Find a swimming instructor in Washington, DC

Find swimming lessons in Washington, DC

Find swimming lessons in Washington, DC

Share a few details and we'll show you the best swimming classes in your area.
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Find swimming lessons in Washington, DC

Share a few details and we'll show you the best swimming classes in your area.
Zip code

Student age(s)
Meeting location

Top 10 swimming classes in Washington, DC

Students agree: these Washington swimming lessons are highly rated for knowledge, experience, communication, and more.
The Swim Whisperer   —   Swim Lessons For All Ages

The Swim Whisperer — Swim Lessons For All Ages

5.0Exceptional(6)
34+ years in business
Serves Washington, DC
Cyndi B. says, "My 3rd grader attends Arlington County public schools. The 3rd grade the classes go to the high school pools and do swim evaluations and have swim class for a week of their gym class. My daughter was so embarrassed last year -she could not swim and had to show her whole class that she was NOT able to even put her face underwater. She had so much anxiety that I reached out to Liz. After talking with Liz, she assured me she could get my daughter out of her anxiety if I could come once a week all winter. So we did just that. She is now very confident and can go under to pick up an object is 4ft of water and jump off the side into 7ft water and swim to the side. She is improving every day. This year her 4th grade class is attending the pool for a week as a class and she can’t wait!" Read more
A1 Swimming

A1 Swimming

4.9Exceptional(16)
Top Pro
2 hires on Lessons
15+ years in business
Serves Washington, DC
Wendy S. says, "Tony and Anna have been teaching my son to swim for over five years now, first in private lessons with Anna and then in Stroke and Turn class with Tony. They are great teachers and very patient with kids. My son is now an incredibly strong swimmer who loves being in the water, thanks to Tony and Anna." Read more
Ben Campbell Swimming

Ben Campbell Swimming

New on Lessons
3+ years in business
Serves Washington, DC
My name is Ben Campbell and I am a private swim coach at the St. James. I have over a decade of competitive swimming experience and a strong foundation in coaching. During my swimming career, I've had the privilege of training under some of the most respected swim coaches in the country and I’m excited to share the knowledge they instilled in me. As a coach with over five years of experience, I have spent time in the team setting as well as individual lessons. I have had the privilege of working with a diverse range of swimmers, from beginners who have never touched the water to advanced athletes aiming for the highest levels of performance.

Your Swimming Lessons questions, answered

Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on Lessons.

How much do swim classes cost near me?

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.

What should you expect during a swim class?

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

What should I wear and bring to a swimming class?

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.

How many swim classes do I need to learn swimming?

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.

What is a good age for a child to take swimming lessons?

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.

Are infant swim classes safe?

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.

Can I get swimming lessons as an adult?

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.

How do I find a good swimming class?

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.

What questions do I ask a swim class instructor?

  • 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?

Reviews for Washington swimming classes

Recent success stories from people in the Washington area.
Siskia P.
Working with Liz was so easy. She arranged semi-private lessons for my kids & their cousins at our pool. Kids loved Liz, she is fun & funny and my littlest one learned her colors and to count last summer during her swim lessons with water games that stimulate imagination and learning. I didn't realize that swimming would affect my children with excitement since they were not a fan of water activities. But now i can't keep them out of the pool.
The Swim Whisperer — Swim lessons for all ages
Christopher L.
I chose in my mid-40s to face my life-long fear of water. I never went near an ocean, lake or pool. I took private lessons with Tony. He helped me understand the nature of fear of water and how to confront it. Over the course of time, I not only got in the pool but ultimately learned to swim the backstroke and to jump into the deep end of the pool and tread water. I also began learning to swim the traditional freestyle. I intend to return and get over my last hurdles but the fact that I no longer feel terror around water is something I never thought I would achieve in my life. Tony helped me overcome my biggest fear in life and was incredibly patient throughout the process. I'm grateful.
A1 Swimming
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