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 1982 start with trust, not pressure.
Our swim program 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 1982. Over 18,000 certified divers and swimmers. Over 400 five-star Google reviews.
Why Austin Families Choose Tom’s
Patient, encouraging teachers who understand how children learn.
Children do not all learn the same way. Some are fearless, some are cautious, and some need extra time before they trust the water. Our instructors know how to work with children at their pace: building comfort without rushing fear.
A proven program with clear skill progression, not random pool time.
The SSI Swim curriculum gives lessons clear goals, consistent instruction, and real progression parents can understand. Children master one skill at a time, building genuine independence rather than instructor-dependent performance.
Your child should never feel lost in the crowd.
Group classes are capped at a maximum 4:1 child-to-instructor ratio. Private lessons are 1:1, and semi-private lessons are 2:1. That ratio is maintained regardless of demand: your child is not in a class of eight with one distracted instructor.
Comfortable water helps children relax, focus, and stay engaged.
Cold water can make young children tense, distracted, or reluctant to participate. Our 90°F indoor pool stays at that temperature every month of the year. Warm water helps young swimmers relax and focus on learning, not on being cold.
A place where families feel supported and children are encouraged.
Tom’s is a welcoming aquatic center where children, parents, swimmers, and divers grow in confidence around water. We have been part of the Austin community since 1982, not a franchise chain, but a family-owned shop that knows its families.
We help children become safer, calmer, and more capable around water.
Swim lessons are one important layer of water safety. We help children build real comfort and capability, while reminding families that supervision, barriers, and safe behavior near water still matter every time a child is near the water.
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 class is right for your child?
A placement assessment is a private lesson at half price ($42.50). An instructor evaluates your child and recommends the right level, no guessing, no wasted time in the wrong class.
Or call us: (512) 451-3425. We will help you figure it out.
Tom’s 90°F heated indoor pool.
Enroll any time. No semester start required.
Group classes are $36/class, billed monthly. Create an account online, use the Tom’s Swim app, or call us. Continuous enrollment: hold your spot month to month.
What Parents Say
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
“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
“I recommend this school to any parent looking for a swim school. The instructors were very attentive to the needs of the children.”
Matt O., Swim School Parent
“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
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.
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.
Six months old. Our youngest group class, Guppies, is a parent-and-child class starting at 6 months, since infants that young still need a parent in the water with them. There is no need to wait for a certain age: enrollment is continuous, and every swimmer is placed using a skill-based flowchart rather than birthday alone.
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. Buy 5 private or semi-private sessions and get 1 free.
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.
The Group Classes page includes level descriptions for both the Early Childhood and School Age tracks. If you are still unsure, we offer placement assessments: a private lesson at half price ($42.50) where an instructor evaluates your child and recommends the right class.
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.
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. View the current class schedule
30 minutes. Every lesson at Tom’s — group, private, or semi-private — runs 30 minutes, with group classes meeting once per week.
Yes. Adult 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.
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.
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.
A swimsuit, goggles, and a towel. Children who are not potty trained need a swim diaper (disposable or reusable) under their swimsuit. Arrive in your swimsuit if possible to make the most of class time.
5909 Burnet Rd, Austin TX 78757: located on Burnet Road in Central Austin. Our swim school is within Tom’s Dive & Swim, a family-owned Austin institution since 1982. Street parking is available on Burnet Rd and surrounding streets. We’re a short drive for families throughout the Austin area, including Round Rock, Cedar Park, and South Austin.
Yes: we offer summer exclusives and camps in addition to our year-round group classes. Check current class schedules or call (512) 451-3425 for current summer program details and availability.
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.
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 1982.