Experience: We considered swimming coaches who can teach both kids and adults. Plus points for those who can provide training plans on a competitive level.
Class size: We included those who prioritize a small class size during training. We also checked if they offer one-on-one or private swimming classes for undivided attention.
Convenience: We evaluated the ease of booking or rescheduling swimming classes. We also included those that are open for in-home swimming classes.
Safety: We included swimming coaches who are proactive enough in spotting risks and emergencies with their students. We also assessed how well they handle panic situations, especially for their younger students.
When we were younger, we were never really fans of swimming. Normally, we would just take a quick dip and chat with friends while floating.
But the moment our eldest turned three, we realized it was essential for us to learn the fundamentals, especially when we saw that our child was always excited to explore the waters.
Fortunately, Vancouver has some of the best swimming coaches around, ready to help us and the young ones become confident in the water. If you or your kids are looking for lessons, here are the best coaches we’ve tried and love in the city.
In Vancouver, swimming classes typically cost around $55 per hour. Group lessons are relatively inexpensive, costing around $20 per person. This makes it easier for everyone to learn and enjoy the sport of swimming.
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Saturday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Consumer Rating: A
Google review
5/5
Total reviews score
5/5
Score consistency
5/5
Our Rating: B+
Experience
4.5/5
Fundamental training
4/5
Competitive training
5/5
Class size
4.7/5
Small group size
4.7/5
Private class
4.7/5
Convenience
4.6/5
Safety
4.6/5
For individuals seeking advanced swimming lessons, look no further than Coach Stewart here at Swim Smart. They even offer open-water courses here, perfect for those joining a swim-run duathlon or triathlon.
If you’re a casual swimmer who wants to try competitive swimming, this coach will prioritize your comfort in the water. Because of his calm approach, you’ll be surprised that your fear of being in the open water is gone in just a few weeks.
Even if you’re joining a large class, you’ll be surprised that Coach Stewart would still take his time in giving individual constructive feedback, allowing you to have time to work on it until the next session.
We also found that the number of sessions helps students progress. You can expect him to give you several drills each week, which he strategically planned and sequenced based on your performance.
In just 14 weeks, we increased our confidence and improved our skills, which is a very rewarding experience. Our classmates were very welcoming and helpful too, sharing insights that would help us improve further.
However, don’t let this stop newbies from enrolling: Swim Smart also offers swimming lessons for beginners, which are open to all ages.
Pros
Great coach for all swimming levels
Methodological training plans
deal for advanced swimming lessons and athletes
Cons
Not open on Sundays
May be too advanced for the little kids
Provides effective instructions
“Coaches Stewart and Tina (who taught my Level 2/3 class) are excellent at what they do. Swim Smart has a solid reputation as the go-to for swimming—beginner to advanced—and for good reason. Their patient, calm, and methodical approach delivers results in a non-intimidating atmosphere. The classes are fun and attract a great group of people, from casual swimmers to those seeking more competitive goals. I’ve seen real progress in my technique and confidence thanks to their guidance. I’m grateful to have found such thoughtful, effective instruction—it’s made a real difference. Thank you!”
“By far the best swim coaching I’ve ever experienced! I’m comfortable in the water but not very efficient. I loved my L3 class and plan to take it again, working up to L4. The training plan and video support were great additional learning tools.”
Address: 181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2W3
Contact Details: +1 778-919-7946
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Consumer Rating: A
Google review
5/5
Total reviews score
5/5
Score consistency
5/5
Our Rating: B+
Experience
4.5/5
Fundamental training
5/5
Competitive training
4/5
Class size
4.9/5
Small group size
4.9/5
Private class
4.9/5
Convenience
4.8/5
Safety
4.5/5
If you’re looking for one-on-one, in-home swimming lessons, then Coach Diogo of Swim Lessons Vancouver is the one for you.
We don’t suggest getting him, though, if you don’t have access to a residential pool, as renting one separately can significantly add to your overall cost.
We love that this coach offers swimming classes for kids and adults. He’s also known to adjust his delivery in every lesson depending on your comfort level, making it easier to follow his instructions, no matter what age you are.
In fact, you can expect him to explain the techniques that you need to do. And he would always watch out for your breathing and posture, ensuring you focused on these two important things right from the start.
As adults, we weren’t too confident that we would learn how to swim after finishing a session. But thanks to his tailored approach, we were able to unlearn a few things during our initial class as well.
What we like about Swim Lessons Vancouver is that you can try a single session first before committing to a package. We suggest doing this on your first attempt so you can check if Coach Diogo’s style meets your requirements.
Pros
Ideal for those with access to a residential pool
In-home swimming lessons
Open for all ages
Single sessions are available
Cons
Costly for those who need to pay for swimming rentals
Should be booked weeks ahead to secure a spot
Tailored teaching approach
“Diego is an outstanding swimming instructor. Exceptional professionalism and tailored teaching approach define Diego’s instruction. His clear communication and encouragement make a positive learning environment. I highly recommended for anyone seeking quality swim instruction. I’m an adult learner and I had a great time learning and still looking forward to be comfortable and be skilled in swimming.”
Flexible when it comes to cancellations or reschedules
“Communication with owner is always prompt and flexibility to change or cancel sessions is allowed which is always appreciated with kids and also with an outdoor pool. The instructor we had picked sustained an injury and the owner was able to connect us with someone who could fill in relatively quickly which was appreciated. You can tell he loves and cares about his business and work.”
Address: Residence Inn by Marriott Vancouver, 1234 Hornby St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 0A3
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours
Consumer Rating: B+
Google review
4.9/5
Total reviews score
5/5
Score consistency
5/5
Our Rating: B+
Experience
4.8/5
Fundamental training
4.8/5
Competitive training
4.8/5
Class size
4.9/5
Small group size
4.9/5
Private class
4.9/5
Convenience
4.8/5
Safety
4.5/5
For those of you who want a bubbly coach who can teach kids and adults, then you’ll surely love Coach Chloe of Propel Swimming Lessons. She’s known to make her swimming lessons lively, perfect if you thrive in a fun teaching environment.
She also focuses on private swimming classes, so you don’t need to worry about having undivided attention.
We also appreciate that she takes the time to assess our current swimming skills. This allowed her to personalize our lessons, ensuring that the drills directly addressed the skills we needed to develop.
During our initial session, we noticed how she kept the lessons engaging. She even mixed our drills with games. However, she tries to limit the games whenever she teaches the younger kids, as they would end up playing instead of learning.
And after each class, you can expect Coach Chloe to give you a summary of recommendations and expectations, so you’re well-equipped for the next session.
What we like most about attending Propel Swimming Lessons is that they offer a complimentary towel service. So you don’t need to worry if you suddenly forgot to bring yours.
They also have a hot tub so you can squeeze in a quick warm-up session before your class starts.
Pros
Offers private swimming classes
Comprehensive assessment before training starts
Fun and engaging swimming classes
Provides a performance summary after every class
Cons
Reports of last-minute cancellations
Quite difficult to secure a slot on weekends
Very patient with difficult students
“My daughters had their first lesson with Chloe M. In Surrey. She was so patient and made them feel so comfortable. What’s most important is that she made it fun while learning it at the same time. My youngest can be difficult at times but Chloe didn’t give up and won her over each resistance she had. They are looking forward to their next lesson already. We highly recommend Propel if you are looking for private lessons and can learn in a quiet pool. Aimee is so great at making sure our experience is up to their standards and willing to help and recommend when needed.”
Can deal with students with neurological challenges
“We had a great experience with Propel. The instructor Chloe was patient, but firm with our grandson. This is actually a very hard balance to achieve as he has had neurological challenges from birth and staying focused is very hard for him. He made more progress in one lesson than have seen him make in a full week of lessons with Parks and Recreation. She kept him working and made it fun at the same time!”
Address: 181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2W3
Contact Details: +1 604-715-2921
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Consumer Rating: A
Google review
5/5
Total reviews score
5/5
Score consistency
5/5
Our Rating: B+
Experience
4.5/5
Fundamental training
5/5
Competitive training
4/5
Class size
4.9/5
Small group size
4.9/5
Private class
4.9/5
Convenience
4.8/5
Safety
4.9/5
Coach Maureen of Coastal Waves Swim School offers small-group and private swimming lessons throughout Vancouver.
For those of you who want to save on your budget, we recommend choosing their group classes instead. Coach Maureen favors teaching small groups, so you can expect her to give equal attention to each student during class.
While she teaches adults, her clients are mostly kids. If you’re a bit shy, we recommend taking private swimming lessons or enrolling in in-home classes.
Yes, you have an option to have your training at your residential pool. But don’t expect rates to be cheaper for this option, as in-home swimming lesson rates should cover the transportation fee.
What we love most about Coach Maureen is that you can trust her to teach toddlers too. So yes, start them young, and consider enrolling them in Coach Maureen’s class.
Meanwhile, if you’re availing of the onsite swimming class, you can take advantage of a 50% discounted access rate to their gym, sauna, and hot tub. It’s a great way to squeeze in a little workout before or after your class.
Parking is also available in the building, but remember to register your vehicle at the front desk.
Pros
Offers in-home classes
Favors small group classes
Offers discounted rates for other amenities
Free parking
Cons
Limited classes for adults
More ideal for fundamental teaching
Informative and helpful
“We’ve had a fantastic experience with mobile lessons through Coastal Waves. Maureen is super responsive, informative, and helpful when it came to scheduling and booking lessons for our kids. And we just can’t say enough good things about Hannah and the incredible progress she’s made with our young kids in such a short period of time. She’s patient, fun, and the kids are always asking when they get to swim with her again. She’s boosted both their confidence and technical ability in the water immensely. Would highly recommend this team!”
“Coastal Waves Swim School has been so great for our kids. Maureen is knowledgeable, professional, and great with kids. We happily choose to be with Coastal Waves Swim School year after year!”
Address: 525 Coal Harbour Quay, Vancouver, BC V6G 3J7
Contact Details: +1 778-855-9697
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM; Saturday – Sunday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Consumer Rating: B+
Google review
4.9/5
Total reviews score
5/5
Score consistency
5/5
Our Rating: B+
Experience
4.5/5
Fundamental training
5/5
Competitive training
4/5
Class size
4.9/5
Small group size
4.9/5
Private class
4.9/5
Convenience
4/5
Safety
4.5/5
Coach Maddie of SwimOclock is known for her hands-on and patient approach, which makes her a great option for little kids, especially those who are stubborn.
However, you need to have access to a private pool before you can receive her services. Nonetheless, they have a wide coverage, so even if you’re far from downtown Vancouver, they can still make arrangements for you.
While she’s great around kids, we love that Maddie can also coach adults on their breathing and stride techniques. She’s also great at helping you unlearn the wrong techniques you’ve learned in the past.
Of course, if you have zero experience in the water, she’s still there to create a different plan for you. In fact, they claim that 100% of their clients have learned how to swim after six hours of training.
And yes, that already includes the fundamentals, as well as various swimming strokes.
On the other hand, consider enrolling your kids in regular classes for at least two years so they can become confident in the water.
We just have reservations about the class duration. We noticed that some sessions felt quite short, and extending them for a few minutes could be a little tricky since they’re always fully booked.
Pros
Wide coverage area
Offers lessons for kids and adults
Ideal for beginners
Cons
Some classes may feel quite short
Must have pool access
Patient with the little ones
“Maddie is an awesome teacher! Not only reliable, but flexible and patient with the little ones. And patience really was needed with my kids! 😀 They are now really confident in the water and love swimming! Highly recommend!”
“Maddie, has been an outstanding swimming instructor for my child. Her patience, expertise, and personalized approach have made every lesson enjoyable and productive. My child’s confidence in the water has soared, and they look forward to each session with excitement. I highly recommend Maddie and her team to anyone looking for a skilled and caring swimming teacher!”
Kids at least four years old can enroll in a swimming class. Nonetheless, most swimming coaches who work with children can start teaching them as early as two years old.
Can I still learn how to swim as an adult?
Yes, there is no maximum age to start learning how to swim. So, regardless of your age, you can still enroll in swimming classes.
Are private swimming lessons better?
If you prefer a more personalized class, private swimming lessons would be a better fit. Meanwhile, if you want to interact with new people or need a budget-friendly option, a group class is more ideal for you.
Do I need to bring my own swimming gear to a swimming lesson?
Just make sure you wear a proper swimsuit during class. If the facility doesn’t offer free use of towels, make sure to bring some too. Some swimming coaches will require you to bring your own goggles, while they take care of other swimming gear, such as kickboards and fins.
Archie Montrose
