Toddler swim lessons inWinter Haven
Looking for the best private toddler swimming lessons near me? Itâs always a Sunsational time to learn to swim in Winter Haven! Our private swim lessons ensure rapid progress in essential water safety skills.
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Safe, fun, and taught at home!
With our Learn-to-Swim Guarantee, if your toddler canât demonstrate the âSunsational Swim Sequenceâ by the twelfth lesson, weâll 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 Winter Haven.
What are survival float lessons?
Winter Haven 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 âforced back floatingâ, 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 Winter Haven use gentle encouragement and positive reinforcement, which helps toddlers develop water skills in a fun, nurturing environment. Weâre 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 â 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 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
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 kidâs 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 isnât just about safety, itâs 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 isnât just a fun activity and an important life skill, itâs 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 theyâve 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
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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
Why choose Sunsational Swim School for your toddlerâs 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
Winter Haven 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 Winter Haven 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
56
/ 30 minutes
79
/ HOUR
BEST VALUE
12 lessons
59
/ 30 minutes
84
/ HOUR
MOST POPULAR
6 lessons
67
/ 30 minutes
89
/ 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!
Samantha H.
Winter Haven, FL 33884
Sunsational Certified Since 2019
I have over 15 years experience working with 6 months old - adult as a swim teacher and as a coach. My qualifications are in Preschool teaching and Developmental Psychology. My focus is to understand the individuals learning style, whether it be visual, audio, repetition or kinesthetic and adapt my lesson accordingly. I have, and am able to work with children who have special needs, using patience and positive reinforcement.
Madison A.
Davenport, Florida 33837
Certification N/A
Hi, I am Madison! I am a mom of three! I have been a master swimmer and lesson instructor since July 2012. I work with ages 2 to adults; I also specialize in children with special needs or disabilities. I am looking forward to getting your kids 100% comfortable with the water and on the road to success in the swimming world! I have been a swim team member since January 2005! I am ready to teach your kids to be the best!
Hope M.
Lake Wales, Florida 33853
Certification N/A
Hello, Im an experienced swim instructor and certified lifeguard with a background in both public and private settings. I began lifeguarding at LEGOLAND and then taught swim lessons at the YMCA, working with kids of all ages. Since December 2024, Ive also provided private instruction, focusing on safety, confidence, and skill development. Im passionate about helping swimmers grow through patience, structure, and fun.
David S.
Lake Wales, Florida 33853
Certification N/A
Hi, my name is David Skehan. I have been teaching swimming on and off since February 1986. I have taught at least 50 people over the course of my life. My last few students were autistic individuals in their 20s. I am retired, so my time is flexible. I love teaching. I have taught during my career in military police school, automotive mechanics, and lastly, autistic children. I meet each student where they are so that I can help them overcome any fear they feel towards the training we are going to tackle.
Emiliano H.
Davenport, Florida 33837
Sunsational Certified Since 2024
Hello! I am Emiliano and I have worked as a swim instructor and a lifeguard. I have worked with a higher concentration of kids aged 2-6 but have had a full array from 6 months all the way up to 40+ years old. I have worked with kids on the spectrum and have experience catering to individual needs to ensure each kid gets a full experience. One of my top priorities is ensuring good habits with the water while focusing on technique for higher ages. All of this while being lighthearted and fun among other teaching techniques that thoroughly consider the psychology and learning patters of each kid I have. My sister has been my biggest teacher in creating patience and keeping a cool head no matter the task at hand when teaching.
yvonne k.
Lakeland, Florida 33809
Certification N/A
Hello, my name is Yvonne. I have a very relaxed and fun approach to learning to swim, and I treat my clients like family. I am from Tennessee but have been a proud Lakelander since November 2011. I have two grown children and a 4-year-old granddaughter. I have been in healthcare for 24 years and now am a full-time rideshare driver, so I have more flexibility to teach my students. I love the water and am one of the few in my family who learned to swim. I have taught all the children in my family and would love to help your family reach their swim goals! Thank you, and I look forward to working with y'all.
Riley M.
Davenport, Florida 33896
Certification N/A
Riley is a recent graduate of William & Mary, where she studied conservation biology and classical studies. Hailing from Virginia, she moved down here last year to work at Disney World. Riley has been swimming since she was 5 and competitively swam until college (she's a butterflier). She has taught swim lessons since March 2017 and has experience with a large variety of ages from 2 to 65. She also has experience with differing skill levels, so whether your swimmer has never seen water or needs swim team coaching, Riley can help! She also has experience with special needs students and is happy to work with whatever your student might require!
Ava W.
Lakeland, FL 33811
Sunsational Certified Since 2017
Hello! My name is Ava and I've been teaching swim lessons for a summer at the world's largest swimming lessons as a lifeguard, ages ranging from 1 year to 10 years old. I've also babysat for over five years, for children ages ranging from 10 months to 14 years old. I go to the University of South Florida for Mass Communications and Advertising. I teach swimming because I love helping children grow and learn about the water in a fun, safe environment!
Jennifer J.
Kissimmee, Florida 34747
Certification N/A
Hello! I am a lifelong swimmer with a background as a competitive athlete and a certified lifeguard and instructor during my childhood and young adult years. As a single mom, I passed on my love of the water by teaching my daughter to swim, along with countless neighborhood kids and friends' children. Helping others feel safe, confident, and capable in the water is one of my greatest joys! I have experience teaching ages 6 months through adults. Whether you're just getting started or looking to improve your skills, I'm here to help you dive in.
Tevin T.
Lakeland, Florida 33810
Sunsational Certified Since 2023
Hi, I'm Tevin Texeria! I have been teaching since February 2015, with ages ranging from 2 to adults. I was a lifeguard for the Boston Community Centers, worked for four independent swim companies, and coached kids 10 and under for the swim team. I love being able to use drills, kickboard work, fun, and swim reflection to enhance children's water development. I also love tossing kids in the air and making them say yippy-ki-yah. I have plenty of experience with fearful kids and kids that can't float.
Esteban G.
Mulberry, Florida 33860
Certification N/A
Hi, My name is Esteban, Ive been teaching swim lessons for the past 6 years with ages 0 months to my oldest student at 84 years old! I also have experience with students with disabilities. I am passionate about teaching and growing children to have fun but be safe in and around the water. I love to teach through play and build trust with each student.
Jamie F.
Davenport, Florida 33896
Sunsational Certified Since 2017
Hi, my name is Jamie and I have been a lifeguard for over 5 years and a teaching swim lessons for over a year. I have worked with Disney and on military bases. I enjoy teaching your children how to swim and making sure they are safe.
Jazlyn M.
Kissimmee, Florida 34747
Sunsational Certified Since 2022
Hi, my name is Jazlyn! I am a certified WSI, CPR and AED certified. I also am a certified RBT and have worked extensively with children with Autism with great success and progression. I work with of all ages with a focus on safety while still prioritizing fun into learning. Working with kids is a passion of mine and is a privilege to teach a life skill!
Jovana T.
Kissimmee, Florida 34747
Certification N/A
I'm a passionate swim instructor dedicated to helping students of all ages and skill levels achieve their swimming goals in a fun and supportive environment. I use gentle teaching methods and a survival-first approach starting with water acclimation, water survival, and stroke development levels. I have experience working with babies, toddlers, school-age children, young adults, and adults. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Sports and Physical Education and have been teaching children and adults all kinds of different sports, including swimming and surfing, since February 2021.
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Available all across the USA!
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 familyâs 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 Winter Haven, our instructors teach year-round, so you can start lessons whenever youâre ready.
YesâSunsationalâs instructors in Winter Haven 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 edgeâwhat 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 childâs 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 Winter Haven 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 Winter Haven start floating, kicking, and swimming short distances within a few weeks of consistent lessons. Sunsationalâs personalized approachâtaught in your own poolâhelps 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 weâll provide up to four additional lessons free until they do.
Most parents in Winter Haven 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. Sunsationalâs certified instructors in {{metroAarea}} customize lessons to your toddlerâs 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 confidenceâbut the biggest benefit is safety. In Winter Haven, where many families enjoy backyard pools, community pools, beaches or Gulf beach days, home pool lessons, 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 Winter Haven and nearby neighborhoods in Tampa Bay. 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 Winter Haven, 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.