650-777-5544
707-200-2889
For over 40 years, the British Swim School’s survival-first approach has helped people of all ages and experience levels become water-safe. We combine proven teaching methods with a friendly, student-centered approach. The program at British Swim School Bay Area is focused on ensuring that all students leave with water survival skills. We’re the only swim school that does a “Survival Week,” during which students are fully clothed in the water and trained in how to survive an unexpected water emergency.
Our small classes are taught by caring instructors who are thoughtfully selected and highly trained in the most effective methods for teaching water safety. The program is designed so that each class builds upon the last and each student progresses at every class. From top-notch customer service and communication to our one-of-a-kind makeup policy, British Swim School Bay Area is your best choice for swim classes in the Bay Area.
In British Swim School classes, students of all ages and abilities will learn more than just how to swim – they’ll learn how to be safe in the water, which is a necessary & life-long skill. Our proven teaching methods and expert instructors set us apart from typical swimming lessons. You can have confidence that, at British Swim School, your child is learning essential skills to keep them safe in the water during all of life’s memorable moments.
We are committed to ensuring that every person, regardless of age or ability, has the opportunity to become a safe and happy swimmer.
Please wear your own swimsuit and your own towel, and we will provide the first swim cap! If your child is under age 3 or is not potty trained, both a reusable and disposable diaper is required. British Swim School merchandise can be purchased on deck.
Students must wear their British Swim School swim cap for every lesson. British Swim School will provide students with their first swim cap, free of charge. As your child moves up to the next level you will be provided, free of charge, the next color cap. If your child loses or misplaces their swim cap, new caps are available for purchase.
We do not allow goggles until your student reaches Turtle 2. We want our students to be acclimated to the water without aids so they will be completely water safe if they ever fall into the water accidentally. Goggles may be purchased on deck.
All students under age 3 or those not yet potty trained must wear two diapers (a waterproof swim diaper and a waterproof diaper cover). This ensures the health and safety of all students and instructors should an accident occur. Diapers and Diaper covers are available for purchase on deck.
British Swim School provides changing stations on the pool deck at all locations for students to use before and after class. We encourage students to come to class dressed with their bathing suits under their clothes so they can quickly and easily hop into the pool when lessons start.
One (1) Parent per one (1) student is allowed on deck at all of our British Swim School facilities.
There are five goals in each level of our program, and during each lesson we are working on progression on 1 or more goals.
Some children may experience one or more anxieties at any given time. Rest assured this is perfectly normal. Don't worry! Our British Swim School instructors know the remedy to these fears. Even if your child doesn't go in the water during class, the lesson is still valuable. They are acclimating and watching other students. It is all part of getting comfortable!
British Swim School provides changing stations on the pool deck.
When a student completes a skill, parents receive an email and app notification. Parents have access to see what skills their child has accomplished and are still working on in the British Swim School app. Parents can also always check in with instructors or the deck team during/after class.
Swimming is more fun with a friend! While our top priority is creating safer swimmers, we know that children learn better and have better retention when they’re engaged and having fun. Help us spread the word about how awesome British Swim School is by referring a friend. For every family you refer, you will receive your choice of a $25 gift card (Amazon or Starbucks) or a bonus class added to your account, and the family referred will receive a free bonus class (valued at $55). Click here to get your personal referral link to share with your friends and family.
We are hiring talented Swim Instructors, Deck Ambassadors and Customer Service Reps for many of our locations. If you, or someone you know, would be an excellent fit for our program, please refer them. If we hire and successfully onboard your referral you will get ONE MONTH OF FREE LESSONS! *
Beginners to Experienced
Personalized attention focused on the areas that each student needs the most. Instructors work with each student to learn program-based safety skills while also focusing on each individual’s goals.
Private & Semi-Private Lessons
We are currently offering ongoing weekly private and semi-private lessons at multiple locations in San Francisco and the Peninsula. These classes are available during weekdays.
Our Special Abilities program takes our traditional British Swim School methods and incorporates them for any swimmer to feel comfortable and safe in the water. We work one-on-one with each student and tailor their learning experiences to align with their abilities and learning style, ultimately aiming to assimilate into the traditional program when they are ready.
If you have a child or loved one with a special ability, we would love to discuss your water safety needs and how we can help!
Our Summer Sessions will accelerate your child’s water safety progressions and they are FUN! These classes can be in addition to your regular classes or instead of your regular weekly classes.
Each Summer session will meet Monday-Thursday for 2 consecutive weeks. Class times vary per level. Each Class meets for 45 minutes.
Three levels ranging from beginner to experienced.
For young adults 12+, it’s never too late to learn how to swim! This program takes our traditional British Swim School methods and applies them in a way that’s specifically designed to work with young adult swimmers to help them feel comfortable and safe in the water.
Our Swim Instructors are the best in the industry. Each Instructor represents the very best of our core values: Caring, Passion, Accountability and Perseverence. Each Instructor is certified and tested with a minimum of 40 hours of training. Some go on to recieve advanced training and lifeguard certifications as well.
Our Deck Ambassadors are here to provide you the highest level of service possible. Deck Ambassadors have all been trained to teach our program so they are well equipped to answer any questions you have about our program, our systems and our policies. Our Deck Ambassadors also assist our Swim Instructors during class time.
Our Deck Supervisors have all been trained as Swim Instructors, Deck Ambassadors and Lifeguards as well as have an advanced expertise in customer service. We have a Deck Supervisor on duty at all times, so please feel free to provide feedback or ask questions at any time.
Franchise Owner
Under Pamela’s leadership, British Swim School Bay Area was named Franchise of the Year in 2021 and won the Gold Medal award for Best Swim School from Bay Area Parent in 2021 and 2022. British Swim School Bay Area has helped over 5,000 students become water safe!
Director of Operations
Operations Manager
Operations Manager
Aquatics Training Manager
Customer Service Supervisor
British Swim School Bay Area is closed for the following holidays. Students receive a makeup class if their lesson day falls on a Holiday.
Closed December 24, 2025 – January 1, 2026
Classes Resume January 2, 2026
Weeks of: Feb 24, May 19, Aug 11, Nov 3
History shows that children who take swim lessons two times per week reach their goals three times faster because they retain and apply more of the previous lessons. This is why we offer a discount when you enroll your child in two or more classes per week.
We ask that you try to arrive at least 5-10 minutes before your lesson to give your child time to acclimate and prepare for lessons. If you are late, you are welcome to join the class in progress. Classes ALWAYS start and end on time.
Our classes are all 30 minutes and very efficient and effective. Even while your child is on the side of the pool, they are watching the other students in their class. Seeing others do what they are learning is an excellent teaching tool. Our instructors interact with all students in a methodical manner and there is no wasted time during class.
The only classes we need a parent to be in the water with their child are our Tadpole and Swimboree classes. The ability to swim isn’t a prerequisite – all of our classes are held in shallow water where you won’t be out of your depth. Our Seahorse class expects parental participation from the poolside.
Yes, for your child’s safety, parents must remain on deck during their child’s lesson. One parent is allowed on deck per student.
Our facilities have free parking, changing tents, rest rooms, and a warm heated pool. Some locations have lockers and deck showers. Please speak to the Deck Ambassador onsite if you have questions about the facilities.
Students are welcome to wear wetsuits if that is their preference. British Swim School also has long sleeve rashguards available for sale.
Address
1850 Ocean Ave, San Francisco, 94112
Pricing
$245 per month for once a week and $415 for twice a week
Where to park
there is a parking garage on Dorado Terr
How to enter
When you walk out of the parking garage, turn right to go down Dorado Terrace. Then turn right on Ocean Ave to come through the front door, and walk to the front desk- the pool entrance is to the right side of the desk through the gym.
Classes offered at this location
Tadpole - Swimboree - Seahorse - Starfish - Minnow - Turtle 1 and 2 - Shark 1 and 2 - Adult
Facilities available on site
Bathrooms in the locker room, shower on deck, changing tents, and exclusive use of the pool
Location Policies
Locker rooms are off limits other than using the restroom, no hot tub use, 1 parent to 1 child on deck, no food or drink on the deck (other than water), opposite gender are not allowed in locker rooms if over 6 years old (CA law)
Days of Operation
Monday - Tuesday - Wednesday - Friday - Saturday - Sunday
Address
1645 Bryant St, San Francisco, 94103
Pricing
$245 per month for once a week and $415 for twice a week
Where to park
the parking garage entrance is on Bryant Street
How to enter
The entrance to the gym is to the left once you enter the garage. Once you enter the gym, walk down the hall and turn left, the entrance to the pool is to the left.
Classes offered at this location
Tadpole - Swimboree - Seahorse - Starfish - Minnow - Turtle 1 and 2 - Shark 1 and 2 - Adult
Facilities available on site
There are bathrooms in the locker room, a shower on deck, and changing tents on deck.
Location policies
locker rooms are off limits other than using the restroom, no hot tub use, 1 parent to 1 child on deck, no food or drink on the deck (other than water), opposite gender are not allowed in locker rooms if over 6 years old (CA law)
Days of operation
Thursday - Saturday - Sunday
Address
6345 Commerce Blvd #815, Rohnert Park, CA 94928
Pricing
$195 per month for once a week and $335 for twice a week
Where to park
There is a parking lot in the front of the gym
How to enter
Once you enter the gym, the pool is on your lefthand side.
Classes offered at this location
Tadpole - Swimboree - Seahorse - Starfish - Minnow - Turtle 1 and 2 - Shark 1 and 2 - Adult
Facilities available on site
There are bathrooms in the locker room, a shower on deck, and changing tents on deck.
Location policies
locker rooms are off limits other than using the restroom, no hot tub use, 1 parent to 1 child on deck, no food or drink on the deck (other than water), opposite gender are not allowed in locker rooms if over 6 years old (CA law)
Address
93 Bovet Rd, San Mateo, CA 94402
Pricing
$240 per month for once a week and $410 for twice a week
Where to park
there is a parking lot outside 24-Hour Fitness
How to enter
enter through the front door and walk along the left side of the gym. The pool entrance is on the left past the women's locker room
Classes available at this location
Tadpole - Swimboree - Seahorse - Starfish - Minnow - Turtle 1 and 2 - Shark 1 and 2 - Adult
Facilities available on site
Bathrooms in the locker room, shower on deck, and changing tents on deck
Location policies
locker rooms are off limits other than using the restroom, no hot tub use, 1 parent to 1 child on deck, no food or drink on the deck (other than water), opposite gender are not allowed in locker rooms if over 6 years old (CA law)
Days of operation
Tuesday - Saturday - Sunday
Address
3550 Industrial Dr, Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Pricing
$195 per month for once a week and $335 for twice a week
Where to park
There is a parking lot in the front of the gym
How to enter
Once you enter the gym, the pool is in the back, left corner of the gym, behind the workout area. Once you enter the pool area, proceed to the back lane, against the wall.
Classes offered at this location
Tadpole - Swimboree - Seahorse - Starfish - Minnow - Turtle 1 and 2 - Shark 1 and 2 - Adult
Facilities available on site
There are bathrooms in the locker room, a shower on deck, and changing tents on deck.
Location policies
locker rooms are off limits other than using the restroom, no hot tub use, 1 parent to 1 child on deck, no food or drink on the deck (other than water), opposite gender are not allowed in locker rooms if over 6 years old (CA law)
Days of operation
Tuesday - Saturday
Address
401 East Millbrae Ave, Millbrae, CA, 94030
Price
$240 for once a week and $410 for twice a week
Where to park
there is a parking lot outside the hotel
How to enter
Enter the pool deck through the parking lot (not through the lobby)
Classes available at this location
Tadpole - Swimboree - Seahorse - Starfish - Minnow - Turtle 1
Facilities available on site
gender-neutral bathrooms, changing tents, and an on-deck shower
Facility policies
no food/drink on the deck, only 1 parent per student on the deck, no towel use, no hot tub use
Days of operation
Monday - Wednesday - Thursday - Saturday - Sunday
Address
150 Anza Blvd, Burlingame, 94010
Price
$240 per month if you come once a week and $410 if you come twice a week
Where to park
Park in the front parking lot.
How to enter
Access the pool by entering through the lobby of the hotel from the parking lot (look for the British Swim School signs) and walk halfway through the hotel. The pool entrance will be on your left.
Classes available at this location
Tadpole - Swimboree - Seahorse - Starfish - Minnow - Turtle 1 - Turtle 2 - Adult
Facilities available on site
Gender-neutral bathrooms, changing tents, and an on-deck shower
Facility policies
no hot tub use, no food/ drink on the deck, only 1 parent per student on deck, no towel use
Days of operation
Monday - Wednesday - Sunday
Address
250 Gateway Boulevard, South San Francisco, CA, 94080
Price
$240 per month for once a week $410 for twice a week
Where to park
There is a parking meter to access the parking lot, but you can press ‘Press for Help’ and let them know you’re with British Swim Schoo and the gate will open. Parents can park anywhere in the parking lot (other than handicap spots and Diamond Reward spots).
How to enter
Enter the pool deck through the parking lot (not through the lobby)
Classes available at this location
Tadpole - Swimboree - Seahorse - Starfish - Minnow - Turtle 1 - Turtle 2 - Adult
Facilities available on site
Gender-neutral bathrooms and changing tents (there are no on-deck or in-bathroom showers)
Facility policies
no hot tub use, no food or drink on the deck (other than water), only 1 parent per student on deck, no towel use
Hours of operation
Tuesday - Thursday
Address
417 Aviation Blvd, Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Price
$195 per month for once a week $335 for twice a week
Where to park
In the parking lot in front of the hotel
How to enter
There will be a gate to the right of the front main entrance leading to a covered patio area. Once you come to the top of the path, the pool entrance is located to the right, past the deck chairs. Please do not use the front main entrance to enter or exit the pool.
Classes available at this location
Tadpole - Swimboree - Seahorse - Starfish - Minnow - Turtle 1
Facilities available on site
Gender-neutral bathrooms, an on-deck shower, and changing tents
Facility policies
no hot tub use, no food/ drink on the deck, only 1 parent per student on deck, no towel use
Hours of operation
Monday - Wednesday - Sunday
Address
1225 Helen Dr, Millbrae, CA 94030
Pricing
$420 per session
Where to park
there is a parking lot in front of facility
How to enter
Going down Helen Dr, turn left at the dead end. Drive through the Millbrae Meadows facility gate. Park in parking lot and enter directly into facility.
Classes offered at this location
Summer sessions
Facilities available on site
Bathrooms, shower on deck, changing tents
Location Policies
no food/ drink on the deck and only 1 parent per student on deck
Days of Operation
TBA
Address
477 N McDowell Blvd, Petaluma, CA 94954
Pricing
$195 per month for once a week and $335 for twice a week
Where to park
There is a parking lot in front of the gym.
How to enter
From the parking lot, head right of the main entrance and enter through the side door (see below). Look for British Swim School signs for guidance.
Classes offered at this location
Tadpole - Swimboree - Seahorse - Starfish - Minnow - Turtle 1 and 2 - Shark 1 and 2 - Adult
Facilities available on site
There are bathrooms in the locker room, a shower on deck, and changing tents on deck.
Location policies
locker rooms are off limits other than using the restroom, no hot tub use, 1 parent to 1 child on deck, no food or drink on the deck (other than water), opposite gender are not allowed in locker rooms if over 6 years old (CA law)
Days of operation
Wednesday - Saturday - Sunday
The British Swim School app is the best way to stay connected to your children’s water safety journey.
The app is also the only way to schedule absences and makeups – and it’s easy to use!
