Welcome to
Swim With Alison LLC!

Learn-to-swim, swimming for fitness, stroke technique,
adult and children's yoga instructor

(434)989-6000 | swimwithalison@gmail.com

**Are you open to hosting other swimmers in exchange for discounted/free swim lessons? Let's chat! All we need is a pool and access to a bathroom. Compensation is negotiable.**
Swim With Alison LLC is a fully registered, licensed, and insured business. I have robust insurance that covers all of my clients, regardless of location.

Welcome! 

I’m so glad you’re here! Choosing the right swim instructor is one of the most important steps in helping your child (or yourself!) learn the invaluable life skill of swimming.

With over 24 years of experience in aquatics, including a background in competitive synchronized swimming and yoga, as well as a unique perspective as a parent, I bring a holistic, supportive approach to teaching swimmers of all ages and abilities.

My journey in the water began in 2002 in Las Vegas, where I discovered competitive synchronized swimming (my first routine was to “Viva Las Vegas!”—of course). That early passion grew into a collegiate career at the College of William & Mary, where I earned national recognition with an 8th-place finish at the 2012 National Collegiate Synchronized Swimming Championships.

For over 19 years, I have been teaching and sharing my love of swimming through private, semi-private, and group lessons in a variety of settings, including country clubs, athletic centers, and home pools. I currently serve as the swimming lecturer for the Kinesiology and Lifetime Physical Activity department at The University of Virginia, where I teach both beginner swimming and swimming for fitness elective courses.

I have held multiple American Red Cross certifications, including Water Safety Instructor and Lifeguard Instructor, and have extensive experience helping swimmers of all ages build confidence, safety awareness, and strong foundational skills in the water.

I’m not your average swim instructor. In addition to my aquatics background, I am a 200-hour Registered Yoga Instructor with additional certifications in children’s yoga and mindfulness and meditation coaching. (Find me at Kindred Yoga!) I am currently completing my 500-hour yoga certification, deepening my ability to support both the physical and emotional aspects of learning.

What truly sets my approach apart is my focus on the whole swimmer. Through additional training in bodywork and the nervous system—including studies with Riverbluff Sanctuary and certification in Exploring the Vagus System—I create a calm, supportive environment where students feel safe, regulated, and empowered as they learn.

Whether you’re introducing your child to the water or refining your own skills, my goal is to help every swimmer feel confident, capable, and at ease.

Summer 2026 pricing and package information
*distance- adjusted travel fees may apply* 

rates listed are per swimmer	Single Lesson	4 Lesson Package	6 Lesson Package
Private Lesson	$60	$230	$340
Semi-Private  (2 swimmers)	$45	$170	$220
Small group classes available!			Ask about private yoga sessions!

**All first lessons are billed as single private lessons. After this lesson, you can purchase any package and begin scheduling!**

Private Lessons - 30 minutes | 1:1 instruction | 100% customized to each swimmer - ideal for any swimmer

Semi-Private Lessons -  30-40 minutes | 2 swimmers | adaptive lesson tailored to the needs of each student. Students don't necessarily need to be at the same level - if you are unsure which lesson plan is right for you, I can help you decide. Any package can be upgraded if we determine that private lessons are more appropriate after an initial lesson.

Group Lessons - 30-40 minutes | 3-5 swimmers | fun, engaging group lesson that allows students to learn in a social environment. Kids learn best when they are playing and having fun with friends! The most ideal swim lesson program incorporates both private and group sessions. 

Parent/Child Discovery Play - 30-40 minutes | Learn how to have fun with your kid in the water while encouraging proper swimming technique. Class incoroporates popular children songs and games to help develop a positive relationship with the water that will last a lifetime!

*CANCELLATION POLICY - all cancellations/reschedules must be communicated at least 12 hours prior to the scheduled lesson time to avoid a no-show fee of $20. I offer a 1-time last-minute grace cancellation in the event of sickness. (I'm a parent - I get it.)

*Travel fees are out of respect for all clients to ensure there is ample travel time between appointments

Updated 3/25/2026

So, why Alison?

At the end of the day, my goal is simple:
to help you (or your child) unlock your full potential in the water while ensuring you enjoy every moment of your swimming journey.
I also offer private in-home yoga sessions for adults and children!
(Certified/registered Yoga Alliance instructor)

Lessons for Swimmers of All Ages and Abilities:

I offer more than just swimming lessons.

I provide personalized programs designed to help swimmers develop efficient and sustainable routines that align with their unique lifestyles and objectives.
Whether you're a busy parent juggling family responsibilities, a triathlete striving for peak performance, or a beginner of any age eager to dive into the world of swimming, I've got you covered. I'm also so excited to be ablet to add yoga sessions to my list of offerings!

From teaching first-time swimmers as young as three months to adults embarking on a new aquatic journey, I've had the privilege of working with individuals from all walks of life.
One of my most memorable experiences was coaching a medical doctor who decided to take the plunge and face her ultimate fears: learning to swim from scratch!
(It's not too late - or early - for anyone!)

As a parent of a neurodivergent, sensitive kiddo, I *totally* understand the challenges and anxieties that can accompany learning to swim.

That's why my first rule in lessons is that it's okay to be scared.

I emphasize patience, empathy, and encouragement paired with very specific feedback for actionable results. I believe in creating a safe and supportive environment where every swimmer can feel empowered to overcome their fears and build confidence in the water. I have experience teaching fun parent/child classes as well as critical 1:1 water safety skills for infants.

Swim Training:

Aquatic fitness is not limited to traditional swimming!
There are so many ways to enjoy the water and get a great workout in without swimming laps.

I would love to help you incorporate some pool time into a sustainable fitness routine. I teach an academic, participation-based Swimming for Fitness course at UVA - I have the drills and experience to bring you to the next level.

Stroke/Endurance Training for Experienced Swimmers:

Believe me: you can trust a synchronized swimmer to teach you swimming endurance and technique!

I love helping kids and adults refine their strokes to improve efficiency either for swim team, or personal fitness. My unique experience as a competitive synchronized swimmer informs my different approach to teaching technique. You can learn to swim effortlessly working with a professional with the skill set needed to unlock results. 

Regardless of your current level, I would love to help you build a swimming routine that is sustainable, efficient, and fun. Whether you're looking to get a good workout while keeping an eye on your kids or aiming to maximize your efficiency for upcoming triathlon events, I'm here to guide and support you every stroke of the way.

Let's dive in together and make a splash towards your swimming goals!

Location Information

Teen/Adult Training: I can instruct adults and teens at my neighborhood pool, but youth lessons are understandably tricky to coordinate with the other residents. (It's a small pool)

Youth Lessons: I am happy to travel to your home or neighborhood pool.* 

It is important to verify ahead of time that private, indpendent instruction is allowed at the pool you plan on using. Some HOAs welcome private instructors and scheduling small classes has been completely manageable. (Lake Reynovia has been especially accommodating. I'm sure there are others!) Unfortunately, however, many HOAs (mine included) have specific wording that restrict or prohibit transactional usage (paid swim lessons).

Are you open to hosting other swimmers in exchange for discounted/free swim lessons? Let's chat! All we need is a pool and access to a bathroom. Compensation is negotiable. Swim With Alison LLC is a fully registered, licensed, and insured business. I have robust insurance that covers all of my clients, regardless of location.

*some travel fees may be applied depending on location or schedule constraints

Swim Lesson FAQs

1. I recommend at least 2-3 lessons per week, with recreational swim sessions between lessons. This does not necessarily mean more lessons, rather the same amount of lessons in a condensed period of time. In my experience, weekly lessons are not effictive in building skills for a majority of swimmers. In fact, I have noticed that it takes swimmers substantially more lesson sessions when lessons are too far spaced.
   
   
2. Flotation devices during recreational swim: this heavily depends on the swimmer. If your kid has no fear and is willing to just go for it, I recommend holding off on puddle jumpers or life vests if you are able to be nearby and attentive while they are swimming. Instead, opt for a noodle or kickboard. Other kids might need some help developing a positive relationship however, and an attached flotation device can be a useful tool to help them have fun in the water. 
   
   
3. How involved should parent/guardians be during private swim lessons?
   The short answer is: not involved! The longer answer is that it really depends on the kid. As a parent myself, I understand wanting to be involved in swim lessons for any number of reasons. In my experience however, kids do best when parents are at a distance, or better - out of sight. This is true for my own kiddo as well - her meltdowns and skill regressions in gymnastics class seem to be more profound when I am in the room. When I hide behind a wall or structure, she is happy to cooperate with the instructor. So I mean it when I say I understand how frustrating it is! Of course, I am happy to do what you are most comfortable with and adapt to the individual needs of your child.
   
   
4. Are there things we can do at home out-of-the-pool to work on swimming skills?
   Yes! Yes! Yes! I am happy to chat about some activities for your child of any age or ability to work on skills. We can (and should!) practice breathing techniques, reaching, strokes, and more - all in the dry comfort of our homes.