Plan Ahead for Swim Lessons in Columbia, TN for 2026
It should be simple to find a swim instructor close to home. As Columbia continues to grow, so does the need for local resources that help families connect with trusted programs.
This list was created to make it easier for parents, grandparents, and caregivers to find kids swimming lessons in Columbia, including options for babies, toddlers, and preschool-aged kids, all offered by instructors serving Columbia and Spring Hill families.
This guide was originally published to support families looking for swim lessons in Columbia and has been refreshed to help families plan ahead for 2026. Listings are included to give a clear picture of which instructors and programs operate locally and when registration typically opens.
Over a dozen instructors and businesses recommended in local parent groups were contacted during the initial round of research. Some shared that they were not ready to be included at the time, others had already filled their schedules, and several had not yet responded. I will be re-reaching out to instructors from last year and updating this guide as 2026 information becomes available.
Unless an instructor specifically provided a price, pricing has been left off to avoid sharing outdated or inaccurate information. Families are encouraged to reach out directly for the most current rates.
If you’re just starting to explore swim lessons, the section below breaks down the most common types and who they’re best for.
If you are ready to find an instructor, scroll down to see who is currently offering lessons or who to keep an eye on for 2026 registration.
Types of Swim Lessons: What’s the Best Fit for Your Family?
Not all swim lessons are the same. Each approach has different goals, methods, and structures. Here’s a quick overview of the most common types, with pros and cons to help you decide what might work best for your child and your comfort level.
ISR (Infant Swimming Resource)
What it is: A highly structured, survival-based program that teaches infants and young children to roll onto their backs and float unassisted in the water.
Format: One-on-one, daily short sessions (usually 10 minutes per day, 5 days a week, for several weeks)
Pros:
- Focuses on water survival skills
- Highly personalized and instructor-led
- Builds strong foundational safety early
Cons:
- Time-intensive (daily commitment)
- Emotionally challenging, especially in the early days
- May not be the right fit for families looking for a more relaxed or play-based introduction
Good fit if: You’re most concerned about safety and drowning prevention, and you’re open to a more intensive program upfront.
Private Lessons
What it is: One-on-one instruction focused on swimming skills, usually at the child’s pace and comfort level.
Format: Scheduled weekly or semi-weekly sessions, often in a home or instructor’s pool
Pros:
- Individual attention tailored to your child’s needs
- Flexible scheduling
- Builds trust between child and instructor
Cons:
- More expensive than group lessons
- May lack peer interaction for kids who enjoy group settings
Good fit if: You want a gentle, personalized approach and flexible scheduling, especially for younger or more timid swimmers.
Group Lessons
What it is: Small group classes taught by one or more instructors, often through community centers, gyms, or swim schools
Format: Weekly or biweekly sessions in a shared setting
Pros:
- Lower cost per session
- Social environment can encourage participation
- Often follows a consistent, skill-based curriculum
Cons:
- Less individual attention
- May move too fast or too slow for your child’s needs
- Not ideal for fearful swimmers
Good fit if: Your child enjoys group settings and you’re looking for a budget-friendly option with steady progress over time.
Swim Lesson Instructors and Programs In and Around Columbia, TN (Listed Alphabetically)
A quick note: This guide shares swim lesson options in and around Columbia to help families get started. Listings are informational only and not endorsements. Every family’s experience will be different, so it’s always a good idea to ask questions and choose the option that feels right for your child.
Columbia Aquatics & Recreation Center
(City of Columbia Parks & Recreation)
Lesson Type: Group
ISR Certified: No
Ages Taught: Ages 4 and up (must be fully potty trained)
Lesson Location:
Columbia Aquatics & Recreation Center
Registration:
As of February 2026, there is no availability on their website. The city typically shares updates about new openings on their Facebook page, and sessions often fill within a few hours. Early registration is recommended.
Contact:
Call 931-388-8119
https://www.columbiatn.com
Pricing:
Free with ARC membership or day pass
Additional Details:
Group lessons are taught by trained and certified lifeguard staff and focus on floating, kicking, breathing, and stroke fundamentals. These sessions are a good fit for beginners and early swimmers working on confidence and basic water safety skills.
Excel Aquatics
Lesson Type: Private and semi-private
ISR Certified: No
Ages Taught: 6 months through adults
Lesson Locations:
Columbia Aquatics & Recreation Center
Longview Recreation Center (Spring Hill)
Registration:
Registration is monthly. January lessons are currently open. February lessons open January 26, with registration typically opening the last Monday of the month for the following month.
Contact:
https://excelaquatics.captyn.com/
Pricing:
Contact for details
Additional Details:
Excel Aquatics offers parent and tot classes for ages 6 to 36 months, skill-based group lessons, semi-private options, and private lessons. Team Prep classes are available for swimmers ages 10 to 18. Additional programs include competitive team, homeschool swim, and Masters Swim.
Haley McIntyre
Lesson Type: Private
ISR Certified: Yes
Ages Taught: 6 months to 6 years
Lesson Location:
Instructor’s pool
Registration:
Registration is expected to open in January 2026, with lessons beginning April 27th.
Contact:
Haley.mcintyre@infantswim.com
Instagram: @isr_haleymcintyre
Pricing:
Contact for details
Jake Wood with SplashRock
Lesson Type: Private
ISR Certified: No
Ages Taught: Ages 4 and up
Lesson Locations:
Instructor’s pool in Columbia, TN
Client’s pool in Columbia, Spring Hill, or Franklin
Registration:
Registration is expected to open in May 2026.
Contact:
(562) 322-0660
Pricing:
Contact for details
Additional Details:
Jake has over a decade of experience in aquatics as a lifeguard, swim coach, and instructor and has managed aquatic facilities for the past three years. His background includes coaching high school water polo and swim teams, training junior guards, and teaching swimmers of all ages, from children building confidence in the water to adults overcoming fear. Since moving to Columbia three years ago, he has focused on personalized one-on-one lessons tailored to each student’s goals and pace. He is also a local homeschool dad of three.
Jillian Offutt with Three Waves
Lesson Type: Private and group
ISR Certified: No (planning to pursue certification)
Ages Taught: Ages 2 through adult
Lesson Location:
Client’s pool (public, private, or community)
Registration:
Registration typically opens during the last two weeks of May.
Contact:
threewaves.swim@gmail.com
502-671-3721
Pricing:
Contact for details
Leah Curtis
Lesson Type: Private (group lessons may be available upon request with sufficient interest)
ISR Certified: No
Ages Taught: Ages 4 and up
Lesson Locations:
Instructor’s pool in Lewisburg
Client’s pool within a reasonable distance (additional fee for travel)
Registration:
Registration is expected to open in January 2026.
Contact:
931-675-3368
Facebook: Leah Curtis
Instagram: @leahcurtis
Pricing:
Contact for details
Additional Details:
Sibling discounts are available for private lessons booked together.
Worden Aquatics LLC
Lesson Type: Private
ISR Certified: No
Ages Taught: 6 months through adult
Lesson Locations:
Client’s pool or public/community pool in Columbia and Spring Hill
Additional service areas available upon request
Registration:
Registration is currently open.
Contact:
info@wordenaquatics.com
615-241-1179
https://www.facebook.com/wordenaquatics
https://www.wordenaquatics.com
Pricing:
$55 per lesson. Specials may be offered throughout the year.
Additional Details:
All lesson and program information is available on the Worden Aquatics website.
A Note Before You Go
This list will continue to evolve as instructors respond, schedules open, and new programs become available. If someone is offering swim lessons in the Columbia area and isn’t listed here, you’re welcome to reach out by email or send a message.
No listings are paid or sponsored. The goal is simply to help families connect with local swim instructors without having to scroll through endless group posts or drive long distances outside the community.
Updates will continue throughout 2026 as I reconnect with instructors from last year and receive new information. All programs listed serve families in Columbia, Spring Hill, and nearby Maury County areas.
If this page has been helpful, consider bookmarking it or sharing it with someone who’s planning ahead for next year.
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