Adult Swim Lesson Plans For Instructors

Teaching adults how to swim - especially those who are nervous or complete beginners - requires more than just patience. It takes structure, empathy, and a clear plan. This page provides practical, step-by-step adult swim lesson plans for instructors, developed to help you guide learners through every stage of their swimming journey. Whether you're teaching in a one-on-one setting or leading a group class, these downloadable swimming lesson plans for adults will help your students overcome fear, build water confidence, and develop strong, safe swimming skills.

What Should You Focus on When Teaching Adults to Swim?

How does teaching adults differ from teaching children?

Teaching adults is a very different experience from working with children - and not just because of size or strength. Adult learners often come with a mix of emotional and physical challenges that children rarely face. They may carry a deep fear of water, embarrassment over not knowing how to swim, or even traumatic past experiences.

Instructors need to be not just teachers, but calm, compassionate guides. Adults appreciate knowing why they’re doing something, so explaining the purpose behind each drill can make a huge difference. It’s also important to move at their pace - slower is often better. Repetition and reassurance are key.

What are common fears adult learners face?

Fear is the single biggest barrier for many adult learners. Some are afraid of deep water, others of putting their face underwater, and many simply don’t trust that their body will float. It’s easy to forget, as instructors, how intimidating even a shallow pool can feel to someone with little or no swimming experience.

Recognising fear and normalising it is powerful. Let your students know that fear is common - and totally okay. Build trust first, and don’t rush past those early moments of doubt or hesitation. Confidence grows slowly, and that’s perfectly fine.

For more on addressing fear and nerves, visit my guides and reassurances for adults learning to swim.

How can you create a supportive learning environment?

You don’t need flashy facilities or a huge team. What makes the biggest difference is your attitude. A warm smile, calm voice, and an encouraging tone create a space where adult learners feel safe. Praise effort over results. Acknowledge progress - no matter how small.

Also, be mindful of group dynamics. Some adults learn best in private lessons, while others thrive in small groups with peers. Keep your lessons low-pressure and flexible. When learners feel supported and unjudged, they make leaps forward that go beyond technique.

If you’re new to adult swim instruction, see my guide on teaching adults how to swim.

What’s Included in These Adult Swim Lesson Plans for instructors?

How are the lessons structured?

These adult swim lesson plans for instructors are structured around progressive skill-building, moving gradually from the most basic water comfort exercises to essential swim techniques like floating, gliding, kicking, and basic strokes. Each session focuses on just one or two core skills to avoid overwhelming your student.

You’ll find clear objectives for each lesson, warm-up activities, step-by-step progressions, and safety tips woven throughout. These aren’t one-size-fits-all plans - they’re designed to be adaptable to your swimmer’s comfort level and experience.

What skills do they cover?

The plans cover a full range of beginner skills, including:

• Breathing and submersion techniques
• Water confidence and orientation
• Floating (front and back)
• Push and glide
• Kickboard drills
• Basic arm movements for front crawl and breaststroke
• Introduction to treading water

Everything is presented in plain language so instructors can focus on delivery, not deciphering complicated terminology.

Are the plans suitable for nervous beginners?

Absolutely. In fact, they were created specifically with nervous adult beginners in mind. You’ll find gentle progression, emphasis on comfort and trust, and plenty of opportunities for repetition. There’s no pressure to “perform” or race toward a goal. These lessons respect the emotional side of learning to swim just as much as the physical one.

These lesson plans can be adapted for every stage of life. Read my article that busts the myths about teaching adults to swim at any age.

Teach Adults to Swim with Confidence

Get your printable adult swim lesson plans for instructors today. Safe, structured, and easy to follow — everything you need to help beginners overcome fear and build lasting swimming skills.

How Should Instructors Use These Lesson Plans?

Can I use these in group or private lessons?

Yes - these lesson plans are fully adaptable to both formats. In private sessions, they offer a clear structure you can personalise to the individual’s pace. In group settings, they work beautifully with small modifications and attention to group energy.

Where possible, keep adult beginner groups small (3–6 learners) so you can maintain safety and offer personal guidance. Many instructors even use these plans to train assistants or newer coaches - the structure is that flexible.

How do I adapt them for different comfort levels?

Every adult swimmer starts in a different place. Some are ready to try floating on day one, while others need three sessions just to feel safe standing in chest-deep water.

That’s okay.

Think of them as building blocks - not fixed scripts. Use your judgment, trust your instincts, and always prioritise emotional safety over technical progress.

Are these lesson plans printable or downloadable?

Yes! All of these swimming lesson plans for adults are available as a printable PDF so you can bring it poolside. Some instructors even use the PDFs as a foundation for documenting swimmer progress. Simple, practical, and made for real-world teaching.

Sample Lesson Plan: Getting Used To The Water

The first sample swimming lesson plan below aims to get the adult beginner used to the water.  This will be one of the first swimming lessons that a swimming teacher will teach an adult, especially if it's their first time in the swimming pool. Try these simple but effective swimming drills for adults to improve water comfort.

The full lesson plan including timings is in the image below.  

For a full set of 101 swimming lesson plans, that cover beginners as well as adults, click here. 

Sample Lesson Plan: Floating and Gliding

The next sample swimming lesson plan for adults below, aims to develop confidence bin floating and gliding. 

The full lesson plan including timings is in the image below.  

For a full set of 101 swimming lesson plans, click here. 

Sample Lesson Plan: Front Paddle

The next sample lesson plan for adult beginners aims to learn the basic movements needed to swim front paddle.

The full lesson plan including timings is in the image below.  

For a full set of 101 swimming lesson plans, click here. 

Ready-to-Use Lesson Plans for Teaching Adults

Teaching adults to swim doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. These downloadable PDF lesson plans (get an instant preview here) give you step-by-step structure, clear progressions, and safety guidance - so you can focus on what matters most: supporting your learners with confidence and compassion.

✅ Structured sessions from first splash to confident strokes
✅ Designed for nervous beginners and complete non-swimmers
✅ Printable, pool-friendly, and easy to adapt for groups or 1-to-1 lessons

Download and Print Yours Today!

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are these lesson plans suitable for nervous adult beginners?

Yes. These plans are designed specifically for adults who may feel anxious or fearful in the water. They use gentle progressions, safety-first methods, and lots of repetition to build confidence step by step.

2. Can I use these lesson plans in group classes?

Absolutely. While they’re perfect for one-to-one instruction, they can also be adapted for small groups of adult beginners. Each plan includes flexible drills and activities that work in both settings.

3. Do I need to be a qualified instructor to use these plans?

Yes. These lesson plans are intended for instructors, swim teachers, and coaches. Adults should not attempt to learn to swim without supervision. Always follow professional safety guidelines.

4. What skills do the lesson plans cover?

They cover essential beginner skills, including water confidence, floating, breathing, kicking, push-and-glide, and an introduction to basic strokes like front crawl and breaststroke.

5. Are the lesson plans downloadable?

Yes. You’ll receive printable PDF versions that can be taken poolside. Many instructors laminate them for long-term use.