Swim classes cost $40 to $80 per hour for private lessons or $100 to $160 per month for weekly classes with a small group of people. Fees increase for extended sessions longer than 1 hour and for teachers who were professional competitive swimmers.

During a swim class that's typically 30 to 60 minutes long, you should expect to learn:

• Floating techniques
• Breathing practices
• Basic kicking styles
• Treading water
• Basic swimming strokes
• Diving and underwater swimming techniques
• Long-distance swimming methods
• Rescue, CPR, and snorkel training for advanced lessons

Supplies to bring to a swimming class include:

• Swimwear that fits properly
• A swim diaper for children who aren't potty trained
• Tote bag to keep your clothes dry and store your things
• Flip-flops to keep your feet clean around the pool area
• Sunscreen if the outdoor pool gets direct sunlight
• Swimming cap and hair ties
• Flotation devices
• Toiletries for showering
• Plastic water bottle
• Towels
• Goggles
• Earplugs

Extra tips: The swimming pool may offer some of these items for free or at a fee. For girls learning to swim competitively, a 1-piece bathing suit is necessary.

People without a fear of water need 15 to 20 hours of swim classes on average to learn swimming. Those who must also overcome their fears of drowning will need more time and practice to swim confidently.

A good age for a child to take swimming lessons is from 2 to 5 years old. After this age, the lungs of children are strong enough to hold their breath underwater long enough to swim.

Good to know: Introducing a child to the water at 1 year old helps them feel comfortable in a pool, although they won't be able to swim yet.

Closely supervised infant swim classes are typically safe for children from the age of 6 months onward. However, infant swim classes don't guarantee that a child will learn enough to stop themselves from drowning.

Note: Some doctors also caution that children prone to respiratory infections shouldn't swim in chlorinated pools until they are more than 2 years old.

You can get swimming lessons as an adult at most pools with private instructors. Call ahead to ask for the schedule of adult classes, age requirements, and a list of anything you should bring with you.

Use this checklist before booking classes at the local pool to find a good swimming class:

• Compare class prices from 3+ teachers or pools near you.
• Ask for proof of their water safety education, lifeguard training, and other related credentials.
• Read their reviews on Lessons and Google.
• Check that the swimming pool facility has liability insurance.
• Keep a copy of the terms and conditions of the swimming lesson contract and refund policy.
• Beware of the lowest prices that can indicate low-quality lessons.
• Don't make a full season payment upfront for lessons unless you can get a partial refund later.

• How long have you been teaching people to swim?
• What’s the minimum amount of experience required for a teacher?
• Can students warm up in the pool before classes begin?
• Is swimming practice time at the pool outside of lessons included in this price?
• Will I get a locker to store my things in during class?
• Do you offer discounts for families?
• How long does it typically take to teach a child to swim?
• What should I work on to swim better?
• Which exercises should students practice at home that help to learn swimming faster?
• Can you create a customized training plan for each student?
• How do you describe your teaching style?
• What do you do to help children overcome their fears of water?
• Are goggles or swim caps required for all lessons?