Business Details
19 Years
experience
Learn to Swim with King's Swim Academy
King's Swim Academy was founded in 2007 by Jeff Smith, Joan, and their daughter Esther, who brought a lifelong passion for swimming and education to the Bay Area. Our mission is to provide high-quality swim instruction with a focus on water safety, confidence-building, and lifelong skills. With the lowest student-to-teacher ratio in the regionaveraging 4:1we ensure personalized attention for every swimmer, from babies to adults. Our certified instructors use evidence-based methods, including the Jump, Turn, Swim technique, to teach foundational and advanced swimming skills. Research underscores the cognitive and physical benefits of early swim training, which we integrate into every lesson.Families appreciate our flexible scheduling, 12 free makeup lessons annually, and discounts for siblings and multi-class enrollments. We prioritize creating a supportive environment where both swimmers and parents feel empowered. Our team includes experienced professionals like Claudia Escamilla, Devon Hanna, and Harry Hwang, who bring expertise in child development and aquatic safety. We also offer career opportunities for those passionate about teaching, with competitive pay and training. With locations in San Mateo and San Carlos, we serve thousands of families annually, combining innovation with a family-operated ethos.
Services
Baby Swim Lessons
Toddler Swim Lessons
Kids Swim Lessons
Adult Swim Lessons
Private Lessons
Swim Clinics
Water Safety Training
Stroke Development
Fitness Swimming
Group Lessons
Details
- Year established: 2007
Highlights and features
- We maintain the Bay Area's lowest student-teacher ratio (4:1 max) for personalized attention.
- Our curriculum reduces drowning risk by 88% through evidence-based water safety techniques.
- 12 free makeup lessons annually ensure consistent learning without rigid scheduling.
- Instructors include former NCAA athletes and certified professionals with decades of experience.
- Flexible benefits include sibling discounts, weekday pricing, and research-backed developmental benefits.
What people say
Patient instructors
Flexible scheduling
Confidence-building results
Low student ratios
Supportive environment
Services
Baby Swim Lessons
Our baby swim classes introduce water comfort and safety skills for infants aged 2-5 months. Certified instructors guide caregivers through bonding exercises and techniques to make bathtime safer and more enjoyable. Lessons occur in warm indoor pools at both San Mateo and San Carlos locations.
Toddler Swim Lessons
Designed for toddlers aged 6-35 months, these lessons teach foundational skills like underwater breathing and the Jump, Turn, Swim method. With a 4:1 student-teacher ratio, children learn water safety while building confidence through interactive play-based instruction.
Kids Swim Lessons
Structured classes for ages 4+ develop swimming strokes, treading water, and flip-turn techniques. Levels 2-4 focus on freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly, with small-group coaching to improve endurance and competitive readiness for aspiring athletes.
Adult Swim Lessons
Tailored instruction for adults of all skill levels teaches water safety, stroke refinement, and confidence-building. Private and group options address specific goals, from overcoming fear to preparing for police/fire department swim tests, with 30- or 45-minute session formats.
Weekly Swim Clinics
Five-day summer clinics accelerate skill development through daily instruction. Sessions run June-August, focusing on technique refinement and endurance building. Priced at $220 per week, clinics require full-week enrollment with no makeup options for absences.
People
Jeff Smith
Co-Founder
Jeff Smith co-founded King's Swim Academy after coaching swimmers at youth, college, and masters levels. His expertise in aquatic instruction and commitment to child safety drives the academy's teaching philosophy.
Joan Smith
Co-Founder
Joan Smith, a former NCAA All-American swimmer and professional triathlete, brings over 20 years of coaching experience to King's Swim Academy. Her focus on child development shapes the program's age-specific curricula.
Claudia Escamilla
General Manager
Claudia Escamilla leads operations with a focus on student progress and instructor support. Her background in competitive swimming and passion for teaching life-saving skills enhance the academy's family-centric approach.
Devon Hanna
Operations Manager
Devon Hanna oversees San Mateo operations, combining childhood swimming experience with a decade of East Bay education expertise. He emphasizes celebrating student breakthroughs and fostering aquatic confidence.
Harry Hwang
Operations Manager
Harry Hwang manages the San Carlos location, leveraging his Seoul-born swimming background and family-oriented teaching philosophy. He prioritizes creating joyful learning environments where children master new techniques with enthusiasm.
Questions
What age can children start swim lessons?
Our baby swim lessons begin at 2 months old, with toddler programs starting at 6 months. Early enrollment reduces drowning risks by 88% according to NCBI research.
How does Kings Swim Academy ensure water safety?
We teach the Jump, Turn, Swim method, underwater breathing, and recovery techniques. Our 4:1 student-teacher ratio ensures personalized safety instruction for every swimmer.
Are private swim lessons available?
Yes, private lessons cost $100 for 30 minutes and accommodate special needs. Semi-private options at $75 are available for siblings or groups with similar skill levels.
What payment options exist for classes?
Payments process automatically monthly, with prorated charges for mid-month enrollments. We accept online, phone, and in-person payments at both San Mateo and San Carlos locations.
Can missed lessons be rescheduled?
We offer 12 annual makeup tokens when marking absence 24 hours in advance. Tokens expire 45 days after issuance and require active enrollment for redemption.
