40+ Years of Developing Safe Swimmers
Welcome to British Swim School
Serving the Bay Area
San Francisco & Peninsula
650-777-5544
Sonoma & Solano County
707-200-2889
About British Swim School
Why British Swim School?
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, people-centered approach. The program at British Swim School Bay Area is focused on ensuring that all swimmers leave with water survival skills. We’re the only swim school that does a “Survival Week,” during which swimmers are fully clothed in the water and trained in how to survive an unexpected water emergency.
Our small lessons 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 lesson builds upon the last and each swimmer progresses at every lesson. From top-notch customer service and communication to our one-of-a-kind makeup policy, British Swim School Bay Area is a trusted choice for swim lessons in the Bay Area.
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Our Vision
In British Swim School lessons, swimmers 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, lifelong skill. Our proven teaching methods and expert instructors set us apart from typical swimming lessons. You can have confidence that, at British Swim School, every swimmer is building essential skills to stay safe and confident in the water during all of life’s memorable moments.
Our Mission
We are committed to ensuring that every person, regardless of age or ability, has the opportunity to become a safe and happy swimmer.
Lesson Information
Before Your Lesson
During Your Lesson
After Your Lesson
What to Wear
Please wear your own swimsuit and your own towel, and we will provide the first swim cap! For swimmers under age 3 or anyone not yet potty trained, a disposable swim diaper and a reusable waterproof diaper cover are required. British Swim School merchandise can be purchased on deck.
Swim Caps
Swimmers must wear their British Swim School swim cap for every lesson. Swim caps support hygiene and help instructors easily identify swimmers during lessons. British Swim School provides each swimmer with their first swim cap at no cost. As swimmers progress to the next level, they receive the next color cap as part of their advancement. If a swim cap is lost or misplaced, replacements are available for purchase.
Goggles
Goggles are introduced once swimmers reach Turtle 2. We want our swimmers 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.
Double Diapering
All swimmers under age 3 or those not yet potty trained must wear two diapers. A disposable swim diaper must be worn with a reusable waterproof diaper cover. This ensures the health and safety of all swimmers and instructors should an accident occur. Diapers and Diaper covers are available for purchase on deck.
Where to Change
British Swim School provides changing stations on the pool deck at all locations for swimmers to use before and after lesson. We encourage swimmers to come to lesson dressed with their bathing suits under their clothes so they can quickly and easily hop into the pool when lessons start.
Who to Bring
One parent or guardian per swimmer 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.
- The structure of our 30-minute lesson is designed to engage swimmers in fun ways, to help them learn faster and retain more. This starts with the splashing and singing in the introduction, all the way to team interaction at the end. So, when you hear us singing, doing Monkey walks, and spending lots of time doing backfloating, it is all to help them progress and to teach safety.
- The goals almost never are learned in order. This means if you see swimmers accomplish the second goal on the list, it doesn’t necessarily mean they have completed goal one. Every swimmer learns differently, and our focus is to see at least one progression each lesson, no matter which goal it is.
- Each one of the goals has multiple progressions in order to help the swimmer learn and retain the important safety and swim skills. The progressions can range from 3-7 for each goal, and although this sounds like a lot, don’t worry, multiple progressions can happen in one lesson. The focus is to create muscle memory and retention for the best and fastest results.
Why is My Swimmer Crying?
Some may experience one or more anxieties at any given time. Rest assured this is perfectly normal. Even if swimmers don’t go in the water during lesson, the lesson is still valuable. They are acclimating and watching other swimmers. It is all part of getting comfortable. Instructors support swimmers with patience and encouragement as they build comfort in the water.
Where to Change
British Swim School provides changing stations on the pool deck.
Check email/app for Skill Updates
When a swimmer 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 lesson. Instructors and deck team members are available before or after lessons to answer questions.
Employee Referrals - We are HIRING!
We are actively hiring Swim Instructors, Deck Ambassadors, and Customer Service Representatives at select Bay Area schools. If you know someone who would be a great fit for our team, we welcome referrals. When a referred team member is hired and successfully onboarded, the referring family receives one month of lessons.
Referral Program
Sharing water safety and confidence with others is an important part of our mission. Our Referral Program makes it easy to invite friends and family to begin their own journey toward feeling safer in the water.
Refer a Friend
When you refer a family, you receive your choice of a $25 gift card (Amazon or Starbucks) or a bonus lesson added to your account. The family you refer also receives a bonus lesson to support their start in the program. Get your personal referral link to share with friends and family.
Specialty Classes
Private Lessons
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 lessons are available during weekdays.
Dolphin
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 swimmer and tailor their learning experiences to align with their abilities and learning style.
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!
Summer Sessions
Our Summer Sessions will accelerate your child’s water safety progressions. These classes can be in addition to your regular classes or instead of your regular weekly lessons.
Each Summer session will meet 4 days a week for 2 consecutive weeks. Lesson times vary per level. Each lesson meets for 45 minutes.
Young Adult
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.
Adult Lane Program
Adult Lane is our adult-only swim program, created specifically for adult swimmers at every stage, from beginners to experienced swimmers.
Lessons take place in a calm, distraction-free environment, separate from children’s programs. The focus is on water safety first, while building confidence, comfort, and strong foundational skills at a pace that feels supportive and empowering. Small group lessons allow instructors to tailor guidance to individual goals, whether you are learning to swim for the first time, rebuilding confidence, improving technique, or training for fitness or endurance. Instructors are specially trained to work with adult learners and meet each swimmer exactly where they are. Adult Lane is designed to remove pressure and judgment, creating a space where adults can learn, progress, and feel confident in the water on their own terms.
Our Deck Team
Swim Instructors
Our Swim Instructors are highly trained professionals. 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.
Deck Ambassadors
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.
Deck Supervisors
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.
Our Leadership Team
Pamela R
Franchise Owner
Pamela leads British Swim School Bay Area with a focus on safety, quality instruction, and community impact. Under her leadership, thousands of swimmers have built confidence and essential water safety skills across the Bay Area.
Matt T
Vice President of Operations
Amber S
Operations Manager
Anthony F
Director of Customer Operations
Ernie M
Director of Aquatics
Lisa H
Customer Service Supervisor
Need to Know Dates
Holiday Closure Dates
British Swim School Bay Area is closed for the following holidays. Students receive a makeup class if their lesson day falls on a Holiday.
New Year's Day
Thu - 1/1/2026
Easter
Sun - 4/5/2026
Memorial Day
Mon - 5/25/2026
4th of July
Sat - 7/4/2026
Labor Day
Mon - 9/7/2026
Thanksgiving Day
Thurs - 11/26/2026
Day after Thanksgiving
Fri - 11/27/2026
Winter Break 2026
Closed December 24, 2026 (Thursday) – January 1, 2027 (Friday)
Lessons Resume January 2, 2027
Survival Week 2026
Weeks of: Feb 23, May 18, Aug 10, Nov 2
Policies
Facility Policies
Cancellation Policy
Makeup Policy
Supervision Policy
Thank you for following these policies!
Frequently Asked Questions
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How often should my child attend swim lessons?
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 lessons per week.
What if we are late?
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 lesson in progress. Lessons ALWAYS start and end on time.
Why is my child sometimes out of the water during their lesson?
Our lessons 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 swimmers in their class. Seeing others do what they are learning is an excellent teaching tool. Our instructors interact with all swimmers in a methodical manner and there is no wasted time during the lesson.
Are parents required to be in the water?
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.
Are parents required to be on deck?
Yes, for your child’s safety, parents must remain on deck during their child’s lesson. One parent is allowed on deck per swimmer.
What facilities are available?
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.
Can my child wear a wetsuit?
Swimmers are welcome to wear wetsuits if that is their preference. British Swim School also has long sleeve rashguards available for sale.
Our Locations
24Hour Fitness Ocean Ave
24Hour Fitness Potrero Hill
24Hour Fitness Rohnert Park
24Hour Fitness San Mateo
24Hour Fitness Santa Rosa
Aloft Hotel Millbrae
Embassy Suites South San Francisco
Holiday Inn Windsor
Millbrae Meadows
City Sport Petaluma
City Sport Vallejo
24Hour Fitness Ocean Ave
Address
1850 Ocean Ave, San Francisco, 94112
Pricing
- Accelerated Progression
- $500/month – 2 lessons per week (includes unlimited lessons)
- Standard Progression
- $250/month – 1 lesson per 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
24Hour Fitness Potrero Hill
Address
1645 Bryant St, San Francisco, 94103
Pricing
- Accelerated Progression
- $500/month – 2 lessons per week (includes unlimited lessons)
- Standard Progression
- $250/month – 1 lesson per 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
24Hour Fitness Rohnert Park
Address
6345 Commerce Blvd #815, Rohnert Park, CA 94928
Pricing
- Accelerated Progression
- $390/month – 2 lessons per week (includes unlimited lessons)
- Standard Progression
- $195/month – 1 lesson per 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)
24Hour Fitness San Mateo
Address
93 Bovet Rd, San Mateo, CA 94402
Pricing
- Accelerated Progression
- $500/month – 2 lessons per week (includes unlimited lessons)
- Standard Progression
- $250/month – 1 lesson per 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
24Hour Fitness Santa Rosa
Address
3550 Industrial Dr, Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Pricing
- Accelerated Progression
- $390/month – 2 lessons per week (includes unlimited lessons)
- Standard Progression
- $195/month – 1 lesson per 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
Saturday
Aloft Hotel Millbrae
Address
401 East Millbrae Ave, Millbrae, CA, 94030
Price
- Accelerated Progression
- $500/month – 2 lessons per week (includes unlimited lessons)
- Standard Progression
- $250/month – 1 lesson per 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
Embassy Suites South San Francisco
Address
250 Gateway Boulevard, South San Francisco, CA, 94080
Price
- Accelerated Progression
- $500/month – 2 lessons per week (includes unlimited lessons)
- Standard Progression
- $250/month – 1 lesson per 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
Holiday Inn Windsor
Address
8755 Old Redwood Hwy, Windsor, CA 95492
Price
- Accelerated Progression
- $390/month – 2 lessons per week (includes unlimited lessons)
- Standard Progression
- $195/month – 1 lesson per week
Where to Park
Free parking is available at the hotel. Park along any open parking spots along the side of the building. If there are no spots along the side, please follow the ramp down and park underneath the hotel.
How to Enter
From the parking lot, head back towards Old Redwood Highway and enter through the front lobby doors. Then go left and follow the signs leading to the pool area.
Classes Available at This Location
Tadpole - Swimboree - Seahorse - Starfish - Minnow - Turtle 1 - Turtle 2 - Adult
Facilities Available On Site
There are bathrooms nearby and changing tents on deck.
Facility Policies
No food/drink on the deck (except for water), only 1 parent per student on the deck, no towel use, no hot tub use
Days of Operation
Monday - Tuesday - Wednesday - Sunday
Millbrae Meadows
Address
1225 Helen Dr, Millbrae, CA 94030
Pricing
- Accelerated Progression
- $500/month – 2 lessons per week (includes unlimited lessons)
- Standard Progression
- $250/month – 1 lesson per week
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
City Sport Petaluma
Address
477 N McDowell Blvd, Petaluma, CA 94954
Pricing
- Accelerated Progression
- $390/month – 2 lessons per week (includes unlimited lessons)
- Standard Progression
- $195/month – 1 lesson per 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
City Sport Vallejo
Address
105 Plaza Dr, Suite 115, Vallejo, CA 94591
Pricing
- Accelerated Progression
- $350/month – 2 lessons per week
- Standard Progression
- $175/month – 1 lesson per week
Where to Park
There is a parking lot in front of the gym.
How to Enter
From the parking lot, enter through the main entrance. The pool is directly to the right when you walk into 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
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
Monday - Tuesday - Wednesday - Friday - Saturday - Sunday
Stay Connected With Our App
The British Swim School app is the best way to stay connected to your swimmer’s water safety journey.
The app is also the only way to schedule absences and makeups – and it’s easy to use!
Other benefits of the British Swim School app:
- Receive critical pool information real time
- View or adjust your schedule, add a lesson and use other class management tools
- View your skill notes
- Connect with us via chat, phone, or email
- Find answers to frequently asked questions and policies
- Get directions or link to the website
- Update, delete, add credit card information
- Sign policy waivers (and always have access to go back and review)
- Get guided support through the ‘Get AI Help’ option when managing schedules, submitting absences, or booking makeup lessons
