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Baby swim lessons inRiver Forest

Your baby’s first splash should be fun – not stressful. But with drowning being the leading cause of death for young children under the age of five, including babies, water safety isn’t optional – it’s essential. That’s where our top-rated, experienced instructors come in.

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Thousands of

5-star reviews

200k+

swimmers

2000+

Sunsational Swim instructors

Thousands of

5-star reviews

200k+

swimmers

2000+

Sunsational Swim instructors

Fun, safe & effective baby swim lessons in River Forest!

Our River Forest swim lessons help your little one progress from their first splashes to advanced safety skills using gentle, proven techniques like songs, games, and guided movements, our instructors teach your baby to:

We call this the Sunsational Safety Sequence. We even offer parent-and-baby lessons to ease you both into the water together.

Studies show that formal swim lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by 88%, making our swim school a crucial part of family safety. This is especially true if you have a home pool, as over 72% of pool drownings occur at home.

Give your baby a head start on safety and building confidence in the water!

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Sunsational clients love our swimming lessons

5-star rated by parents and swimmers alike

We decided to do private back yard swim lessons for my 7 month old given that group classes were cancelled due to Covid. Sam our instructor has been amazing - we wear masks, she is so positive and informed and she is great with the baby helping to make swim time fun and get him comfortable in the water. She has also been super flexible and easy to work with! Highly recommend Sam!

Sara G.

Yana is our swim instructor and my daughter absolutely loves her. She is so good with little ones and my daughter really trusts her. Shes also flexible with my crazy schedule. We love her swimming lessons! - Carleigh Muchesko

Carleigh M.

Sam has been an incredibly patient and kind swim instructor for my 10-month-old boy. He's been eased into all the new lessons and really enjoys his time in the pool! I couldn't have asked for a better swim instructor!

Jennifer P.

Ms. Royce is a great instructor for my 2-year old! She is always very receptive, responsive, and comforting to my daughter. - Nancy Endress

Nancy E.

We had such a blast this summer with Jess! Our little one became much more comfortable in the water, and so did we! Each lesson was fun, instructional, entertaining and best of all, created long sleeps/naps. Highly recommend!

Jaimie H.

Ariana was soooo sweet with our 18 month old, Evelyn! We absolutely loved all of our lessons. In just six short sessions, our girl went from barely hanging onto a wall and being afraid to leave the pool steps to monkey climbing back and forth for so long, jumping in from the sides and finding the wall from the water, gained more confidence on her back, started blowing bubbles, kicking her legs, etc, and she has LOVED being in the water ever since discovering that confidence with Ariana!! It really helped me and my anxiety knowing that Ariana is becoming a neonatal RN soon and I felt so good experimenting and taking risks while she was there to step in if needed. She was so patient each lesson waiting for my daughter to get comfortable in the water and with her being there, bought special pool toys and learned which ones my daughter took to the quickest and used those to get her comfortable within minutes of beginning each lesson. She left each lesson giving me tips and what to work on in between lessons and I loved being given that direction! she also was always on time, communicative and understanding and flexible of cancellations due to weather. I hope she is still teaching next summer so I can have her out for my daughter again and my baby boy that's due in a couple weeks, and wish we could continue this summer with more but I won't be able to swim for a bit after having this one. We totally would have extended otherwise. 10/10 instructor and experience<br />Thoroughly loved the private experience of having her come out to my in-laws pool to teach too!

Maddy S.

Ashburn

'taylor was great with two difficult toddlers she remained positive and helped them learn some pre swimming and water saftey skills. our goal was to give them a positive introduction to the pool and Sunsational delivered' -Jean H

Jean H.

"We love Garland! She is so great with our 2 and 5 year old and adapts to their needs and makes it so fun for them." -Rachel G

rachel g.

Alpharetta

Lauren was great! She was super flexible with our schedule and my daughter enjoyed each lesson.

Lesley B.

"Quentin worked so well with my two year old! He brought toys to motivate my son, built a strong relationship, and was very thorough and consistent with his teaching. He would start with the basics each lesson and then add in something new each lesson. He was very patient, kind, professional, and encouraging. My child child made lots of progress while working with Quentin." - Kristina H

Kristina H.

Flowery Branch

Maddy S.

Ashburn

Quentin was very patient and made the lesson fun for my 2 year old. It was great to have the lesson at our pool and with our schedule. Thank you Quentin!

Amy C.

Flowery Branch

Our experience with Johanna has been exceptional! First and foremost, she does an awesome job interacting with our 9mo old! He is all smiles during his lesson. My husband and I look forward to his weekly lesson! I really appreciate how Johanna has taken her time with our son so he feels comfortable and enjoys the pool. We are very happy and highly recommend Johanna!

Eva P.

We loved Olivia. She is very patient and fun. Great with toddlers and customized the lesson for my son to have fun - Helen L

Helen K.

'Richard was amazing. Patient, attentive and the boys loved him. We are all amazed at how much they learned.' Terri Baxter

Terri B.

'Jaylen has been patient with my uncooperative toddler. She is very good at her trade. Highly recommend.' -Amber T

Amber T.

We have been working with Marianela Freites for a few weeks now and we are extremely satisfied! Our 2-year-old son is making incredible progress and we know we have made the best decision to teach him how to swim! I would highly recommend!!

Robert D.

Holly is wonderful with Maliyah and so patient yet stern. Maliyah warmed right up to her right away and looks forward to her lessons. Holly is fantastic and always flexible and on time!

Jacquelyn A.

We have been working with Marianela Freites for a few weeks now and we are extremely Satisfied! Our 2 year old son is making incredible progress and we know we have made the best decision to teach him how to swim! I would highly recommend it!

Robert D.

Swim instructor Olivia had a great attitude, flexible scheduling, was playful and adjusts to kids personalities - Christine Kapur

Christine K.

Arlene was a great instructor!! We had 2 little ones under 2 and she was super patient with them. She always was careful to make sure they were having a good time. She wanted smiles and no tears because she knew that was the best way for them to learn. I would love to use her again in the future when little ones are older!!

Liana J.

I am so impressed by coach Alaila! My son has serious stranger danger, and she has worked so hard to make him comfortable. She is so engaging and positive whenever she is teaching him a new skill. Especially because he’s so young I love that she has tons of songs that correlate with what she is teaching him. She is always on time and super friendly. I have noticed a big improvement in his swimming skills, especially in these last couple lessons

Amy R.

Falls Church

Swim lessons with Marianela Freites have been wonderful. We started working with her when my son was about 10 months and now at 1 year old, he feels so comfortable in the water that he jumps in the pool on his own, swims and kicks by himself, opens his eyes underwater to pick up toys and brings himself to the ledge/ stands up on the steps. Marianela has been very kind and gentle with my son and me, allowing it to be a safe and fun experience at each lesson for us both! I highly recommend working with her.

Kelsey M.

Destiny is the BEST!! She is so patient, kind, and knowledgeable. Shes been working with my one year old granddaughter and after only 3 lessons has got her so comfortable in the pool. She’s flexible with her schedule as we’ve had to move things around last minute. I highly recommend Destiny!!

Catherine G.

Duluth

Swim lessons with Marianela Freites have been wonderful, We started working with her when my son was about 10 months and now at 1 year old, he feels so comfortable in the water that he jumps in the pool n his own, swims and kicks by himself to the ledge / stands up on the steps. Marianela has been very kind and gentle with my son and me, allowing it to be a safe and fun experience at each lesson for us both! I highly recommend working with her.

Kelsey M.

We had a wonderful experience with our instructor Stephanie S! She was always prompt, reliable, and very flexible with our changing schedule. Stephanie was incredibly patient with our kids (ages 4, 2, and a baby). She made every session fun and safe, helping our children feel comfortable and confident in the water. We highly recommend Stephanie to any family looking for a swim instructor who’s professional, kind, and truly great with kids!

nikki l.

Swim lessons with Marianela Freites have been wonderful. We started working with her when my son was about 10 months and now at 1 year old, he feels so comfortable in the water that he jumps in the pool on his own, swims and kicks by himself, opens his eyes underwater to pick up toys and brings himself to the edge/stands up on the steps. Marianela has been very kind and gentle with my son and me, allowing it to be a safe and fun experience at each lesson for us both! I highly recommend working with her.

Kelsey M.

'We absolutely love Gianna. We have a 2 yr old and 3 yr old and she does wonderful with them. She is so patient and kind with them. We would definitely recommend her. She is great with young kids!' -Teresa O

Teresa O.

We were matched with Marianela as our swim instructor and she was wonderful! Our daughter started lessons when she was 14 months old and now at the end of summer, she's completely comfortable in the pool and loves the water. It's been so fun watching her learn new water skills each lesson. Highly recommend!

Taylor j.

"Cali is extremely professional, responsive, flexible with scheduling, and personal! You would think our kiddos are the only ones that she teaches and she is so great with each of their unique personalities. Her instruction style is amazing and both kids are comfortable and competent in the water after a few lessons, including my 2 year old that had no swimming experience before! I cannot say enough good things about Cali!" - Neil B

Neil B.

Charlotte

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Why parents love Sunsational baby swim lessons

Quick Results

One-on-one instruction means every lesson is tailored for your baby to get the most out of each session

Built in Convenience

Sunsational swim instructors travel to you & work around your schedule

Top-rated Instructors

All Sunsational instructors are vetted, CPR certified, experienced aquatics professionals

Satisfaction Guaranteed

Love your lessons or choose a new instructor or refund your unused lesson time

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When can babies start swim lessons?

From backyard pools to sun-drenched beach days, water is everywhere, but is your baby ready? The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends reducing the risk of accidental drowning by starting swim lessons as early as six months to start building essential water safety skills.

A lifetime of water adventures is such a precious gift for your child. But the foundation of that gift needs to be child water safety skills. Start early, stay safe!

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How does Sunsational Swim School work?

Register online

Tell us your baby’s needs and skills, and we’ll match you with the perfect Sunsational instructor.

1,500+

Cities Served

Get Matched

Shortly after registering, we connect you with your handpicked instructor based on your location, schedule, and preferences, who will contact you to schedule lessons.

2,000+

Sunsational Swim Instructors

Start Lessons

Dive in and start making waves! Lessons help your child gain confidence and reach swimming goals quickly.

100,000+

Swimmers Since 2009

Why choose Sunsational Swim School?

WE FIT YOUR SCHEDULE

When you have a baby swimming lesson with Sunsational you get to choose a lesson time that works for you. You can even book more than one student back to back, so all your kids can have lessons at the same time.

QUALIFIED INSTRUCTORS

Sunsational works with independent swim instructors who have experience teaching swim lessons. Instructors go through a vetting process that includes background checks and experience working with children. All instructors maintain current CPR certification.

WE COMETO YOU

Don’t worry about running your kids all over town to attend infant swimming lessons, because our instructors can come straight to your door. If you don’t have a pool, we can use your nearest community pool!

WE CARE ABOUT WATER SAFETY

After years of offering swimming lessons for babies, we understand that building water safety skills is an important part of learning to swim. Instructors focus on helping students develop these skills through guided play, repetition, and positive experiences to build foundational swimming skills.

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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 Baby Swim Lessons

The more lessons you buy, the more you save!

1+ Student

30+ Minute private Lessons

(1Hr+ Can be divided by multiple students)

18 lessons

/ 30 minutes

-13%

102

/ HOUR

-11%

BEST VALUE

12 lessons

/ 30 minutes

-7%

108

/ HOUR

-6%

Private swim lessons vs. Group swim lessons

Learn about why parents choose Sunsational for their Private Swimming Lessons

Private Swim Lessons

Group Swim Lessons

Quick Results with 30+ minutes of individualized instruction

Slow Progress with limited 1-on-1 attention

Flexible scheduling, book multiple kids back-to-back

Preset class schedules, often different schedules for each child

Save time lessons at your home or community pool

Time-Consuming - travel required to and from lessons

Faster Progression saves money in the long run

More Sessions Needed to see real progress

Infant swim lessons near me made easy for parents

Getting to swim classes in River Forest can be tough – that’s why we bring the lessons to you! We want your baby to be comfortable in the water, so we offer private parent and baby lessons or the option to create a small baby group (3 to 6 babies) with your friends. Our instructors make it easy for everyone to have fun while learning key water safety skills together.

Babies will receive a certificate after completing their lessons. What’s more fun than your baby earning a certificate with their friends?

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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

Members Of

Member of United States Swim School Association

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5 reasons to start swim lessons for your baby now

Many River Forest parents wonder if their baby is too young to start learning to swim. They think babies will eventually learn the skills on their own, or that the skill isn’t necessary. Here’s why starting lessons early is a smart choice:

Water safety starts early

Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death for children under four. Babies are naturally curious, which is why baby swimming lessons make so much sense. An awareness of the water, and water safety skills, could very well save your child’s life one day.

Decreased risk of drowning

It’s not always possible to watch your child every second, and water is often part of everyday life—from bathtubs and backyard pools to beaches, splash pads, and family outings. Young children can be at risk around even small amounts of water, especially infants & toddlers under 5. Swimming lessons can help children build comfort in the water and begin developing important water safety skills as part of a broader approach to drowning prevention.

Encourages social interaction

Swimming and playing in the pool with parents and other babies helps boost babies' social development. Babies learn through shared experiences, laughter, and engaging in activities together. Your child shouldn't have to skip these character-forming moments due to a fear of the water or because you simply haven't found the time for swim lessons.

Builds their strength

For babies, swimming helps strengthen their muscles, improve coordination, and enhance their motor skills – all without any unnecessary stress on joints. Plus, the water’s resistance provides a full-body workout, even for the tiniest of swimmers. Swimming may even help learn to walk sooner thanks to better muscle control.

Lifelong skill that starts early

Swimming is a skill for life. Providing your baby with swimming lessons opens up a whole new arena of fun and fitness that they can participate in all their lives. If you don't know how to swim, consider taking a parent and baby swim class together or taking adult swim lessons on your own. Create core memories in the water, together!

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How parent and baby swim lessons help build confidence around the water

Babies as young as six months old benefit from pool time in the arms of a trusted adult. Infant swim lessons allow your child to enjoy the water before they have a chance to learn fear. Positive pool experiences help babies remain calm so they can progress to learn effective water navigation skills such as kicking and back floats.

How parent and baby swim lessons help image

75%of children who drown were out of sight for five minutes or less

9 out of 10drowning deaths occur while an adult is present

The benefits of swim lessons extend beyond the pool. The sensory and motor stimulation resulting from pool time creates new neurons that positively impact confidence and even intelligence. Bilateral movements, or using both sides of the body, help increase the connections between the two hemispheres of the brain, which will later help with skills like language development, spatial awareness and reading.

How to prepare your baby for swim lessons

Not ready for a formal class yet? Start at home! Simple activities in the bathtub, like gently pouring water over your baby’s head, introducing words like “kick” and “splash”, or laying them on their back in shallow water, can help them feel comfortable in the water before their first lesson.

When you’re ready for the pool, help your baby be successful with these tips:

1
Feed them at least 30 minutes before a lesson to prevent tummy discomfort
2
Pack essentials like swim diapers, towels, dry clothes, and fresh diapers
3
Arrive early so you have time to get ready
4
Ease into the water to keep the experience positive

Water safety is always the number one priority

Even the most comprehensive water training program isn’t enough to drown-proof your child. Babies should always be within arm’s reach in the water, and children should never swim unsupervised. The goal of baby swim lessons is to help build comfort in the water and introduce foundational water safety skills, which may help reduce the chance of accidental drowning as part of a broader approach to water safety. This includes active supervision, pool fences and barriers, alarms, and other safety measures, but risk can never be eliminated completely. Even if your little one was the star of the class, it’s important to remain vigilant with supervision to help ensure positive and safe experiences in and around the water for years to come.

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Featured baby swim instructors in River Forest, IL

We believe our students deserve the best, so we work with only the best swim instructors in River Forest. Every Sunsational swim teacher is vetted, CPR certified, passes a national background check, and has a proven track record of successful teaching before they even land an interview with Sunsational. We back their expertise with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Why? Because we know great instructors mean fast results!

Alyssa Z.

Brookfield, Illinois 60513

Rass B.

Chicago, Illinois 60612

Joelle T.

Chicago, Illinois 60647

Sarah K.

Chicago, Illinois 60631

Emily M.

Chicago, Illinois 60642

Josephine C.

Chicago, IL 60654

Jeremiah F.

Chicago, Illinois 60619

Theresa D.

Chicago, Illinois 60643

Caitlyn D.

Chicago, Illinois 60655

Vassilisa A.

Carol Stream, Illinois 60188

Mateo D.

Woodridge, Illinois 60517

Gloria S.

Chicago, Illinois 60649

Find Your Instructor

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!

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!

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.

Alyssa Z.

Brookfield, Illinois 60513

Sunsational Vetted Since 2026

Hello! My name is Alyssa. I have my A.S. from College of DuPage and am currently finishing my Bachelors at UW - Madison. I have experience in competitive swimming and water polo, and I have been a swim teacher since February 2022. I have experience teaching group and private lessons for ages 6 months to adults, with skill levels ranging from novice to competitive swim team, including students of all ages who struggle with fear and/or confidence in the water. I have experience teaching students with special needs: Autism (verbal/non-verbal), severe ADHD, and minimal physical handicap. I am a native Spanish speaker and offer the option to conduct lessons in the preferred language (English/Spanish). I look forward to teaching my students confidence, safety, and strength in the water!

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!

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.

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!

Rass B.

Chicago, Illinois 60612

Sunsational Vetted Since 2026

Hi! Im Rasa, Ive been a swim instructor since July 2024 and have been swimming myself since before I could walk. I was formerly taught at a school that prioritized safe swimming for all ages. From mommy and me classes to swim team exercises, I have taught students of all ages. I love to make classes fun with songs, games, and toys for my younger students. For my older students, I love to challenge them and make sure they feel pride in every accomplishment.

Christopher R.

Chicago, Illinois 60623

Sunsational Vetted Since 2025

My name is Christopher Rodriguez. I have been swimming since the age of seven and have been teaching since February 2020. I have always been passionate about showing others new skills and am very patient with young or older students. My experience comes from a background of general teaching that began in high school as a lifeguard. Moving on to a dual lifeguard/swim instructor role, I began my teaching journey. I have taught students ages 1-76 and am mostly focused on teaching competitive swimming. Thank you, and I am excited to get started!

Joelle T.

Chicago, Illinois 60647

Sunsational Vetted Since 2026

Hello! My name is Joelle, and I am a swim instructor and swim team coach for our youth team at the YMCA. As a Chicago native, I grew up a competitive swimmer, water polo player, Jr. Lifeguard, and later, lifeguard at North Avenue Beach. As a former tutor for the City Colleges of Chicago, I enjoy utilizing my knowledge to guide others towards their desired goals in learning, a skillset that I employ with swimmers of all ages and experiences. Safety is always at the forefront of my instruction, so whether you or your child are learning to swim for the first time, or you're a triathlete aiming to hone your skills, I meet my swimmers where they are at, and we safely go from there. I look forward to seeing you & yours in the pool soon!

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!

Sarah K.

Chicago, Illinois 60631

Sunsational Vetted Since 2026

Hello, my name is Sarah! Im 31 years old and live in the Edison Park neighborhood in Chicago with my husband. My full time job is a Montessori toddler teacher. I have been teaching swim lessons and been a lifeguard since I was 16 years old. I was also a competitive swimmer from ages 6-23 years old. I have also taught swim lessons at several different swim schools and have been trained to work with ages ranging from infants to adults. I have experience working with children, adults and people with special needs.

Emily M.

Chicago, Illinois 60642

Sunsational Vetted Since 2024

Hi, Im Emily! I obtained my bachelor's degree from the University of Kentucky in Finance. Ive been teaching kids to swim across the Chicagoland area for 10+ years beginning with being a lifeguard and pool manager. I love how quickly little ones can develop such important skills. I believe people learn best from praise and when they are having fun! Outside of work, I love painting, floral design, and animals.

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!

Liz G.

Chicago, Illinois 60640

Sunsational Vetted Since 2026

Hello! My name is Liz. Im a Chicago painter, improviser, and avid swimmer! Ive been teaching swimming lessons since February 2016 at public pools, country clubs, and summer camps to kids ages 3-16 and kids with special needs. I was always the last kid to get out of the water growing up! My favorite hobby is swimming in Lake Michigan with my friends. Swimming is a lifelong survival skill, but above all, its fun!

Josephine C.

Chicago, IL 60654

Sunsational Vetted Since 2022

Hi. My name is Josephine and Im a swim teacher and swim team coach. I can teach life saving strokes as well as competition strokes. I work as a substitute teacher currently and was a competitive swimmer for many years. Im experienced in teaching all ages of swimming as well. Im a college graduate with a degree in psychology with an emphasis in early childhood development. I love teaching because its important to keep a child or anyone safe in the water. Im good at what I do and love it.

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.

Alexandra T.

Chicago, Illinois 60657

Sunsational Vetted Since 2026

Hi everyone! My name is Coach Alex, and Im so excited to be working with you! Ive been swimming competitively since I was 10 and have been a lifeguard and swim coach for the past 6 years. Im also a certified Water Safety Instructor and have experience teaching swimmers of all ages and skill levels. My goal is to make every lesson fun, safe, and encouraging while helping each swimmer build confidence and improve their skills. I cant wait to meet you and get started!

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!

Abigail H.

Des Plaines, Illinois 60016

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!

Kendall M.

Golf, Illinois 60029

Sunsational Vetted Since 2026

Hi! My name is Kendall Marquardt and I am an 18-year-old high school graduate heading to Indiana University to study business. I have 12 years of experience competing as a competitive swimmer and have previously done lessons in teaching children everything from the basics of water safety, swim technique skills, and ran practices for competitive swim teams. Please reach out if youre interested!

Payton D.

Downers Grove, Illinois 60516

Sunsational Vetted Since 2026

My name is Payton DiProspero, and I am 19 years old. I have been a competitive swimmer for 10 years and have been on numerous club teams as well as varsity for my high school. I am currently attending Illinois State University and will be a sophomore in the fall. I have been a lifeguard and swim instructor since May 2022, along with being a swim coach since May 2022. This year, I am the head coach for the Meadows swim team! I cannot wait to help instruct!

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We have answers. What age can babies start swim lessons?

No. Sunsational Swim School’s infant swim lessons are based on a child-centered and caring approach that focuses on building trust and rapport with the instructor and wonderment and respect of the water. When designing your baby’s swim lesson plan, our instructors consider all aspects of the well-being of your baby, including physical and emotional. Your swim instructor will create a safe environment for your baby to learn water-safety skills that include back floating, roll over breathing, “swim-float-swim”, the monkey crawl, and what to do after a fall into the pool. All of these skills are taught in a way that’s both fun and educational, using games, repetition, and even songs, at a pace that’s healthy for your little one.

Yes! Sunsational specializes in private, at-home baby swimming lessons, where our instructors come directly to your pool or community facility in River Forest. It’s the easiest way for your baby to learn in a calm, familiar setting.

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 River Forest, our instructors teach year-round, so you can start lessons whenever you’re ready.

Every child is unique and develops at their own pace. Physical and emotional readiness, motor skills and willingness all play a role in the pace your baby learns. However, the most common and most influential factors in the student’s learning pace we find is repetition and consistency. We recommend our baby students take 3 lessons per week for maximum skill retention and fast progression. Most of our students make significant progress within 12 to 18 lessons in our baby swim classes.

Yes. Swimming is not only defined as the four major swim strokes, but the ability to propel through the water. Your baby can learn how to use their little limbs, breathing and sense of direction to deliberately move from point a to b in the water, once they start walking. These skill sets are learned in a progressive manner and each child learns at a different pace. Our infant swim lesson teachers are experienced in coaching your baby to learn these skills in a fun, encouraging, and accelerated way. Even if your baby is not ready to swim, we'll work on swim and safety skills like blowing bubbles (breath control), kicking, rolling over onto our back and floating.

Your baby’s first swim lesson is designed to be gentle, fun, and completely pressure-free. The goal isn’t to make your baby swim right away—it’s to help them feel safe, happy, and relaxed in the water. Tears on the first day are not unexpected!

Your Sunsational instructor will start by introducing your baby to the pool gradually: gentle splashing, floating with support, and playful water exploration. Parents or caregivers are always encouraged to be present.

Most River Forest parents begin lessons around 6 months old, when babies can comfortably hold their heads up and start exploring the water. Babies who have early exposure to swim lessons and the water are proven to have reduced anxieties and emotional obstacles learning how to swim. The water at this age is a familiar place as it’s similar to floating in the womb. Sunsational’s certified instructors offer private, at-home baby swimming lessons throughout Chicago, helping your little one feel confident and safe early on.

Absolutely. Every Sunsational instructor in River Forest is certified in CPR and insured under our company liability insurance policy. What's more, every Sunsational Swim instructor has previous teaching experience, and most have at least of 2 seasons of professional aquatic experience. We emphasize comfort, floating, and water awareness—always at your baby’s pace.

Every child learns differently, but with consistent, one-on-one instruction, most River Forest infants begin floating and showing swim readiness within our 12 or 18 lesson package. Sunsational’s personalized approach—taught in your own pool—helps babies progress faster than in group lessons. We find that the most common and most influential factors in the student’s learning pace are repetition and consistency. To that end, we recommend our baby students take 3 lessons per week for maximum skill retention and fast progression.

While we specialize in private, at-home infant swim classes in River Forest, you do not need to have a pool to register for our lessons. Our infant swim teachers near you can meet you at any pool of your choice in Chicago. In some areas, we even have some swim instructors who can provide a pool for your lessons. To find out if we have instructors with pool access in your specific area, you can begin a registration here

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 River Forest, 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.

Baby swim lessons inRiver Forest

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Private swim lessons vs. Group swim lessons

Private Swim Lessons

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Infant swim lessons near me made easy for parents

Levels we teach in our Swim Lesson Programs

Tadpole Skills

Starfish Skills

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5 reasons to start swim lessons for your baby now

Water safety starts early

Decreased risk of drowning

Encourages social interaction

Builds their strength

Lifelong skill that starts early

How parent and baby swim lessons help build confidence around the water

How to prepare your baby for swim lessons

Water safety is always the number one priority

Featured baby swim instructors in River Forest, IL

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Got questions?

Does Sunational teach Infant Self-Rescue “ISR” / survival swimming lessons?

📍 Do you offer at-home baby swim lessons in River Forest?

🕒 What time slots and schedules are available for Baby Swim Lessons in River Forest, IL?

How long will it take for my child to learn to swim?

👩‍🏫 Can babies really swim?

👶 What can I expect for my baby’s first swim class?

🏊 What's the best age to start baby swimming lessons?

💙 Are baby swim lessons safe for infants?

🏅 How long before my baby starts floating or swimming independently?

🏡 Do I need to have a pool for Sunsational Swim School’s baby swim classes?

🙋‍♂️ Can I personally select my swim instructor for my Baby Swim Lessons?

🪁 Do parents need to be in the pool during lessons?

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