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Building Confident Swimmers One Story at a Time

Start your Bear Paddle story with a free swim lesson and skills assessment

Our results-focused story-based approach to teaching lessons builds confident and skilled swimmers, so parents can rest assured that their child is having fun while learning to swim.

Story-Based Approach

We use an engaging and immersive story-based approach in every lesson that makes a fun and memorable learning experience. Each month features a new theme, so your kid never gets bored.

Progress Promise

Together we capture your child’s swim goal and set a timeline to reach that goal, and diligently track to ensure they are making progress. If they don’t reach their swim goal in the recommended time, you get up to six months of lessons for free.

Flexible Scheduling

Our monthly schedule means you sign up for lessons when it’s convenient for you – no long-term contracts, and no quarterly commitments. All lessons include free make-up lessons!

No matter your experience, age, or comfort level, there’s a swim level for you

Whether you’re looking to increase your child’s comfort levels in the water, ensure their safety around water, or take their swim skills to the next level, Bear Paddle offers swim levels for kids of all ages and abilities.

Grow your love of swimming with a program that’s right for you​

To best grow and retain your swim knowledge, weekly swim lessons ensure you’ll move up to the next level in no time.

Develop their love of swimming right away

Through catchy songs and stories, infants and parents together learn the very basics of swim safety and techniques.

We develop lifelong swimmers across the country

With 11 locations across Illinois, Ohio, Kentucky, and New Jersey, find a Bear Paddle location that’s convenient for you.

Bear Paddle Swim School Blog

How To Encourage Your Child While They Learn To Swim

February 28, 2022

Learning to swim is one of the most important skills your child can learn. According to the CDC, two children under the age of 14...

What is a Swim Clinic And What Can You Expect From It?

November 3, 2022

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, swimming is the fourth leading recreational sport in the US. With at least 3,100 professional swimming...

How to Prepare Toddlers for Swimming Lessons

October 20, 2022

Toddlers will often get scared of things they don’t know or understand. Unfamiliar environments, new faces, and uncomfortable scenarios can make most children scared. This...

Group Vs. Private Swim Lessons for Kids: Finding the Right Class for Your Kid

October 6, 2022

When searching for suitable swimming classes for your children, class size is one of the most important factors you must consider. The number of kids...

Our newest location in Kildeer, IL is now open!Learn More