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Social proof: reviews

5 star rating

Easy to follow and fun to try!

Jennifer Mastro

Tessa's "Prepare Your Baby for Swim Lessons" program was easy to follow and included simple checks for understanding. The videos helped demonstrate the skill...

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Tessa's "Prepare Your Baby for Swim Lessons" program was easy to follow and included simple checks for understanding. The videos helped demonstrate the skills and she provides tips for incorporating these fun and essential practices into bath time or pool time! Emphasis is on NOT forcing the baby, but working with the baby and all her senses to better understand how the water works. I recommend this program to ALL parents!

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5 star rating

Keeping it simple & teaching the basics

Aly T

Conditioning a baby is so important to having fuss free and fun lessons; Tessa's class was basic steps with very easy to follow instructions :)

Conditioning a baby is so important to having fuss free and fun lessons; Tessa's class was basic steps with very easy to follow instructions :)

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5 star rating

Love it

Jinnie V

This is an excellent course to prepare baby for the water, I love that is gentle on babies and cry free. We are already practicing.

This is an excellent course to prepare baby for the water, I love that is gentle on babies and cry free. We are already practicing.

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4 star rating

Clear and concise

Heather Watkins

Very user friendly amd easy to undersand

Very user friendly amd easy to undersand

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5 star rating

It was truly such a blessing and worth it! Thank you Tessa!

Sole Henning

5 star rating

Fantastic short course

Alisha Alisha

Thank you so much for the concise and caring way in which to bring your message across. I enjoyed it very much.

Thank you so much for the concise and caring way in which to bring your message across. I enjoyed it very much.

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5 star rating

A great resource!

Patrice P

This was a great overview of how to organize a swim school. I agreed with everything that Tessa shared and experienced a lot of success in my own swim busin...

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This was a great overview of how to organize a swim school. I agreed with everything that Tessa shared and experienced a lot of success in my own swim business. More importantly, I loved the supplemental videos that were compiled for each age group. I have been teaching for swim for years, but reviewing Tessa's materials was a great boost for me. It gave me the confidence to go from teaching as a hobby to the number two provider in my area on google listings. The program was helpful for me to fill some gaps for different age groups. I was able to teach some new age groups with confidence because of what I learned. I had no experience with parent assist classes, but we had incredibly positive results immediately. The way the courses are organized is simple and insightful. It was easy to apply the information to any age group- even adults. Tessa is supportive online and available for encouragement when I reached out to her with an important call this summer. Having someone who teaches full time available to me was worth a thousand bucks. She was a great sounding board for my question. I knew that she had a ton of knowledge, but I didn't expect her to be so committed to the success of MY students! No matter what your swim adventure holds, I would recommend staying connected with Tessa.

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5 star rating

AWESOME

Ana Prem

GREAT AND HELPFUL

GREAT AND HELPFUL

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5 star rating

Extremely Helpful

Zach Mitschrich

I'm a parent looking to teach my child to swim. Our schedule is a bit crazy with unideal swim lesson times, so we find time to go to pool on our own. This ...

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I'm a parent looking to teach my child to swim. Our schedule is a bit crazy with unideal swim lesson times, so we find time to go to pool on our own. This has given me the foundation to help my son learn to swim. The teacher and content is fantastic, clear, and easy to understand and implement. Thank you!

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5 star rating

Well done and interactive

Ana Prem

This is a fantastic course to teach any baby and people who want to teach. I personally learn a lot, specially with Tessa’s instructions. The baby, the mom...

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This is a fantastic course to teach any baby and people who want to teach. I personally learn a lot, specially with Tessa’s instructions. The baby, the mom and the instructor made a great team

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5 star rating

Great course for parents to teach their babies

Jinnie V

It is a really good course, very practical and easy to follow. I first started it conditioning my baby at 6th month old when I saw the free course how to pre...

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It is a really good course, very practical and easy to follow. I first started it conditioning my baby at 6th month old when I saw the free course how to prepare baby for swimming lessons and it was great my baby responded really well and enjoyed every time at the pool, now my 7th and half month old baby is fully condition and prepare that’s why I decided it to take these course to keep teaching my baby. We have been practicing the lessons and he love them, he is not afraid of the water on his face at all and even if he ingest a little water and coughs he doesn’t cry or want to get out, I’m loving how he is progressing every time , we are practicing submersion already and he is doing amazing. I fully recommend this course

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5 star rating

Module 4 to 8 month

Marianela Marquina

All the information Tessa has given in this course is so valuable. I have put it into practice and have been very useful. Thank you Tessa !!!

All the information Tessa has given in this course is so valuable. I have put it into practice and have been very useful. Thank you Tessa !!!

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5 star rating

Learned more than in 6 weeks at the Y

Margalit Shapiro-Katz

We have been going to the YMCA, my baby loves the water and the pool but the teach was not up to par. I learned way more with these videos than in any of the...

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We have been going to the YMCA, my baby loves the water and the pool but the teach was not up to par. I learned way more with these videos than in any of the classes and now am motivated to keep practicing with my baby in the pool

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5 star rating

0-8 Months Swim Lessons

Jade Everitt

This class was amazing! As an instructor I have learned so much throughout the lessons. Tessa has done an incredible job setting up a learning platform for i...

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This class was amazing! As an instructor I have learned so much throughout the lessons. Tessa has done an incredible job setting up a learning platform for instructors and parents!

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5 star rating

Great and easy Pro way to teach babies

Ana Prem

I just started with this technique and I loved it I enjoyed looking how Jaxon developed his skills with Tessa and baby’s mom I can se the security Jaxon s...

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I just started with this technique and I loved it I enjoyed looking how Jaxon developed his skills with Tessa and baby’s mom I can se the security Jaxon shows with all new skills he learned It’s amazing and another very important point is Jaxon movements from other babies make a difference

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5 star rating

Very helpful!

Evangelynn Evangelynn

Great teacher!

Great teacher!

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5 star rating

Clear title headings highlighting the subject of study/ex...

Sheila Tyson-Howard

Straight forward and to the point, but personable and with a sense of humor.

Straight forward and to the point, but personable and with a sense of humor.

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5 star rating

how to prepare your baby to swim 0-8 months

Venetia Adlem

super informative course

super informative course

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5 star rating

Great

Liz Arguello Liz Arguello

Great

5 star rating

I am happy to learn from expert Tessa Rhodes,

علاء الدين علاء الدين

as she has really helped me with many things in my work as a trainer for babies and she also has an easy way of communicating information. Thank you Tessa

as she has really helped me with many things in my work as a trainer for babies and she also has an easy way of communicating information. Thank you Tessa

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5 star rating

Brilliant

Margaret Terrell

Very informative, explained well,

Very informative, explained well,

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5 star rating

Great tips

Jennifer Lea

The free course had some very helpful tips to try together

The free course had some very helpful tips to try together

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5 star rating

Wonderful!!

Clive Richards

Thank you Tessa, for sharing your knowledge and kind spirit. I love that you can start to teach babys to swim at home in the bathtub. These are excellent ...

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Thank you Tessa, for sharing your knowledge and kind spirit. I love that you can start to teach babys to swim at home in the bathtub. These are excellent tips to get started! Thanks again, Clive.

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5 star rating

FIVE STAR SWIM ACADEMY FOR CHILDREN WHERE I LEARNED A GRE...

Ana Prem

I ENJOYED EVERY SINGLE DETAIL, IT'S AMAZING AND THE PATIENCE OF THE INSTRUCTOR

I ENJOYED EVERY SINGLE DETAIL, IT'S AMAZING AND THE PATIENCE OF THE INSTRUCTOR

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5 star rating

8 to 12 months

Marianela Marquina

Excellent course, I have learned so much, Thank you Tessa!!!

Excellent course, I have learned so much, Thank you Tessa!!!

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5 star rating

Teach Children to Swim 2 to 2 1/2 Years

Ana Prem

I m so glad that I found this academy and grateful to Tessa Rhodes for giving the opportunity to others become instructors to save kids lives. Tessa has all...

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I m so glad that I found this academy and grateful to Tessa Rhodes for giving the opportunity to others become instructors to save kids lives. Tessa has all the patience to introduce any skills from babies to toddlers and more I am so happy to have studied this technology I never stop thanking you for such a great course and help to all of us. blessings!!!!

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5 star rating

Great course

Sharon Brod

Such a great course, very informative and easy to follow. Thank you!

Such a great course, very informative and easy to follow. Thank you!

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5 star rating

Swim safely!

Kimberly Erickson

This is a great course for anyone wanting their child to get comfortable in the water. Step by step progression to get babies used to the water. Instuction...

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This is a great course for anyone wanting their child to get comfortable in the water. Step by step progression to get babies used to the water. Instuctions are clear and easy to implement.

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Pricing options

Considering the Online Swim Academy? Choose between a monthly subscription of $27 for flexibility, $997 with lifetime access and unlimited employees (best for swim schools) or an annual subscription of $297 for cost savings. The annual membership and lifetime access offer excellent options for those looking for long-term value from the academy.

Meet Tessa Rhodes

I help children of all ages to develop a love of the water. I teach to respect it, not fear it.

I started my career working with children in 2005. Before I became a certified American Red Cross WSI (water safety instructor), I was a drama and gymnastics coach. Of the three, swimming is by far and away, my most favorite to teach, and it happens to be the most rewarding. As I see the progress my students make, I can't help but just love what I do.

I opened my swim school, Desert Aquaventures, in 2013 from my home in the Palm Springs area, in California. Today, I am fortunate enough to have a thriving business with a full roster and a waitlist.

I also belong to an ongoing professional development academy that allows me to continue to enhance my skills and pass on my knowledge to my students who, by the way, are benefiting greatly and becoming very confident in the water.

Whether you're a parent or a swim instructor or in search of training to become one, you're in the right place. I am excited to share my knowledge with you.
swim instructor training online
Watch Intro Video

What you will learn

I will show you how to teach your children to love and respect the water. As they progress through the program and become independently mobile, you'll see their confidence skyrocket. Before you know it, they will rule the pool with their newly acquired skill set.

LESSON PLANS

One unique lesson for each week of the program

I have done the work for you. Using a building block approach, I created a curriculum that meets the needs of the child's age and developmental stages. A great deal of thought and careful consideration went into the planning of each lesson. You may use these to conduct your classes or easily create your own with the template that I have provided to meet your specific needs.

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What Parents Are Saying

on Social Media & Review Sites

Tessa is truly a miracle worker!

Andrea M.

Tessa is truly a miracle worker! In a matter of only 4 lessons my sons are now not only comfortable in the water, but love to swim and look forward to going to their lessons with Tessa. We've struggled for years with other programs & teachers to get my 7 y/o swimming and have had no success; now he's thriving under Tessa's instruction. And my 4 y/o is quite busy, and has an incredibly difficult time focusing, but Tessa knew from the moment she started class exactly how to get through to him and he's made far more progress than I could've ever hoped. We're amazed by her teaching abilities and so grateful for Tessa!

Tessa is the most patient...

Erika M.

Tessa is the most patient, kind, flexible, thorough, and knowledgeable swim instructor you can ask for. I enrolled my son in private lessons when he was 14 months old and he has excelled in the 3 months he has been a student. Tessa was extremely patient during times when my son wasn't quite cooperating (translation: screaming his head off) and was very quick to find another way to teach her lessons in an engaging and relaxing and fun manner. She is very adaptable to my child's interests during class and doesn't force certain things that he may not be interested in at the moment. She has plenty of teaching tools and my son loves her songs

Tessa is an amazing teacher...

Angelina P.

Tessa is an amazing teacher. She is very patient and really good at motivating her students. We couldn't be happier. We brought our 2 and 4 year old in January. Our 2 year old is now swimming at preschool level and our now 5 year old is swimming level 3. We couldn't be happier.

I'm impressed...

Anna M.

After only 7 lessons, my daughter has learned how to dive down for objects, float for a short time on her back, "monkey crawl" on the edge of the pool, water safety, and is working on swimming! Tessa is one of the most calming, caring swim instructors I have seen. She's very patient with my 2-year-old. My daughter asks to go to swim school almost every day. I'm impressed that she not only works on swim instruction through fun water games etc., but Tessa also covers all the basics of water safety at a level my daughter can understand.

Tessa is amazing!

Crystal R.

Tessa is amazing! My granddaughter is learning to swim in record time. The pool area is indoors. Truly an oasis in the desert. 100% worth every penny. The one on one experience is a must for learning to be comfortable in the pool. I highly recommend her. We will be long time clients.

She is extremely patient...

Barb W.

We tried several swim teachers and programs in the area before finding Tessa. In a short two months, our sons swim ability has improved greatly. She is extremely patient and makes the lessons fun and relevant to my sons age(5) and abilities. The indoor pool means that we can continue year round. Great find!

Would recommend highly...

Tim S.

Tessa is super patient with my stubborn 5 year old. He has made so much progress here. Faculty is indoors which is awesome. No need to apply sunblock! Would recommend highly.

Swimming under water in record time.

Rhonda C.

Tessa had our granddaughter in the water kicking and swimming under water in record time. She can't wait to go back for her next lesson.

Tessa is incredible...

Monique C.

We went with Desert Aqua-ventures to teach our 2yr old daughter to swim. Tessa is incredible and super patient with the kids. I wouldn't go to anyone else; very reasonably priced private lessons in an indoor heated pool which is the perfect atmosphere for the kids to learn.

Love Tessa!!

Jacqueline S.

Love Tessa!! My son is 2 years old and can be stubborn at times and she is super patient and a great teacher!It's indoor which can be a plus in the desert heat.

Here's What You'll Get

Each course is broken down into easily digestible bite-sized chunks. The structure follows a natural order and provides you with everything you need to teach children to swim, including but not limited to...

  • Prepared lesson plans. You will also have access to a lesson plan template if you want to create your own.

  • Skills at a glance PDF for easy lesson planning.

  • Clearly written instructions. Each skill is broken down into an easy to follow step by step guide.

  • Video tutorials with demonstrations of each skill captured from actual classes.

  • A video library of songs. Each video tutorial shows you exactly how to present the songs in your classes.

  • A quiz is presented at the end of each unit to test your knowledge.

  • Certificate of completion and Online Swim Academy member badges for your website(s) and other platforms.

  • List of equipment. A complete inventory of every item required and links for easy access.

  • Support. Got a question? Just ask via email or in our private Facebook group student community.

  • More curriculum coming...

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do you help a baby/toddler overcome the fear of water? My son is now terrified when we have to rinse shampoo off his hair.

    Newborn babies have no fear of water. It is at 6 or 7 months that many babies first encounter fear.

    When you pour the water over his head, make sure that you remain calm so that your baby stays calm. If he cries, stop and distract him with toys and songs. Once he's happy again, try to pour the water over his head again or wait for the next bathtime.

    When you pour the water, start with only about 2 seconds worth of water. If he ingests water, which is unlikely since the water pours down from the top of the head, remain calm. It doesn't harm your baby. Your baby looks to you for social referencing. If you stay calm, he will remain calm.

  • How do you help children feel comfortable to let go of you if all they want is to be in your arms?

    Don't force them to do anything they don't want to do. Stay in very shallow water where they feel in control.

    When you bring him to the pool, play with him in shallow water where he can sit, stand, and crawl. Use toys to motivate him to crawl to and distract him if needed.

    Also, use this time to get him comfy with water on the face. You can demonstrate pouring water over your head and have fun with it. Then pour it over his head and praise him with lots of cheering and clapping every time you do it.

  • What is the best age to start swim lessons?

    Start with bathtub swim lessons from the day you bring your baby home from the hospital. A newborn recently emerged from a comfy place of residence, submerged in liquid for nine months.

    Maintain that level of comfort that your baby already feels around water. To do this, pour water over his head during every bath. For more details on this, check out the free course entitled, How to Prepare Your Baby for Swim Lessons 0 to 8 Months.

  • What are the signs of dry drowning? How do we, as parents, know how much water is too much?

    Dry drowning and secondary drowning which is also sometimes referred to as delayed drowning is not an accepted medical condition. Most medical providers heard about dry drowning for the first time on social media.

    The correct medical term is hyponatremia or water intoxication. Wikipedia states hyponatremia or water intoxication results when the normal balance of electrolytes in the body is pushed outside safe limits by excessive water intake.

    It takes a lot of water for this to be fatal. This condition is scarce, but if your baby swallows a large amount of water, it can lead to Hyponatremia. The symptoms of Hyponatremia are vomiting, dizziness, lethargy, confusion, behavioral changes, completely clear urine, and swelling of the face, arms, or legs. If your baby shows these signs, seek medical attention immediately.

    It is very rare. If your baby ingests a little bit of water, you have nothing to worry about.

  • Can babies swim naturally?

    No. Babies are born with a diving reflex, which enables them to hold their breath underwater instinctively, and it disappears at around six months of age. Just because they have this reflex, doesn't make it okay to submerge them.

    It's better to take the time to teach your baby to hold his breath on a verbal command. With this method of conditioning, your baby will build confidence and develop a love of the water.

  • When can I submerge my baby in water? How will I know he's ready?

    First, you will condition your baby to hold his breath. This process takes a few weeks of regular practice. You will know when your baby is holding his breath because he will close his eyes on the verbal command, "name, ready, go." When he closes his eyes, that means he's holding his breath. He'll be ready for submersions when he can hold his breath on command for 5 seconds.

    For more details on this, check out the free course entitled, How to Prepare Your Baby for Swim Lessons 0 to 8 Months.

  • What is the best swim diaper for babies?

    You'll want to get TrustyTrunks. Copy and paste the affiliate link into your web browser. https://trustytrunks.com/?ref=CFOLDHorfV2V

    They are the only leakproof swim diaper solution claiming to contain both solids and liquids. No other swim diaper on the market is leakproof.

    Also, other swim diapers on the market can't guarantee to trap 100% of solid waste, so It often winds up in the pool. TrustyTrunks are meant to be worn over a regular cloth or disposable diaper.