fbpx Skip to content

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 child 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, we will course correct with additional lessons at no cost to you.

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 14 locations across Illinois, Ohio, Kentucky, New Jersey, and Minnesota. Find a Bear Paddle location that’s convenient for you.

Bear Paddle Swim School Blog

Does My Child Need Goggles for Swim Lessons?

Does My Child Need Goggles for Swim Lessons?

March 27, 2024

Learning to swim is an important life skill that not only promotes physical activity, but also instills confidence. At Bear Paddle, our central mission is...

10 Fun & Exciting Water Activities For Kids

10 Fun & Exciting Water Activities For Kids

March 22, 2024

It can be challenging to keep your little ones entertained all spring and summer. The excitement of being outside and increasing temperatures mean the heat...

From Pool to Progress: Tracking Your Child’s Development in Swimming Lessons

From Pool to Progress: Tracking Your Child’s Development in Swimming Lessons

March 18, 2024

Swimming isn’t just a source of enjoyment for kids; it’s a vital life-saving skill. Enrolling a child in swimming lessons introduces them to the water...

What Should You Look For In A Swim Instructor for Kids?

What Should You Look For In A Swim Instructor for Kids?

March 12, 2024

As your child learns to swim, they’ll benefit from working with a swim instructor who can ensure their safety, help them develop essential skills and...

NOW ENROLLING at our newest locations! Savage, MN & Niles, ILLearn More