How to Choose the Best Swim Lessons Format for Your Child

So, you’ve decided to sign your child up for swim lessons but realize you need a little help deciding about the different lesson formats. Are private swim lessons better because your child is the only one there? Will they learn faster? Or are group lessons more fun because there are other kids to swim with? Here is some information about the different types of swim lessons available, from someone who has taught them all and only wants your kid to learn to swim, but has no monetary gain either way.

Private Lessons vs Group Lessons

One of the most frequently asked question I would receive when a new family signed up for lessons was: Are private lessons worth the additional cost? Well not every child is the same, so I don’t have a one-size-fits-all answer.

Private Lessons	Group Lessons
One on one with the instructor	A ratio of about 4:1 for non-swimmers and up for beginner and intermediate lessons.
Pricing is at least double or more as compared to group lessons.	Lower cost, more lessons for the same price
More practice time during the lesson	Non-swimmers will spend time waiting their turn while the instructor works with others.
Tailored for your child’s goals	Follow a set curriculum

But will your child learn faster in a individual swim lessons? Probably, but not so much faster that they are going to go from a non-swimmer to a strong swimmer in just a few lessons. Learning to swim takes hundreds of hours of practice spaced out over months or years to really become a strong competent swimmer, so please keep this in mind when you are making financial decisions about lessons.

**If you are looking to help your child learn to swim faster, check out these tips for non-swimmers and for beginner swimmers.

And remember, both types of lesson formats can work together during your child’s learn to swim journey. Are they nervous about starting? Maybe try a private lesson or two first to get them used to the pool before group lessons begin. Has your child gotten “stuck” in one skill while excelling at others? Take a few private lessons to get them caught up. Just because they are in group lessons does not mean that private lessons aren’t also an option.

Parent-Child vs Individual Lessons

If your child is under 3, they likely not eligible for group lessons. Babies and toddlers need 1:1 supervision in the water, and have not yet learned things, such as waiting their turn, that would allow them to safely participate in a group setting. Options for baby and toddler swim lessons will be either a private lessons (1:1 with the instructor), or a parent-child class with the parent helping the child follow along.

While private swim lessons might be good option in some situations, I recommend parent-child lessons for almost everyone. It is so important for parents to be involved when their child is learning to swim. Parents are the only ones there for every swim time — from bath time and pool parties, to lake visits and vacations, your child’s instructor will not be there. Consistency is key — especially for young children. When parents are involved, the skills and habits developed in the swim lesson to carry through to every swim time, turning these safe practices into safe habits.

There is no “right way” for your child to learn to swim, no matter what type of lessons you chose, your child is sure to benefit.