Swim to Me

After stumbling upon this page, I wanted to share my review. I’ve read the reviews about kids being dunked underwater, etc. and would say that the videos posted on this page are an accurate representation of the experience. It is a very mellow environment, Conrad is very calm and always seems to be in control. I took my then child 3-​yr old here for first-​time swim lessons a few years ago. My child was not immediately dunked underwater without warning. Unfortunately, it was the last week of the summer that Conrad was offering swim lessons, so there was not really any progress made. I’m giving 3 stars because I also felt like my child spent way too much time sitting on the steps & waiting for his turn than in the water.

Conrad Cooper’s style of teaching swimming was a perfect fit for my 2 ½ year old son. Conrad sets the tone so the environment is calm and controlled and there is only one person in charge, so things are clear rather than every parent and child running the show and going in all different directions. Conrad makes the setting and lessons safe and predictable, which was really great for first and second time swimmers and parents. My son was scared at first, but due to Conrad’s confident, firm, kind and encouraging way, he began to trust Conrad, and soon began having fun and feeling a great deal of pride over his newly learned skills and independence doing something himself outside of Mom. The class is now over, yet my son still talks about Conrad and asks to go back to swim at Conrad’s. I’m thankful for his positive and safe introduction to swimming.

Our daughter Arielle learned to swim from Conrad over 18 years ago! Wow, time flies. I stumbled on this Unilocal page and my spirit just HAD to contribute. Conrad is a blessing to the community at large. He IS in charge, big time and we respected his position at all times. His teaching was so good, that Arielle today absolutely adores the water, swims for hours in the ocean, and she is quite capable.
Anyone who cow-​tows to the notion of child centered rearing is in for a rude awakening when their kids hit puberty.
Hats off to you, Conrad and glad to learn that you are still at it. Hi Londa!
Ziva and LaRue

This is my son’s second year with Swim to Me. He was afraid to put his face in the water last year — until his first day with Conrad. I was very nervous, sure he was going to flip out. But Conrad is calm. The atmosphere is calm. Most of the parents are calm. And energy travels. By the end of the first week he was jumping off a big honkin’ rock next to the pool.
I’ve witnessed nothing but gentle (but firm) direction from Conrad. He does not give your child a choice. He is in charge. So far, I’ve seen it work on every kid. There have been criers for sure but by (usually) the second day, they’re psyched to show their parents what they can do. It’s pretty amazing. My son talked about it all year. He can swim across the pool and will be starting more advanced classes his next time ’round. He’s very proud of himself. Clearly this method does not work for every last child (and adult). But the dude’s got alot of 5 star ratings. You should give it a try.

My son has been swimming for a year and loves the water. I brought him to brush up on safety skills. My 3 and a half year old child strongly disliked the experience. He has never behaved this way before; he screamed throughout the class.
I realized that my parenting style and the philosophy of the preschool that my son attends have a different approach to interacting with children than swim teacher, Conrad Cooper.
I wish I had honored my sons feelings and taken him out of the pool during the first 10 minutes. After 30
minutes of screaming I overheard Conrad’s wife Londa gossiping about my son with another parent and the two people were criticizing me. I confronted them and asked if they were talking about me.
Londa confirmed that she had been taking about me. I left immediately as this was my first parenting experience of being bullied.
I would have appreciated kindness and I needed guidance about what to do.
My son and I both had uncomfortable experiences.
We did not return to complete the final two days.

I am not being hyperbolic when I say that watching Conrad interact with my three kids (ages 6, 4, and 2) taught me as much about parenting and human nature as he taught them about swimming. Let me explain:
After the first lesson my kids were crying and very upset. I am a huge wimp of a parent so I was also upset for them all that evening, as was their mom. I thought «maybe my kids are the rare ones that he cant reach. maybe I raised them wrong… maybe I should have brought them earlier… etc.
But we trusted Conrad and looked forward to another afternoon in Londa’s tranquil yard, so we went back for lesson two.
During lesson two I watched them as they pled with Conrad not to make them go under water anymore. Conrad stayed firm, yet empathetic, but completely unwavering in his trust in the process and in my kids. He guided them to repeat the moves as they protested. I sat at the edge of the pool on a chair in silent pain.
All of a sudden, half way through the class — which is about ¼ of the time with Conrad and the rest of the time watching others interact with Conrad which provides important modeling for them – my kids went from clinging to Conrad in almost hysterics to instant smiling. For the next several moments my son put he head under water for the first time in his life, and came up each time happier and more proud of himself than I had ever seen him. My daughter went from crying to laughing within the course of a one-​hour lesson. And my 2-​year-​old son uttered «pool… pool» all the way home after a lifetime of being scared of bodies of water.
I asked Conrad how this happened and he simply said, «kids don’t get in a pool and ‘learn to swim,’ they learn trust which allows them to do what they already inherently understand how to do. Our role as teachers and parents is to let them know we would never let them get hurt. It is all about trust… them trusting you as their protector and them being about to trust themselves.»
I have never been so proud of them, and it taught me so much about parenting and raising great kids.
So if you are like some of those who commented below and had negative experiences, just realize that you may not, as a parent, be ready for Conrad. But I can assure you that your kids were more than ready had you allowed them the opportunity to find their mutual trust. You did not save them from Conrad… rather, you denied them a beautiful experience and skill.
I can’t wait to go swimming with my kids next week, and for the first time ever watch them swim right next to me and under water.

Here’s a brief synopsis of our experience:
Swim to Me with Conrad was a truly horrific experience for my then 4 year-​old son and me. He’s an easygoing kid, and totally at ease with adults. Never had any separation anxiety, etc. He was so excited to start swimming lessons, and we did it with our close friends whose 4 year-​old was enrolled too. Conrad started the lesson by taking my son in his arms, swimming around in the pool with him and asking him basic questions, and then without any warning, dunked him under the water. He did this three times. My son was stunned, but quiet. He swallowed a ton of water and Conrad put him back on the edge of the pool with the other kids. Fred seemed fine until it was time for round 2, and when Conrad came to get him, he started crying and Conrad dunked him anyway, resulting in even more water swallowed followed by dry heaving etc. My son (and our friend’s son) both were crying and crying. They were inconsolable and so scared. Conrad and his wife kept telling my friend and me that we could not comfort our children (or even be near them), and that we had to «break them» and that our kids wEre manipulating us. The saddest part is that my friend and I were somehow compelled to follow these instructions. We even brought our boys back for day 2.
Day 2 was even worse. They were both petrified and crying from the start, and Conrad called them names and belittled them in front of the other kids in the class. My friend and I were again instructed to «break your children.»
We did not go back for days 3 – 5. No refund or apologies were given. We are some of the «few» people the article references that quit.
I decided that with my child starting kindergarten in a year, it was no Time to send him the message that sadistic adults are to be tolerated, and that I would turn him over willingly to adults who mistreat him.
I am totally fine with the «sink or swim» approach. I am not okay with people who are cruel, and want to break children.

Best. Experience. Ever.
We enjoyed relaxing at «Club Conrad» while our twin 5 year olds learned to love the water. I sent all my friends. We drove all the way from Hermosa Beach for 3 weekends and were so glad to do it.

Conrad is amazing! I signed up for the class despite the negative reviews on here. My perspective on the situation was that I needed my 5 year old daughter to learn to swim and the parents are present for the entire lesson so if anything were to take place that I didn’t approve of I was prepared to speak up. Nonetheless, i signed up and i’m sure glad I did! I have nothing but amazing things to say about Conrad, Londa and the entire week of swim lessons. While I know all children are different my daughter learned how to swim within 1 week of classes. I’m definitely a happy customer. We are prepared to leave on a week vacation to the Bahamas in a few days on a Disney cruise and now I feel comfortable knowing my child knows how to swim although of course I will be with her at all times we can now enjoy our vacation even more. I now have an independent swimmer thanks to Conrad!!!

Conrad WILL teach your child to swim. Let him teach and do his magic. Conrad is in control and in charge at his lessons, not the parents not the children. Remember this information. Children respect him and feel safe with him. Some might not be happy to get in the water but none of them ever feel like they are not being looked after. He is a gentle giant.
Knowing how to swim is entirely different than «playing in the water» knowing how to swim saves lives! A huge difference. Water safety is learning how to be a strong swimmer. Conrad’s mission is to teach your child just that.
My son started with Conrad at 3 ½ a year later than they suggest. So to make up for that time he did 3 beginner classes in one season. Now taking his 4 th class he is in advanced swimming. He is now 4 ½ and is not only swimming but doing the backstroke, floating, and treading water.
The setting is beautiful with great music playing in the background. I feel like I’m in an oasis. The quality of the lessons and the fact that Conrad is invested with his heart and soul makes these lessons a bargain. They are also kind enough to offer a discount if you register early on.
Conrad’s wife Londa is his business partner, let me tell you she runs one smooth operation. They are organized and efficient ! Do your child a favor and have Conrad teach them.

My twin son and daughter began swimming with Conrad when they were 2 years old. Yes, they cried at first but that’s to be expected. I liked that Conrad was gentle but firm and it made my kids respect him. In a very short time, they learned to dive into the water, not to fear the deep end, and to swim under water the entire length of the pool! They are 7 years old now and absolute fishes. Just the other day my son said, «I miss Mr. Conrad.»
It saddens me to read these negative reviews. Parents need to realize that kids are tougher than you think. Embracing them getting a thick skin will help them excel in the harsh reality of the ‘real’ world.

I am amazed at what Conrad can do with a scared child. My daughter was afraid to learn how to swim. Conrad reassured her that everything was going to be okay and gently eased her into swimming to the side of the pool. In the two weeks Alexa developed a love for swimming and is now on a swim team. We owe it all to Conrad «The Pool Whisperer» Cooper.

Thanks to Conrad, all three of our daughters can Swim To Me! Yes, we had to sit back and let Conrad do his job. But what he did was work his magic each time playing to the different strengths of each. Learning to swim takes work and practice and encouragement. He knew they could do it and they did! They loved retrieving pool toys from the floor of the pool and they even liked jumping off the rock! I personally love the relaxed, pool side vacation vibe. Good music, good people, great job teaching my Angels! Thank you!

Thank you Conrad for all that you do !! Best swim instruction you can ever have ! Guaranty you could will
Be pool safe! My kids lives swimming because of Conrad !

I understand that all method may not work for your child and your docile children need more hand holding but to write a review, which is YOUR opinion to say he was a monster and watched as he tormented other children you should have taken your child out of the water immediately and reported this outrageous abuse but you did not so shut up.
Now my son was about 5yrs old and unfortunately my son IS THE ONLY CHILD that I know that’s been in the program (my little cousins and niece did learn and are great swimmer now) program that did not get it… my son will be 12 in September but just doesn’t get the hang of swimming, its taking him way longer but the key is to put and keep them in the water. I should have put he in the water immediately after the lessons but I didn’t I waited a whole year to put them in lessons again so I blame myself and that was over seven years ago.
However my 75yr old mother at the time of her first swimming lesson with Conrad was amazing, she is not an great swimmer but she is no longer afraid to get in a pool. That was no easy task… babies and children are much easier than VERY GROWN ADULTS… but my stubborn mother, that was short of a miracle, she always in the pool summer are not… she is now 84yrs old thanks for giving her life again!!!

Conrad taught my one and only child how to swim. He started going every summer for one 5 day session from the age of 3−7… I love his method!!! Now that my son is almost 8 I long for the day of backyard moment in Conrad and Londa’s gorgeous backyard. Good gospel playing and kids graduating by getting to jump off «the rock» and dive in. What a joy and pleasure. Conrad gave my son a incredible gift. The gift of swim safety. Time to raise your prices!!! Only $ 200 for 5 sessions a steal!!!

I am sorry to read reviews that are not accurate in regards to the service provided by Conrad and Swim To Me.
Everything is clearly spelled out on the website and if you have any questions, you always get a clear answer within three days, sooner, usually.
Classes are one hour a day for five days, each class has anywhere from 5 – 10 kids, depending on age and time of class. Each child takes a turn with Conrad as the other children watch and listen to the instruction, after your turn, you need a bit of a rest, everyone does when you are learning something you are not familiar with and some kids are scared of water. Conrad is calming and gentle with each child. His calming approach shows the child they have no reason to be afraid, he never lets go of a child or puts a child in any danger. Some children in the younger classes cry, because they are afraid of the water, not because of anything Conrad does. Your child gets multiple turns throughout the class time, and as the class progresses, more and more times to swim under the water (beautiful salt water pool) jump in the water, learn to dive and so much more depending on the level they are in.
I have even sent my house cleaner to Conrad to learn to swim, she was afraid to stand in the shower with her face in the water. Now she goes in the ocean and says it has changed her life !
Thanks to Conrad many people I love are water safe and happy in the water

My son and daughter went here and we were more than happy with Conrad’s teachings. He’s nurturing yet firm, encouraging but not coddling. He’s the right mix of teacher and coach for kids of all ages. I think the name Swim Whisperer suits him best because he has a way of helping the most scared kid love the water by the end of their sessions and sometimes the end of the first session.
He’s a joy to watch in action and if you can imagine it, it’s a joy to relax in his beautiful backyard (yes I said relax while your child is being taught) listening to the Jazz playing over the sound system.
I highly recommend Swim to Me!

Do your homework and read the negative reviews! We had a horrible experience with Conrad Cooper. My child loves the water and we signed up for this class based on the positive reviews.
There were 9 children in one class so each child swam no more than 5 minutes during the entire hour. The rest of the time they were made to sit on the steps or hang on the side of the pool. He seems to favor the girls (who can sit still for that long of a period) and has no tolerance for boys.
During this class we saw children crying in terror as they were dunked (it was difficult to watch) and he disciplined one boy who was acting silly from boredom by giving him a time out while everyone watched.
The worst part, he smacked my sons hand when he was hanging on the pool rail over the steps. My child, who loves the water, was well behaved throughout the entire class. He burst into tears and was inconsolable after this happened. Conrad did not verbally tell him to let go of the rail (he will deny that), he simply smacked his hand down. My child continued to cry after he got out the pool and all the way home. He was so sad that he was hit on the hand.
Conrad will deny this saying that I am distorting the truth, but I know what I saw. I was sitting right in front of him! My son begged me not to go back on the way home. They basically blamed my child for not listening when I emailed him later that night. Disgusting.
I have used other swim instructors who have taught my older child to swim by making it fun and going at their pace. Swimming should not be taught through tough discipline and behavior modification for those that fear the water.
Know that you will also be paying $ 225 for 5 minutes per day of swimming… so basically 25 minutes over 5 days. Unilocal other instructors and be sure to read the reviews both positive and negative.

Had mixed experience with our two kids. First one great — we were really happy with the class. Second time around was a totally different experience — you know maybe we just caught Conrad on a bad day and thats cool but the class was really bad. In fact my kid still talks about how mean Conrad was and how happy he is with the teacher he had after. I was there for the last day of a week class and Conrad gave up on my kid and one other. He pretty much dismissed them — sort of fired them from the class. I felt like he should have given me ¹⁄₅ my payment back. My kid sat on the side of the pool the entire time. Also Conrad was just mean to several kids. I get mean and I get the difference between mean and stern. He was also short with me when we spoke.
Again first chid went really well and I was really impressed and grateful. Second time was a very poor experience for me as a Dad and my kid.
One last comment I think there are too many children in the class. Each child on average gets to work with conrad three or four times.
Nothing personal. Just swim classes.