Private Swimming Lessons in Sydney: Is One on One Right for Your Child?
Every child learns to swim at their own pace. Some love the buzz of a group class, while others do their best work with an instructor all to themselves. If you’ve been wondering whether private swimming lessons in Sydney are the right fit for your child, this guide walks you through what a one on one lesson looks like, who it suits best and how to choose between private and group lessons.
What a Private Swimming Lesson Looks Like
A private lesson at AquaBuddies is 30 minutes with a qualified instructor whose attention is on your child for the whole session. There are no other children to wait for, so every minute in the water is spent learning and practising.
The first lesson starts with a gentle assessment. Your instructor watches how your child moves, floats and breathes in the water, then chats with you about what you’d like them to achieve. From there, each session is shaped around your child’s needs and goals, whether that’s putting their face in the water for the first time or polishing their freestyle.
Private lessons run at both our Coogee swim school and our North Bondi swim school. They can be booked as a block of sessions or as an ongoing weekly lesson, depending on instructor availability.
Who Private Swimming Lessons Suit Best
Private lessons are a lovely option for kids who would benefit from a calmer, more personal setting. They tend to suit children in a few common situations.
Nervous or anxious swimmers. A child who feels unsure around water can take things slowly without feeling watched by other kids. A patient, gentle approach helps them build trust with their instructor and with the water itself.
Children working on a specific skill. If your child is stuck on breathing, a particular stroke or their technique, one on one time lets the instructor focus on exactly that.
Kids who learn better on their own. Some children are easily distracted in a group, or simply feel more comfortable with one adult beside them.
Children catching up or getting ahead. Private lessons can help after a break for illness or holidays, speed up progress between group lessons, or help prepare for school swimming carnivals and squad entry.
Children with sensory sensitivities or additional needs. For kids with significant anxiety, sensory sensitivities or additional needs, a private lesson is often the best place to start.
Private or Group Swimming Lessons: How to Choose
Group and private lessons both have a place, and plenty of families use a mix of the two.
Group lessons are where most children build their swimming skills week by week. Our groups are kept small, so every child still gets plenty of attention, and learning alongside other kids can be motivating and fun. They’re a great fit for children who are comfortable in the water and enjoy being around others.
Private lessons are the better choice when your child needs something a group can’t easily give: extra reassurance, a tight focus on one skill, or faster progress. Some families start with private lessons to build confidence, then move into a group once their child feels settled. Others book a short block of private sessions alongside group lessons to work on a particular stroke.
There’s a middle option too. Semi-private lessons let two children share a session with one instructor, which works well for siblings or friends at a similar level. You’ll just need to arrange the second child yourself.
Still not sure? A quick chat with our team is the easiest way to work it out. Tell us a little about your child and we’ll suggest the best place to start.
How to Book Private Swimming Lessons
Private lessons aren’t booked through the online Parent Portal. Instead, email us at info@aquabuddies.com.au or call 02 7203 0207, and we’ll check instructor availability at Coogee or Bondi and find a time that suits your family.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a private swimming lesson at AquaBuddies?
Each private lesson runs for 30 minutes. Your child has a qualified instructor’s full attention for the whole session, so the time is spent practising rather than waiting for a turn.
Are private swimming lessons good for nervous children?
Yes. Private lessons are often the best starting point for children who feel anxious in the water, because they can go at their own pace with one patient instructor. Once their confidence grows, many children happily move into a small group class.
Can two children share a private swimming lesson?
Yes, through our semi-private lessons, where two children share a session with one instructor. You’ll need to arrange the second child yourself, and it works best when both children are at a similar swimming level.
Where are private swimming lessons available in Sydney?
AquaBuddies offers private lessons at both our Coogee pool on Bream Street and our North Bondi pool at Wairoa School. Get in touch with our team to check instructor availability at either location.
