Toddler swim lessons inWheeling
Looking for the best private toddler swimming lessons near me? It’s always a Sunsational time to learn to swim in Wheeling! Our private swim lessons ensure rapid progress in essential water safety skills.
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Sunsational Swim instructors
Safe, fun, and taught at home!
With our Learn-to-Swim Guarantee, if your toddler can’t demonstrate the “Sunsational Swim Sequence” by the twelfth lesson, we’ll give you up to four additional classes for free!
Sunsational Swim School brings essential swim skills to your home pool or local community pool, helping everyone enjoy the water more safely across the Wheeling.
What are survival float lessons?
Wheeling 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 Wheeling use gentle encouragement and positive reinforcement, which helps toddlers develop water skills in a fun, nurturing environment. We’re committed to building a foundation of water confidence.
Why are swimming lessons so important for toddlers?
Drowning is the #1 leading cause of accidental death in the U.S. among children under 5, and in most cases, it happens in just minutes – even when a caregiver is nearby. In fact:
Swimming lessons can save lives. Give your toddler the gift of swimming which lasts a lifetime!
Levels we teach in our Swim Lesson Programs
Tadpole Skills
Cue words to learn to hold breath underwater
Assisted back float
Assisted front float/submersion
Developing underwater comfort & water acclimation
Assisted Kicking
Introduction of Water Safety Skills (based on age)
Blowing bubbles
Assisted "monkey crawl" along pool wall
Starfish Skills
Unassisted backfloat
Underwater swim (person to person & to wall)
"Monkey Crawl" holding the side of the pool wall
Reach for the side of the pool after submersion
Assisted roll to back float
Assisted climb out of pool
Goldfish Skills
Unassisted kicking underwater
Underwater turn to grab wall (near edge)
Roll to back float (less assistance)
Unassisted 15+ second back float
Assisted fall into water and roll to back float
Unassisted climb out of pool
Jellyfish Skills
Unassisted roll to back float
Drop in from pool edge, turn around and kick back to wall
Unassisted 30+ second back float
Unassisted roll to back float after fall in water
Seahorse Skills
Tread water
Assisted back float
Assisted front float/submersion
Developing underwater comfort & water acclimation
Assisted Kicking
Introduction of Water Safety Skills (based on age)
Blowing bubbles
Assisted "monkey crawl" along pool wall
Dolphin Skills
Breaststroke
Jump into pool tread water 10s return to side
Forward somersault
Skull head first 5m
Backstroke
Dolphin kick
Seal Skills
Technique refinement for all strokes
Tread water 30+ seconds
Retrieve underwater objects in deep water
Flip turns
Head first surface dive in deep water
Butterfly
Members Of
Benefits of kids swimming lessons
A 2009 study found that children who take kids swimming lessons have a significantly lower risk of accidental drowning. Learning to swim is essential for your kid’s safety and confidence in the water.
Kids swimming lessons reduce the risk of drowning
Unlike many sports, swimming is something kids can start at any age, and continue throughout their lives. Swim classes introduce young swimmers to a skill that is best developed early.
Swimming is a lifelong activity
Obesity is a rising problem in America, and swimming lessons for children might just be the answer. Swimming is a great full-body workout that improves cardiovascular health and builds muscle strength.
Swimming builds strength and endurance
Swimming isn’t just about safety, it’s about enjoying the time in the water with confidence. Kids swimming lessons teach children lifesaving skills while also helping kids learn to enjoy swimming for the rest of their lives.
Important skill for fun and safety
This might surprise parents, but studies have shown children who undertake swim lessons at an early age develop stronger cognitive and motor skills, which can help them succeed in school. This means they might do better!
Kids who swim do better in school
Swimming isn’t just a fun activity and an important life skill, it’s also a fantastic form of exercise. Non-weight bearing and able to work out every single muscle group, starting swim lessons will keep them fit until they’ve grown!
A fun way to stay active and healthy
100% Satisfaction Guarantee
We're so confident in the quality of our swim instructors that we stand behind them with our Sunsational Instructor Guarantee!
If your first lesson is anything less than Sunsational, just let us know and we can either refund your unused lesson time or re-start your lesson package with a more suitable Instructor, your choice!
Private swim lessons vs. Group swim lessons
Learn about why parents choose Sunsational for their Private Swimming Lessons
Private Swim Lessons
vs
Group Swim Lessons
Quick Results with 30+ minutes of individualized instruction
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Slow Progress with limited 1-on-1 attention
Flexible scheduling, book multiple kids back-to-back
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Preset class schedules, often different schedules for each child
Save time lessons at your home or community pool
vs
Time-Consuming - travel required to and from lessons
Faster Progression saves money in the long run
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More Sessions Needed to see real progress
Why choose Sunsational Swim School for your toddler’s swim lessons?
Water safety starts early
We prioritize safety in every lesson. Our toddler swim programs teach essential water safety skills, ensuring your child learns to swim in a fun yet secure environment.
A fun and progressive learning approach
At Sunsational Swim School our lessons follow a progressive method that makes learning fun; not stressful or fear-inducing. With private lessons our instructors go at your child's pace, progressing them only when they're ready.
Learn to swim guaranteed
We're so confident in our methods that we offer a Learn to Swim Guarantee in all of our private toddler swim classes. If your child can't swim back to the pool wall after 12 lessons, you'll get up to four more lessons for free.
Swim lessons that fit around your schedule
Wheeling 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 Wheeling swim instructors are highly experienced and have a minimum of two years teaching, CPR and First Aid Certified, and many are also Red Cross lifeguard or Water Safety Instructor certified.
Lessons are fun and age-appropriate
We make learning to swim fun and engaging with games, activities and age-appropriate techniques. Young children also earn Sunsational skill charts and certificates to celebrate their progress!
Toddler lessons
The more lessons you buy, the more you save!
1 Student
30 - 45 Minute private Lessons
18 lessons
73
/ 30 minutes
102
/ HOUR
BEST VALUE
12 lessons
78
/ 30 minutes
108
/ HOUR
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!
Evan J.
Buffalo Grove, Illinois 60089
Sunsational Vetted Since 2026
Im incredibly grateful for the opportunity to join Sunsational Swim School and share my passion for swimming with others. Water has always been a huge part of my lifenot just as a sport, but as a space for growth, confidence, and connection. Im excited to help others build their skills, overcome challenges, and discover their own love for the water while creating a positive and supportive environment for every swimmer I work with.
Madison V.
Riverwoods, Illinois 60015
Sunsational Vetted Since 2024
Hi! Im Maddie, and Ive been teaching swim lessons since February 2019. Im licensed in behavioral therapy and have experience working with kids with special needs ages 220. I started teaching swim at 14 and have worked with ages 218 ever since. I was introduced to CPR and water safety early on, and Ive helped over 80 kids pass weekly swim tests. With about 7 years of experience working with children, my goal is to make swimming fun, safe, and something every child can enjoy and feel proud of!
Ernest R.
Glenview, Illinois 60025
Sunsational Vetted Since 2025
Hello! Im Eric, a rising junior at Emory University, a state and national-level swimmer with numerous top placements, and the current captain of the Emory Swim Club. Im a former varsity swim team captain with over 10 years of competitive experience, and I specialize in all four strokes. Ive coached and mentored swimmers of all levelsfrom beginners learning the basics to advanced athletes refining technique. My approach is patient, encouraging, and tailored to each swimmers goals, whether thats improving stroke mechanics, building endurance, or boosting confidence in the water. Im passionate about helping others enjoy the sport as much as I do.
Larry H.
Deerfield, Illinois 60015
Sunsational Vetted Since 2026
Hi, Im Larry H., and swimming has been a lifelong passion. Ive taught children and adults and am certified in Red Cross first aid and lifeguarding. I really enjoy seeing students progress and have fun learning. Patience and positive encouragement are my focus, and Im excited to work with you to achieve your goals.
Brenna L.
Arlington Heights, IL 60004
Sunsational Vetted Since 2024
Hi families!! My name is Brenna and Im so excited about the opportunity to be teaching you all! I was a competitive swimmer for 8 years and have 6 years of instructing experience. Ive taught all skills and abilities ages ranging from 6 months to 85 years of age (because its never too late!). I was also a lifeguard for 5 years. I was also a swim coach for a 8&U boys and girls at a nearby park district for 3 years!! I cant wait to get to know all of you and help you grow!
Isabella R.
Vernon Hills, Illinois 60061
Sunsational Vetted Since 2025
Hi! I am a student-athlete at Boston University studying Health Sciences. My long career in swimming has led me to a passion for teaching others! I have been a swim instructor since February 2021 and swimming since February 2011! I have also worked with students who have autism and Down syndrome!
Sophia B.
Park Ridge, Illinois 60068
Sunsational Vetted Since 2026
Hello! My name is Sophia I have been swimming since I was 5 years old, starting in the shallow end of the pool and working my way up, learning the various strokes, safety skills, and synchronized swimming! I completed my Lifeguard/CPR/First Aid certification and have experience teaching at a private swim school, where I worked with students ages 3-16 and a variety of capabilities! I have experience working with children with special needs and will accommodate lessons to fit every students learning style. I am a very creative person, so I will make each lesson engaging and fun! I speak fluent Polish and conversational Mandarin, so we can also practice our basic language skills in the pool I look forward to swimming with you!
Ava J.
chicago, Illinois 60631
Sunsational Vetted Since 2024
Hi, I am Ava Jimenez. I am a junior currently going to Illinois State University. I have been a lifeguard and swim instructor for 4 years. I have previously played competitive water polo and was an assistant coach for a team. I am excited to share my passion for the water with students ages 2 - adults!
Gina B.
Libertyville, Illinois 60048-4273
Sunsational Vetted Since 2024
Ive been a lifeguard for eight years and have taught swimming since November 1994. Ive worked in education for over two decades. While teaching swimming, I taught everything from 6 months to 89 years old, including students with special needs such as autism, paralyzed individuals, and more. Growing up, I was on swim teams with the city, high school, and college swim and dive teams. I love water so much that I got certified as a master scuba diver. I have a degree in general studies and am getting another in human and behavioral science. I love teaching swimming to help others be safe in and around the pool.
Steve S.
Schaumburg, IL 60193
Sunsational Vetted Since 2016
This is the best swimming experience for both you and your kids because it combines professional individualized teaching with a comfortable home setting. I've taught pre-schoolers, beginners, and advanced leveled swimmers. It is my strong belief that swimming should be fun for kids and every child should learn to be safe around water. I am a Red Cross Certified Water Safety Instructor and swam competitively. Kids who haven't progressed in other lessons will thrive with the right instructor :)
Janet S.
Chicago, Illinois 60630-4676
Sunsational Vetted Since 2024
Im Jan and Ive been a swim instructor for more than 20 years. Working in both community programs and private lessons. I teach ages 2 - adults, though I am open to special needs learners too. I am passionate about sharing my love of the water by teaching swimming! I want to teach you how to be safe in the water and swim so that you have a new skill when you go back to school. And to any adults who have always wanted to learn, this summer would be a good time.
Victoria K.
Chicago, Illinois 60626
Sunsational Vetted Since 2025
Hi! I love teaching Learn to Swim as it combines two of my passions: swimming and teaching. My swimming journey started as a child taking swim lessons and then joining a club and high school swim teams. As an adult, I am now a triathlete and continue to swim laps mostly in Lake Michigan. I've had experience teaching Learn to Swim since September 2021, both as an instructor and as the pool director for a summer camp, where I managed and supported a team of seven swim instructors. When I'm not teaching swim lessons or swimming myself, I work as a preschool teacher in Chicago. I have experience working with a wide range of ages, as I have taught second and third grade in the past as well. I look forward to swimming with you!
Alex P.
Gurnee, IL 60031
Sunsational Vetted Since 2026
Hello! My name is Alex Polo. Im a swim instructor who loves helping people feel confident and comfortable in the water. Whether youre just starting out or looking to improve your strokes, I focus on making lessons fun, safe, and encouraging for every swimmer.
Lici S.
Chicago, Illinois 60618
Sunsational Vetted Since 2025
Hi, Im Lici! I am a lifelong swimmer with 15 years of competitive swimming experience, up to the collegiate D1 level. With 6 years of teaching experience as an American Red Cross WSI (Water Safety Instructor), I have taught students of all ages and abilities. Whether its your babys first time splashing in the pool, your child ready to feel confident around the water, or an adult excited to improve your skills, I strive to make your lesson fun, safe, and rewarding.
Mary R.
Elmhurst, Illinois 60126
Sunsational Vetted Since 2025
I have been passionate about swimming for as long as I can remember. I started as a competitive swimmer with FMC Swim Club at age 5, competing through my high school years. Over the years, I have gained extensive teaching experience, working with swimmers of all ages at the Elmhurst Park District, from toddlers to middle schoolers and even adults. Additionally, I have taught private lessons and lifeguarded at La Grange Country Club and River Forest Country Club. As a sophomore nursing student, I am driven to share my knowledge of swimming, water safety, and skill development with others. I am also CPR and AED certified, and I am eager to help swimmers of all levels feel confident and safe in the water.
Amy P.
River Forest, Illinois 60305
Sunsational Vetted Since 2023
Hello families and future swimmers. My name is Amy Prah and I am thrilled to be part of your journey to becoming a safe and proficient swimmer. A little about me: I've spent many years as a competitive swimmer, then a competitive swim club coach, then an instructor to children, adults and those with special needs. So it's safe to say I have a love for the water. I am honored to work with you and look forward to helping you accomplish all of your swimming goals. See you in the pool!
Jacqueline S.
Chicago, Illinois 60639
Sunsational Vetted Since 2026
My name is Jacqueline, and I have been a swim instructor since October 2023. I have been trained and certified by the YMCA. I am committed to helping my students by creating a welcoming, encouraging, and engaging environment during my lessons. I prioritize safety and quality while making sure my students have fun!
Misha N.
Chicago, Illinois 60651
Sunsational Vetted Since 2026
Hi everyone! Im a former Division I athlete and an experienced youth coach since February 2015, and I enjoy helping swimmers build confidence, water safety skills, and strong fundamentals in the water. Each lesson is tailored to the swimmers age and comfort level.
Jack S.
Elmhurst, Illinois 60126
Sunsational Vetted Since 2025
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!
Abigail H.
Oak Park, Illinois 60302
Sunsational Vetted Since 2026
Hi! My name is Abigail. I was a competitive swimmer for thirteen years, a swim instructor and lifeguard since February 2023, and an assistant swim coach since February 2023. I have a passion for swim safety and a belief that everyone can and should be taught how to do it. I enjoy teaching the basics of swim safety all the way to technique for competitive athletes and am happy to meet every student where they are. Together we can make every student safer in and around the pool deck. Happy swimming!
Miguel Angel M.
Chicago, Illinois 60613
Sunsational Vetted Since 2024
Hello and welcome! Im Miguel, and Im excited to help you achieve your swimming goals. With a background in Physical Education and a masters in Physiology, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to our sessions. Over the past seven years, Ive worked as a lifeguard, swim instructor, and triathlon coach for both children and adults in the United States and Colombia. Im passionate about sharing my expertise and believe that with the right plan, anything can be taught and learned. Thank you for choosing Sunsational! Im confident that together we can enhance your swimming skills, whether you aim to compete or simply enjoy the water safely.
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Got questions?
We have answers. When should toddlers start swim lessons?
We make scheduling easy. Morning, afternoon, evening, and weekend lessons are avaialble 6AM-8PM to fit your family’s lifestyle. You choose the days, times and number of lessons per week that works for you. Because all lessons are private, scheduling is completely flexible and can be adjusted for vacations or weather. In Wheeling, our instructors teach year-round, so you can start lessons whenever you’re ready.
Yes—Sunsational’s instructors in Wheeling 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 Wheeling 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 Wheeling 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 Wheeling 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 Wheeling, where many families enjoy indoor pools, park district pools, beaches or indoor lap swim, Lake Michigan summers, 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 Wheeling and nearby neighborhoods in Chicagoland. 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 Wheeling, 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.