Over three decades, Mike has developed a strong reputation in Southern California strictly through word-of-mouth referrals from satisfied parents.

His teaching method is a cognitive behavioral approach that helps children overcome physical and psychological barriers and develop lifelong swimming confidence. Each lesson builds upon the success from the day before. Parents are frequently amazed at Mike’s insight into their child’s motivations and his ability to successfully teach even the most resistant child. This method works well for children with all types of temperaments, any level of water experience, and all levels of development (special needs children are welcome).

Some hallmarks of Mike’s highly effective teaching method…

• Calm, positive instruction — no yelling.
• No use of goggles or other props on which your child could become dependent.
• Developmentally appropriate teaching that does not push skills too early.
• Structured classes in which each student receives focused attention.
• A system without a need for perpetual lessons or dependence on an instructor to enjoy the pool.
• Transformation of your child into a joyful swimmer!

A standard session consists of 8 lessons over two consecutive weeks (usually Tues–Sat, Mon–Wed), up to 30 minutes each day. No classes on Sundays.

Lessons run March through August, between 8:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.  All lessons take place in heated, backyard pools throughout Orange County, CA. 

Limited availability is also offered in Phoenix, AZ in late May. 

How Many Sessions Are Needed? 

It is rare that children need more than only one session per year. After one session with Mike, a child will have enough competence and confidence to continue practicing with a parent, which is essential for maintaining confidence and transferring skills to new environments. 

If there is a special circumstance where additional lessons might be beneficial, Mike will let you know at the end of your session.

Lesson Format:  Small group classes

We do not offer private, one-on-one instruction. However, each child’s individual needs are attended to within the group setting.  

Our structured, small-group format: 

• Uses group dynamics to motivate progress 
• Creates helpful rest intervals 
• Allows swimmers to learn by watching peers 
• Lets Mike maintain ideal pacing and focus 

Private lessons are recommended only in specific special-needs circumstances.

Let us know your preferences for dates and times of day on your registration form. We will then send you some scheduling options based on your preferences and location. You will have the option to accept a placement or we can discuss other options at that time. If we are unable to find placement that works for you, your deposit paid with registration will be refunded. 

Register to be placed into an available group (Placement List) 

Select the “Placement List” option if you do not have a pool and want to be placed into a group in your area. Highly specific time/date/location requests can be difficult to accommodate, so be as flexible as possible with your scheduling requests. 

Join a Friend or Neighbor’s Group (Guest)

Select the “Guest” option to join a specific group you’ve been invited to. Enter the code provided by the host.

Host Lessons at Your Backyard Pool

Select the “Host” option to have Mike teach at your heated, backyard pool. You can form your own group(s) or we can fill in swimmers for you.*

*Hosting two or more consecutive full groups earns a discount starting at $200 and priority scheduling for classes after 4 pm. 

Photo approval of the pool layout required for new host locations. Please see additional information under “Hosting”

Pool Requirements (All pools are reviewed for teaching suitability.)

• Must be a private, backyard pool heated to 90°F 
• Pool should be full-sized (not a lap pool or spool) for most groups
• At least one deck edge swimmers can reach 
• Provide 3 photos showing the entire pool from different sides 

If I don’t have enough swimmers for a full group?

We will help fill open spots from our placement list.  

Can I have more than four swimmers at my pool?

Yes. Mike does not take more than 4 swimmers per class. However, if schedules allow, additional time may be added for another group.

Can mixed abilities swim together?

Separate groups work best when levels differ significantly.

Do groups need to be full before registering?

No. We recommend that the host register FIRST to reserve the date/time. Hosts will then be sent the information needed for friends to register for their specific group. All invited swimmers must be registered 90 days prior to the start date, after which we will offer any remaining spots to our Placement List.  

Age Requirement

Children ages 3+ tend to have the physical and cognitive development needed for the most successful experience. We accept children as young as 33 months, though younger swimmers may progress at a slower rate. Please call us to discuss your child’s readiness.

Special Needs Students

We are able to teach most children with special needs. Mike has extensive experience working with a wide range of developmental delays and challenges. Because our program is highly structured and Mike is calm and experienced, special-needs swimmers can thrive here.

Please indicate special needs on the registration form or contact us as sometimes scheduling accommodations may be required.

Session Fee

• $595 per student for the 8-day session. Classes starting 4:00 p.m. or later are $45 more (per student).
  
• $295 depositis due with registration. The remaining balance will be charged on the first day of your session.

Discounts

Early Registration

• $50 off per student when paid in full in September.

Host / Multiple-Group Discounts

• $200+ discount for hosting two or more consecutive full groups.
  
• Larger discounts may apply for morning groups or extended pool availability.

No sibling discount is offered.

Parent Participation 

• A parent or caregiver must attend all lessons. A familiar adult provides security during an unfamiliar activity. 
• Watching lessons helps parents continue to practice at home. 
• The same adult attending daily is helpful, but not required. 
• Parents do not get into the water.

What to Bring to lessons

• Swimsuit
• Towel
• A swim diaper is required for every child under age 4, regardless of potty training status. In our experience, even long potty trained children can have accidents in the very warm 90 degree water, especially when they are distracted or nervous. An accident means cancelled lessons for multiple children, so we have this policy in an abundance of caution.
• Nothing else is allowed. Please do not bring goggles to class. 

Parent Do’s & Dont’s

• Do NOT talk about swim lessons, tell your child not to cry, or negotiate with your child prior to lessons.
• Do arrive with a positive attitude. Your confidence will transfer to your child.
• Do pay close attention to Mike’s pre-class instructions.
• Do NOT swim during the 8-day lesson period — this will interrupt progress.
• Do practice regularly once your child’s 8-day session has finished. (See After Your Session for more details.)
• Do NOT use floaties or goggles. If you have, we strongly recommend that you discontinue the regular use of any floatation devices in the water between now and your lessons. These devices not only provide a false sense of security in a non-swimmer, but they also orient a child’s body in a vertical position (which is the opposite of correct body position for swimming).  This habit has to be “undone” during the lesson process and can be challenging to overcome when strength and muscle memory has been developed in the incorrect position.
• Do enjoy pool time with a parent in the water leading up to lessons, with consistent supervision and without props.

Crying / Adjustment Period 

It’s common for young children to be cautious or emotional in new situations. Most stop crying within a few days as confidence builds. Following the above recommendations will help your child overcome this stage.

Learn-to-Swim

Our swim program is designed for total beginners up to more advanced swimmers preparing to join a swim team. We don’t use swim “levels” — Mike meets each swimmer where they are and progresses them individually to reach their potential for their age and development.

Can My Child Really Learn to Swim in 8 Days? 

Yes. Most children will learn to swim independently in a single 8-day session. Swimming means a child can propel themselves through the water to reach the steps or wall and exit the pool independently. Children will be taught to take a breath as well if they are ready, but not typically in their first year of lessons.

Each child progresses at their own pace. Consistent and frequent practice after the lesson session will lead to the strongest results.

Returning or non-beginners

For children who are returning students and/or already have basic swimming skills, Mike will refresh confidence and continue to work on coordination and moving efficiently in the water.  Students who are ready will work on learning to take a breath without losing momentum and proper body position.  Basic freestyle would then be introduced as the next step (typically around age 5). Some swimmers can move through multiple steps in one session, while others take more time.

Non-beginners are scheduled with other students of similar age/ability level as much as possible.

Stroke Development 

After mastering basic skills with correct form and rhythmic breathing, swimmers can learn stroke technique. We teach all competitive strokes — freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly, if desired.

Each swimmer progresses at their own pace, and some may need more than one session to become proficient in all strokes. Stroke classes follow the same 8-day, 30-minute format but advanced students are placed with other swimmers of similar age/ability level.

The end of these lessons is not the end of your child’s learning for the year. On the contrary, this is just the beginning. As their parent, it is your responsibility to follow through with regular and consistent practice as prescribed in the information given to you at the end of the session.

Confidence is the foundation to your child’s success in these lessons. Your child will finish lessons willing to come to the pool and swim. Mike has worked diligently to instill this confidence in your swimmer, but it can only be maintained by actively following up according to our recommendations. If you do not practice regularly as prescribed, your child’s confidence may drop, and they may regress and be unwilling to swim which would be a waste of your child’s hard work and your money. Plan for success by making swimming part of your new routine as a family.   

Plan to take your child swimming each and every day for the first 10 days after the last lesson. After the first 10 days, plan to practice 2-3 times per week. 

Be patient with your child. Making progress in swimming skills takes time and many repetitions. Do not try to change or improve your child’s skills all at once. Consistent practice is the best path toward improvement.

Give your child plenty of encouragement and positive affirmation… it can go a long way. Have fun!

After you have accepted a placement option on the schedule, that spot is reserved for you and your deposit paid with registration becomes non-refundable. If you need to cancel or change your reserved time, your deposit may be credited (minus a change fee) to another session within the same calendar year IF notice is given at least one month prior to the start date. 

If you cancel or withdraw from a spot reserved for you within one month of the start date, you will likely lose your deposit. However, if the opening is able to be filled by another swimmer, you may receive a credit towards another session within the same calendar year if available (minus the change fee).

Note: if you cancel prior to placement, your deposit is fully refundable upon request.

Change fee: for changes to scheduling after you have reserved lessons is $50 per student / $75 for siblings.

Kids get sick! We do understand this reality and do our best to handle these situations fairly. Each situation is handled individually, since factors like which and how many days are missed vary.  If your child is sick just before or during their session, please contact us immediately.

Depending on the factors involved, rescheduling may be necessary if we deem that your child will not be able to have a good overall outcome from missed days due to illness. Some cost may apply if their reserved spot cannot be filled. We will get them back on the schedule as soon as possible. Missed lessons cannot be made up individually.

No make-ups are offered for absences. Daily attendance is important because each lesson builds on the previous one, so make every effort to attend all classes.

Lessons continue rain or shine. Remember, the water is warm and kids usually love getting to swim in the rain. Parents, bring your umbrella!

If Mike deems that conditions warrant a cancelled class, parents will be notified as soon as possible by SMS.