The First Goal Is Not Swimming. The First Goal Is Trust.
A young child’s earliest experiences with water shape how they feel about it for years. Our infant and toddler swim lessons are built around one principle: comfort before skill. We use warm water, gentle progression, consistent repetition, and patient instructors to help your child build a positive relationship with the water, not because we rushed them there, but because we gave them the time to get there naturally.
Three levels for ages 6 months to 4 years. Parent-and-child classes for children under 2 (you are in the pool). Aquatike 1 and Aquatike 2 for ages 2 to 4 (parents not in the pool). $36 per class, billed monthly. All classes in our 91 to 92°F heated indoor pool. Tom’s has been teaching Austin families since 1982. Over 18,000 certified divers and swimmers. Over 400 five-star Google reviews. Book at austinswim.com →
Program at a Glance
| Ages | 6 months to 4 years |
| Format | Parent-and-child (ages 6 months to 2 years) · Group class, parent not in pool (ages 2 to 4) |
| Levels | Parent-child class (6 months to 2 years) · Aquatike 1 · Aquatike 2 |
| Class size | Maximum 4 students per instructor |
| Schedule | Once per week · Weekdays M to Th or weekends |
| Price | $36 per class · billed monthly · continuous enrollment |
| Pool | 91 to 92°F heated indoor pool · 10 yards · year-round |
| Enrollment | Ongoing, no session start date required |
| Note | Private lessons not available for children under 2. All under-2 lessons are parent-and-child group format. Private lessons are available starting at age 2. |
Continuous enrollment. No semester start required.
Book at austinswim.com any time. Parent-and-child classes are available for children 6 months to 2 years. Children ages 2 to 4 swim independently with their instructor.
Who These Classes Are For
New to the pool. Ready to start.
For children under 2, the parent-and-child class is the right starting point. You are in the water with your little one the entire time. The focus is comfort, not technique: getting your child relaxed and happy in the water is the first goal.
Ready to try without a parent in the pool.
Aquatike 1 and 2 are for ages 2 to 4. Parents are not in the pool for either level. Children build independence with a patient instructor, supported by the confidence they built in the parent-child class.
A parent who wants their child safe near water.
Early water familiarity builds habits and instincts that matter for a lifetime. These classes are not just swim lessons: they are a parent’s investment in a child who grows up comfortable, calm, and capable around water.
Which Level Is Right for Your Child?
Ages 6 months to 2 years
Parent-and-child format: you are in the pool the entire class. Focus: water comfort, submersion, basic movement, and building positive associations with the pool. Class ratio: 4:1.
Ages 2 to 4 · New to the water
For toddlers who are new to the pool or not yet comfortable in the water. Parents are not in the pool for this level. Focus: submersion comfort, relaxed floating with support, basic kicks and movement. The class builds positive associations with water before building skills.
Ages 2 to 4 · Building independence
For toddlers who can go underwater comfortably and can swim and float with minimal assistance. Parents are not in the pool for this level. Focus: extending independence from support, improving body position, preparing for transition to children’s classes at age 5.
Your First Visit: What to Expect
Arrival
Arrive a few minutes early for your first class. Come in through the main entrance at 5909 Burnet Rd and let the front desk know you’re here for swim lessons.
What to bring
Swimsuit for you and your child. Swim diaper required for children who are not potty trained (disposable or reusable). Towel and a change of clothes for both of you. Goggles are optional at this age.
You’re in the pool
For children under 2, you get in the water with your child for every class. Wear a swimsuit you are comfortable moving in. Your instructor leads the session: you follow along and support your child.
If your child cries
Completely normal, especially in the first few sessions. Our instructors are experienced with adjustment periods and will never force anything. Consistent attendance is what creates comfort. Many children become more comfortable after a few consistent weeks.
Why Austin Families Come Back Year After Year
91 to 92°F: warm enough for the youngest swimmers to relax.
A warm pool is not a luxury at this age: it is essential. Cold water causes young children to tense up, cry, and resist. Our 91 to 92°F indoor pool helps your little one stay comfortable and focused on building confidence, not managing cold.
Maximum four students per instructor. Always.
Every class is capped at four students. That is not a target: it is the maximum. At this age, individual attention is what creates progress. Your child is not lost in a large group or watching from the pool wall while others take their turn.
We never rush a child who is not ready.
Some children take to water immediately. Others take several weeks. Both are completely normal. Our instructors are experienced with adjustment periods and will never force, rush, or push past what your child is ready for. Consistency is what creates comfort.
Over forty years teaching Austin families.
Tom’s has been teaching swimmers of all ages in Austin since 1982. Over 18,000 certified divers and swimmers. Over 400 five-star Google reviews. The families who brought their children here in the 1980s and 1990s are now bringing their grandchildren.
What Parents Say
From our over 400 five-star Google reviews.
“We had a very positive experience with our 2.5 year old in their swim lessons. Small groups, very attentive and skilled staff.”
Amanda T., Toddler Swim Lessons
“Morgan Lee is the best swim teacher for young kids! She is gentle and encouraging, and my 2 year old will only swim with her!”
Jennifer W., Infant Swim Lessons
“We had a great experience with the Preschool Level 1 class. Our 2-year-old had not had much pool experience before and now loves the water.”
Chandler L., Preschool Level 1
“Everyone at Tom’s is very kind and welcoming. Our swim instructor was very knowledgeable and patient.”
Erin I., Swim Lessons Parent
Frequently Asked Questions
Completely normal, and exactly what these classes are designed for. Many children this age are hesitant around water, especially at first. We never force, rush, or push a child who is not ready. Our instructors use warm water, repetition, and gentle encouragement to build comfort at the child’s own pace. Some children relax in the first class. Others take a few weeks. Both are normal. Consistent attendance is the single most important factor: children who come every week make steady progress even when early classes feel hard.
A swim diaper is required for children who are not potty trained (disposable or reusable). A swimsuit over the swim diaper is recommended. Goggles are optional at this age. Bring a towel and a change of clothes for both parent and child.
It depends on the class. For children ages 6 months to 2 years, yes: classes are parent-and-child format and you are in the water the entire time. One parent or guardian per child. For Aquatike 1 and Aquatike 2 (ages 2 to 4), parents are not in the pool. You can watch from our viewing area.
We accept children from 6 months old in our parent-and-child classes. Children must be able to support their own head. If you have questions about whether your baby is ready, call us at (512) 451-3425.
Both levels are for ages 2 to 4 and parents are not in the pool for either. Aquatike 1 is for children with little or no experience or comfort in the water. Aquatike 2 is for children who are comfortable going underwater and can swim and float with minimal assistance. If you are unsure which level is right, a placement assessment is available for $42.50. Book at austinswim.com →
Tom’s has two changing rooms and two bathrooms available for swim lesson families. They are located inside the facility. Plan to arrive a few minutes early for your first visit to get oriented.
Book online at austinswim.com, through the iClassPro mobile app (iOS and Android), or by calling (512) 451-3425. Enrollment is continuous, no session start date required.
Ready to start? Enroll any time, no semester required.
Book online at austinswim.com or call us at (512) 451-3425. Parent-and-child classes run weekly. Continuous enrollment, no fixed start dates.
Book Now → Call (512) 451-3425 →