Toddler Swim Lessons

Q: What if my toddler is nervous or unsure about the water?

It’s very common for toddlers to feel unsure around water at first. Our instructors use songs, games, and guided practice to help children feel comfortable and engaged while learning new skills. The goal is to create a positive experience where toddlers gradually build confidence and enjoy being in the water.

Q: How long does it take a toddler to learn to swim?

Every child learns at their own pace. Emler’s SwimSure™ curriculum is designed with multiple levels and milestones, so children can build skills step by step as they grow. Each level builds on the previous one to ensure steady progress and strong water safety habits over time.

Q: How many children are in a toddler swim class?

We keep class sizes small so instructors can give each child plenty of attention. Toddler classes typically have a 6:1 student-to-teacher ratio (levels 1A-1B), which helps instructors safely guide each child through new skills and provide encouragement throughout the lesson. Level 2 has a ratio of 4:1 since parents are no longer in the water.

Q: Do parents get in the water during toddler swim lessons?

Yes. For levels 1A & 1B, a parent or caregiver participates in the water with their child. This helps toddlers feel safe and supported while they are introduced to new skills. As children gain confidence and progress through the levels, they begin working more independently with their instructor. For level 2, a parent is asked to stay on deck.

Q: What age can toddlers start swim lessons?

Toddler swim lessons are designed for children 6 to 35 months old. These classes introduce young swimmers to the water in a gentle, supportive environment with a parent or caregiver participating in the lesson. Early classes focus on helping toddlers feel comfortable and happy in the water while beginning to build important safety habits.

Q: How long are the toddler swim lessons?

Our toddler swim lessons run for 30 minutes. We design the duration to maintain engaging and effective lessons, taking into account the attention span of young learners.

Ages: 6-35 Months

Toddlers

Level 1A

Perfect for young beginners, Level 1A builds early water comfort and safety through fun, guided exploration. Swimmers practice gentle submersions, assisted back floats, and rollovers while bonding with their grown-up in the pool. Parents also learn key water safety tips to use at home.

Note: Children under 3 must wear two washable, reusable swim pants.

Age: 6-16 Months

Adult Participation: Yes

Class Ratio: 6:1

Class Length: 30 mins

Prerequisites: None

Toddlers

Level 1B

A joyful step forward, where toddlers explore new swim skills, build trust with their teacher, and grow more independent in the water. This class introduces longer submersions, standing and walking in the pool, and assisted safety movements like Jump-Turn-Swim or Roll-to-Backfloat.

Note: For safety and hygiene, children under the age of 3 are required to wear two washable, reusable swim pants.

Age: 17-35 Months

Adult Participation: Yes

Class Ratio: 4:1

Class Length: 30 mins

Prerequisites: None

Toddlers

Level 2

For toddlers ready to take the next big splash in their swim journey! In this class, swimmers work toward independent movement and greater self-rescue abilities, like floating on their backs, kicking forward, and rolling over for air. It’s all about building safety, skill, and confidence in a fun, loving environment.

Note: For safety and hygiene, children under the age of 3 are required to wear two washable, reusable swim pants.

Age: 24-35 Months

Adult Participation: Parents on Deck

Class Ratio: 4:1

Class Length: 30 mins

Prerequisites:

Go underwater and swim for 8-10 sec.
Assisted backfloat
Assisted safety skill (Jump-Turn-Swim or Roll-to-Backfloat)
Independently stand and walk in the water
Assisted rollover

Please note: Class availability and size may vary by location.

How SwimSure™ Levels Work

We’ve developed 11 SwimSure™ levels with 100+ age-appropriate milestones, so every child has a clear, encouraging path forward. Each level builds real safety and skills through proven teaching methods, using songs, games, and guided practice, so kids stay engaged and make steady progress.

What's your level?

Use our specialized assessment tool to determine what swim lessons level your child should be enrolled in.

Don’t worry, it’s quick!

Frequently Asked Questions

Toddler Swim Lessons

What if my toddler is nervous or unsure about the water?

How long does it take a toddler to learn to swim?

How many children are in a toddler swim class?

Do parents get in the water during toddler swim lessons?

What skills do toddlers learn in swim lessons?

Our toddler swim lessons focus on helping children become relaxed and confident in the water while building early safety skills. Depending on the level, toddlers practice skills such as:

Going underwater and holding their breath briefly
Assisted and independent back floating
Assisted rollovers and safety movements
Standing and walking in the water
Early kicking and movement through the water

These skills create the foundation for future swim levels and stronger water safety as children grow.

What age can toddlers start swim lessons?

How long are the toddler swim lessons?

Safe and Simple Swim Lessons for Toddlers

Our toddler swim lessons help young children feel relaxed and happy in the water. Each class focuses on comfort, gentle movement, and early safety habits. Instructors use simple skills and playful routines to help toddlers enjoy the water at their own pace.

These early experiences help toddlers build trust, confidence, and body awareness. With warm-water pools and patient guidance, toddlers learn to love the water while developing the foundation for future swimming skills.

Toddler Swim Lessons

Ages: 6-35 Months

Toddlers

Level 1A

Toddlers

Level 1B

Toddlers

Level 2

How SwimSure™ Levels Work

What's your level?

Frequently Asked Questions

Toddler Swim Lessons

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