052
Certification N/A
Hi, my names Aubrey! I was a competitive swimmer for 10 years and have been teaching swim lessons since February 2023. I was also a lifeguard. I have experience teaching from babies to middle schoolers. I was a team captain for two years and led my "little fishes" through their first swim meets! Im Red Cross and YMCA certified in lifeguarding, CPR, and first aid. I love the water, especially the beach.
Jaila S.
Washington, DC 20059
Sunsational Certified Since 2017
Hello! My name is Jaila, and I have taught swim lessons for 3 years with all ages and skill levels. I am also a swim coach for the Brockton Barracuda's Special Olympics team. I also have experience as an assistant helper in a daycare where I am also the head lifeguard. I like to teach swim lessons because the children I have taught allow for be to keep a positive attitude in life and makes me feel good knowing they are safe around pools due to the knowledge they gain from swimming classes.
Tiara J.
Washington, DC 20001
Certification N/A
Hi! My name is Tiara, and Im currently studying Biology with a minor in Chemistry and Japanese at Howard University, where Im also a Division I swimmer. Ive been in the water as a swimmer my whole life, and I currently work as both a lifeguard and swim instructor. I have experience teaching swimmers of all ages, from young children to adults, and Im passionate about helping everyone feel confident and safe in the water. Although Ive worked with all age groups, from young kids to adults, I feel the best when teaching confident kids and adults who are excited to learn how to swim! I like to make each lesson fun, encouraging, and tailored to your goals. I cant wait to share my love for swimming with you!
Marissa D.
Washington, District of Columbia 20010
Sunsational Certified Since 2023
Hey everyone, my name is Marissa. I graduated from Howard University with a degree in political science and mathematics in 2022. I've been teaching swim lesson for 7 years. I have experience instructing all ages. In addition to parent-child courses and group lessons, I offer private lessons for students who prefer more one-on-one time. What I love most about my job is meeting new people and watching students make incredible progress in their swimming journey.
MALIKA S.
Washington, DC 20001
Sunsational Certified Since 2023
Hi! I have 7 years of experience lifeguarding, coaching, and teaching swim lessons. I have worked with infants, children, and adult clients alike, from fearful beginners to those looking to refine their technique and students with special needs. I swam competitively in high school, but my passion is synchronized swimming; I competed for 10 years, including at Ohio State University. I love the water and teaching others its flow. I'm looking forward to swimming with you!
Stephanie S.
Rosslyn, VA 22209
Certification N/A
Hi, Im Stephanie! I have experience teaching swimming lessons to many children from infants to middle schoolers, and adults. With competitive swimming experience since February 2015 and a background as a lifeguard, I have a strong foundation in swimming techniques, water safety, and helping swimmers of all levels feel confident in the water. I am passionate about helping kids learn to love swimming while also learning important safety techniques. I offer lessons at my outdoor rooftop pool, or I can come to your poolwhatever works best for you! Whether your child is just starting to learn how to swim or is looking to refine their techniques, I am here to make the process fun, engaging, and tailored to their needs. Lets dive in!
Blake B.
District of Columbia, Washington, District of Columbia 20059
Certification N/A
Hi! My name is Blake Brown, and I am a freshman at Howard University. I began swimming at 3 years old, and I fell in love with the water. When I was 6 years old, I began swimming competitively. I enjoy teaching others how to swim so that they can become as comfortable in the water as I am. I have been a teaching assistant since I was 12 years old and have been teaching my own classes since February 2021. Over the years, I have developed an eye for great technique and having fun classes.
Erin D.
Washington, District of Columbia 20008
Certification N/A
Hi, Im Erin! I have been teaching swim lessons since February 2017 and love helping swimmers of all ages feel safe, confident, and excited in the water. As a former Division I swimmer who started competitive swimming at age 4, I have experience teaching all skill levelswhether its working through a fear of the pool or hoping to improve strokes at an elite level. My goal is to create a positive, encouraging space so you can enjoy swimming while building skills that last a lifetime! :)
Madeline P.
Washington, District of Columbia 20002
Certification N/A
Hi there! I am originally from Boulder, Colorado, where I grew up swimming competitively. I began teaching lessons in March 2014, and since then, Ive taught kids of all ages and skill levelsfrom six-month-olds to competition teamsand adults too! I love to teach lessons because it is so rewarding to teach a lifelong skill and have fun doing it! In my class, we will focus on water safety and learning and perfecting the strokes with plenty of games along the way.
Richard S.
Washington, District of Columbia 20024
Certification N/A
Im Richard Smith, a certified swim instructor and aquatic program leader with over five years of experience helping swimmers of all ages build confidence and skill in the water. My passion for swimming started youngI competed throughout grade school and high schooland its been a core part of my wellness journey ever since. Over the years, Ive taught parent-and-child classes, youth and adult group lessons, and private one-on-one sessions. Whether youre a first-timer with water anxiety or someone looking to improve your technique, I believe that everyone can learn to swimand should. My approach is supportive, patient, and focused on helping you feel safe, strong, and comfortable in the water.
AnQuniece W.
Washington, DC 20002
Sunsational Certified Since 2017
Hi, my name is Anquniece and I have been teaching swim lessons for 5 yrs with toddlers-18 years old. I have been working with children for 6 yrs as a camp counselor, swim instructor, & teacher aid. I have worked with special needs children & disabled children. I go to Gallaudet University and am majoring in Biology/Chemistry. I have been swimming competitively for 8 yrs and have been a lifeguard for 5 yrs. I love teaching swimming because it is the best form of therapy and relaxation.
Kyree J.
Arlington, VA 22209
Sunsational Certified Since 2017
Hi, my name is Kyree and I have taught swimming lessons for 3 years with ages ranging from 2 to 62. I've also done volunteer work with special needs children helping them to get acclimated to the water for 4 seasons. I have been a Lifeguard/poolmanager for 4 years. I teach swimming because everyone should know how to swim no matter the age. One of my favorite moments is when you achive something you never thought possible. Times like that inspire me to want to teach everyone!!
Sydney K.
Arlington, VA 22202
Sunsational Certified Since 2023
Hi, my name is Sydney Koerner. I have been teaching swim lessons for 6 years and taught ages 2.5-15, as well as coached swim team for kids aged 12-18. I also have experience teaching adult swim lessons and swim lessons with special need children and adults. I earned my B.S. in Exercise Science from Central Michigan University in 2019. I want to share my passion for swimming with others and hope I can help swimmers of all ages be comfortable and confident in the water!
Aisling R.
Washington, DC 20003
Certification N/A
Hi! My name is Aisling Riederer, and I have been teaching swim lessons for over 3 years. I have taught ages 18 months to 12 years, as well as adults. I have also worked with children for over 7 years through both babysitting and working in a daycare. I grew up swimming competitively, and I love teaching swim lessons as a way to continue to share my love for swimming and water safety!
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Find out if a Sunsational Swim instructor is in your area
Available all across the USA!
Got questions?
We have answers. When is the best time for adults to start swim lessons?
We make scheduling easy. Morning, afternoon, evening, and weekend lessons are avaialble 6AM-8PM to fit your family’s lifestyle. You choose the days, times and number of lessons per week that works for you. Because all lessons are private, scheduling is completely flexible and can be adjusted for vacations or weather. In Washington DC, our instructors teach year-round, so you can start lessons whenever you’re ready.
Yes — adults can absolutely learn to swim at any age. Sunsational Swim School specializes in private, at-home adult swim lessons that meet you where you are, from complete beginner to stroke refinement. Our certified, background-checked instructors use a safety-first approach and one-on-one instruction to build confidence, comfort, and efficient technique.
Many adult learners see meaningful progress in just 4 to 12 lessons with regular practice. If you’re searching for “private swim instructor near me” or swim lessons in Washington DC, our flexible scheduling, mobile swim instructors and personalized lesson plans make it easy to fit learning into your life.
While everyone learns at their own pace, we can give you a realistic timeline based on thousands of adult students. We see most beginners who take consistent private lessons in Washington DC achieve these milestones:
- Within 1-3 lessons: Comfortably submerge their face, control their breathing, and perform a supported back float. The initial fear begins to fade.
- Within 4-8 lessons: Can swim a short distance (10-15 feet) unassisted using a basic freestyle or elementary backstroke. They can also safely recover to a standing position.
- Within 8-12 lessons: Develop the endurance and technique to swim the length of a typical backyard pool with confidence.
We understand that a real fear of water is not something you can just "get over." Our entire approach is built on trust and control. Here’s what it looks like:
You Are Always in Control: We start where you can comfortably stand, often on the pool steps. Your instructor will never push, splash, or rush you.
It Starts with Breathing: The very first skill your Sunsational instructor works with you is often breath control—learning to blow bubbles. This one simple action calms the nervous system and gives you a sense of command in the water.
We Demystify Floating: We explain the physics of why your body wants to float. We then guide you through it with full support, so you can feel the water holding you up without any risk. This is the "aha!" moment for most anxious swimmers.
One-on-one lessons are tailored to your objectives: water confidence, breath control, stroke mechanics, endurance, or open-water readiness. Safety skills such as floating, treading water, and emergency recovery are emphasized from day one. Your instructor will break complex skills into manageable drills, correct body position and timing, and add focused practice to accelerate improvement.
Our instructors are certified, background-checked, and CPR-trained, and lessons are delivered privately at your home pool for convenience. If you search “private swim instructor near me,” you’ll find Sunsational Swim School offers flexible lesson lengths and scheduling to match your lifestyle.
Your first lesson is all about comfort and confidence. Your instructor will assess your current ability, demonstrate proper breathing and floating techniques, and help you relax in the water. There’s no pressure to perform—just a calm, step-by-step introduction to swimming safely and efficiently.
Absolutely. Our advanced coaches teach the nuanced mechanics that define an efficient stroke. For freestyle, we move beyond the basics and focus on key areas of propulsion, like the high-elbow catch (early vertical forearm). We also offer advanced training for breaststroke, butterfly, backstroke, triathlon and more in our private at-home swim lesson programs available in Washington DC.
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 Washington DC, 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.