Swim Lessons in Austin, Built for Children and Trusted by Parents.
Your child should feel safe before they’re asked to be brave. Learning to swim is a big step for a child, and for a parent. At Tom’s, Austin’s trusted swim lessons since 1998 start with trust, not pressure.
Our swim school is built around experienced children’s instructors, a structured SSI Swim curriculum, small class ratios, a warm indoor pool, and a family-friendly environment where children are encouraged, not rushed. We help young swimmers build comfort first, then confidence, then the skills they need to become safer and more capable around water. Serving Austin families since 1998. Over 18,000 certified divers and swimmers. Over 400 five-star Google reviews. Swim lessons in Austin, taught year-round in a heated indoor pool. Whatever you call it, swimming lessons or swim classes, it’s the same program for kids and adults.
Choose Your Austin Swim Lessons Path
The first goal is not swimming. The first goal is trust.
Four levels: Guppies, Starfish, Seahorse, and Jellyfish. Parent-and-child format for children under 2 (you are in the pool); independent group format from age 2 on. Gentle introduction to water in a warm, safe environment.
A child who can stay calm and capable in the water.
Four levels: Sea Turtles, Dolphins, Sharks, and Barracudas. Small classes, 4:1 ratio. Children advance when skills are demonstrated, not when a semester ends.
Some swimmers do not need a bigger class. They need someone who sees them.
1:1 private or 2:1 semi-private instruction for children who need extra attention, adults learning to swim, or any swimmer working toward a specific goal.
Not sure which program is right for your child?
A placement assessment is free. An instructor evaluates your child and recommends the right level, no guessing, no wasted time in the wrong program. Book a free assessment online.
Or call us: (512) 451-3425. We will help you figure it out.
Enroll any time. No semester start required.
Group classes are $36/class, billed monthly with continuous enrollment: hold your spot month to month. Private and semi-private lessons are booked per session, starting at $85. Create an account online, use the Tom’s Swim app, or call us to get started with either.
Tom’s 90°F heated indoor pool.
Why Austin Families Choose Tom’s
Patient, encouraging teachers who understand how children learn.
Every instructor works at your child’s own pace, building comfort without rushing fear.
A proven program with clear skill progression, not random pool time.
The SSI Swim curriculum gives every lesson clear goals and real, trackable progress.
Your child should never feel lost in the crowd.
Group classes are capped at 4:1, private lessons are 1:1, and semi-private lessons are 2:1, always.
Comfortable water helps children relax, focus, and stay engaged.
Our 90°F indoor pool stays that warm year-round, so kids relax instead of shivering.
What Parents Say
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From our over 400 five-star Google reviews.
“Our kids had a wonderful experience with semi-private swim classes with Coach Pearl. Their ability to handle themselves in the water has improved tremendously.”
Jessica L.T., Swim Lessons
“Great experience! Have seen our son improve in skills and be more confident in the water. He has been excited to show off how long he can float.”
Nick P., Children’s Swim Lessons
Frequently Asked Questions
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My child is scared of the water. Is that okay?
Yes. Many children start swim lessons nervous, hesitant, or unsure. We do not treat fear as misbehavior. We treat it as part of the learning process. Our instructors build comfort first, using warm water, repetition, encouragement, and small steps. Some children relax quickly. Others need more time. Both are completely normal. If you are worried about how your child will respond, call us before enrolling and we can talk you through what to expect.
What ages are swim lessons available for at Tom’s?
Group classes start at 6 months (parent-and-child) and run through age 12. Private and semi-private lessons are available from age 2 through adult. Adults of any age and starting point are welcome: create an account or log in online or through the Tom’s Swim app, the same as any other lesson.
How much do swim lessons cost at Tom’s?
Group classes are $36 per class, billed monthly with continuous enrollment. Private lessons are $85 per session, and semi-private lessons (two students) are $120 per session, or $60 per child.
Do I have to wait for a new session to enroll in swim lessons?
No. Enrollment is continuous: there are no fixed session start dates. Enroll when you are ready and hold your spot month to month; a 30-day advance notice through the portal is required to cancel enrollment in group lessons.
How do I know which class to enroll in?
The Group Classes page includes level descriptions for both the Early Childhood and School Age tracks. If you are still unsure, we offer free placement assessments: an instructor evaluates your child and recommends the right class. Book a free assessment online.
Is there a Tom’s Swim app?
Yes: the free Tom’s Swim app (search “Tom’s Swim” in the App Store or on Google Play) puts your swim account in your pocket. Book group and private lessons, view your swimmer’s attendance and instructor evaluations, and message your instructor, all from one dashboard. You can also manage transfers, drops, and makeup lessons: if a trip means missing a class, record it and book your makeup lesson right in the app.
How often do classes meet?
Group classes meet once per week. Weekday classes run Monday through Thursday. Weekend classes run on Saturdays or Sundays. If space allows, you can enroll in multiple days per week to attend more often. Call (512) 451-3425 or check the parent portal for current day and time openings.
How long is each swim lesson?
30 minutes. Every lesson at Tom’s (group, private, or semi-private) runs 30 minutes, with group classes meeting once per week.
Do you offer adult swim lessons in Austin?
Yes. Adult swimming lessons are available as private or semi-private appointments. Book online by creating an account or logging in, or call (512) 451-3425 or email swim@tomsscuba.com if you have questions. Adults of any age and starting point are welcome for these swim classes.
How warm is the pool at Tom’s swim lessons in Austin?
Our indoor pool is heated to around 90°F and maintained at that temperature year-round. It is one of the warmest indoor teaching pools in Austin.
Can parents watch during class?
Yes. We have a viewing area for parents and siblings. For children under 2, one parent or guardian is in the pool throughout the lesson. From age 2 on, parents watch from the viewing area. Either way, at least one parent or guardian (18 or older) needs to stay in the building for the full class, and parents aren’t permitted in the pool room during the lesson unless an instructor or manager calls you in.
Do you offer summer camps or seasonal programs?
Yes: we offer summer exclusives and camps in addition to our year-round group classes. Call (512) 451-3425 for current summer program schedule, details, and availability.
How many lessons does it take to learn to swim?
It depends on the swimmer’s age, comfort level, and goals, so there is no single number that fits every child. Most swimmers progress steadily with consistent weekly lessons; a placement assessment or your child’s instructor can give you a realistic timeline once they see where your swimmer is starting from.
What is your cancellation and rescheduling policy for swim lessons?
This is the cancellation and rescheduling policy for group lessons. Private and semi-private lessons run on a different policy: see the cancellation policy on our Private Lessons page.
All swim lesson purchases are non-refundable. Tom’s Dive & Swim does not issue cash refunds. A 30-day advance notice is required to cancel enrollment in group lessons. All enrollment cancellations and individual lesson absences must be submitted through the customer portal. Email, phone calls, and notices given directly to instructors will not be accepted, though you’re always welcome to call the shop if you’re running late or need help logging in or resetting your portal password. Individual lessons may be canceled at least 24 hours in advance, and a make-up token will be issued: redeemable through the portal, good for 30 days from the date it’s issued, and subject to instructor and pool availability. A maximum of 12 make-up tokens may be issued per swimmer per calendar year. Make-up tokens have no cash value and cannot be refunded, transferred, extended, applied to account balances, or used toward future enrollment or tuition.
Lessons canceled with less than 24 hours’ notice, or missed without proper notice, are forfeited. Missed or canceled make-up lessons are forfeited and do not generate another make-up token. Plan to arrive about 5 minutes early; to protect other students’ lesson time, we can’t start a lesson more than 15 minutes late, so arriving 15 or more minutes late also forfeits the lesson. If a participant is medically unable to continue in the program, a written statement from a licensed medical provider is required. Upon approval, the value of any eligible unused lessons will be issued as an account credit. No cash refunds will be issued.
Comfort first. Confidence next. Real swim skills for life.
Group classes are $36/class, billed monthly. Private lessons from $85. Create an account online, use the Tom’s Swim app, or call the shop. Serving Austin families since 1998.
Still have questions? Email or call our team.