Learn to Swim
& Water Confidence Lessons
Patient, informative, fun.
Build your confidence and swim with ease.
For new swimmers, ages five and up.
Private swim lessons in Houston for kids and beginners of all ages. We start with bubbles and breath, build into floating, then streamline, then strokes.
Patient with nervous swimmers, and adaptive to how you learn.
Rates:
Private Individual 1:1 sessions
60 minutes — $120
Scheduling is offered on a first-come, first-served basis, with limited openings each season.
Travel is included for clients located within a 15-mile radius of David’s home base.
Sessions may be held at homes or approved community pools, provided that the client has confirmed guest access for instructor entry.
Please note: community pool sessions are not available on major holidays due to anticipated crowding and reduced session privacy.
For adults, some sessions may be held at select gym locations; ask for details.
Payment: cash, Zelle (david@cdswims.com), most major credit and debit cards.
Cancellation: 24 hours notice please. Exceptions for severe weather, sudden illness, emergencies.
For more logistic details, please check the FAQ page
Who this fits:
Ages five and up. Most students are kids. Some are adults learning for the first time or coming back after years away.
If you are a teen or adult new to the water, see Adult Swim Lessons and Fitness. Same teacher, different tone.
Younger than five on a case by case basis only. Request lessons and we’ll talk first to make sure we’re a good fit.
Start with trust:
The first things I teach are about getting comfortable in the water.
We start with blowing bubbles and holding your breath, learning to relax so you can float, then learning to glide in a streamline before adding arms and kicks.
The depth of explanation and pace might change, but that order is the same whether you are five or fifty.
During your lesson, you’ll also learn:
how to use goggles
how to balance and turn
proper technique for all 5 common major strokes
how to tread water and dive
about staying safe in and around water
and much, much more!
Every swimmer gets to show me how they learn best.
Some of the clients I've worked with longest are neurodivergent. Folks with autism, ADHD, sensory sensitivities, anxiety in the water, or learning styles that did not fit a group class.
What works for these swimmers is part of what works for everyone:
I ask what you remember from last lesson or your last swim before I tell you anything new.
I ask questions to figure out where your understanding is, and how best to explain swim for you.
I compliment what is already working before we tackle changes.
I don't rush transitions or surprise you with the next step.
When a swimmer checks out, I notice. We pause. We adjust.
If you want a few minutes to walk me through your swimmer's comfort cues before the first lesson, that is always included and welcome.