FAQS

What ages and skill levels do you teach?

We teach children from age 2-7. Lessons are customized and tailored for each student’s skill level and needs. Beginner swim lessons focus on water safety and building the skills to get back to the safety of the wall/side. The most advanced swim skills we teach are freestyle and backstroke mechanics.

Where do you teach?

Our instructors teach at private, backyard pools all over Austin. We do not teach at public, neighborhood, or community pools.

Do you teach group lessons?

We exclusively teach one-on-one lessons. These are always private, with no other children in the pool. This allows for individualized attention and real-time tailoring of the lesson to each child’s needs and skill level.

How are lessons structured?

During the summer season (mid-May through mid-July), most of our lessons are in one week sessions. These lessons include 4 consecutive days of lessons and are 20 minutes in duration each day, per child.

During the fall and spring, we have some availability to teach one week sessions as well as ongoing weekly lessons, provided that the client has a (heated) pool for these lessons. Ongoing lessons are booked for 1x-2x weekly.

Do parents get in the water for lessons?

Yes – on the last day of lessons. The highlight of the week is when a parent gets in the water and their child is able to show them all they have learned. During this session, we coach the parent(s) how to practice with their child moving forward.

Do you teach ISR?

No, we are not Infant Swim Rescue instructors. This is a different method of swim instruction with its own certification process.

How do I book lessons?

Click here.

What is the cost of lessons?

2026 Pricing: All lessons are one-on-one and 20 minutes in length. Four-day summer sessions range from $260–$360, and ongoing weekly lessons during the fall and spring range from $65–$90 per lesson, with pricing based on instructor experience.

Do I receive a discount for hosting other students?

Pool hosts receive a 50% discount for one child’s session for hosting 6+ students. We typically allow hosts a few days to register friends before opening spots to other students.

How do I sign up to host other students?

If you are interested in hosting a swim session in your backyard, please contact us here and we’d be happy to share details and availability.

How do I transfer my student into a different session?

To transfer your student:

1) Book your new session on our registration page.
2) Email carolyn@swimwithdarby.com with the date of your original registration date, your original session start date, your student’s name, and the new session you’ve booked.
3) We will respond to you and process the partial refund according to our policies.

Important: Transfers are not permitted within fourteen (14) days of the original session start date.

What is your policy for missed lessons?

Check out our policies here.