Wendy Fereday Swim School

Wendy Fereday Swim School offers Water Babies Level I for babies 3 months to 10 months, Parent and Baby for children 10 months to 2.5 years, Private Lessons for children 20 months and up, Semi-Private Lessons for children 3.5 years and up, Group Lessons for children 4 and up, Advanced stroke work, Adult Lessons, and Lessons at Home for all ages. Water Babies Level I uses Hydro Pool classes with 4 babies and 4 parents in the water, and Parent and Baby introduces floating skills, breath control, submersion, and whole body movement through the water. Private Lessons are adapted to a child’s age, ability, and personality, Semi-Private Lessons use a two-to-one ratio, and Group Lessons have three to four swimmers with one instructor.

Programs

• Water Babies Level I — 3 months to 10 months · Hydro Pool classes for babies; small individualized classes with 4 babies and 4 parents in the water; at least 2 cycles.
• Parent and Baby — 10 months to 2.5 years · Introduces floating skills, breath control, submersion, and whole body movement through the water.
• Private Lessons — 20 months and up · Adapted to a child’s age, ability, and personality for maximum progress; cloth swim diapers required until age four.
• Semi-Private Lessons — 3.5 years and up · Two-to-one ratio; students grouped by age and ability; 30 minutes; teacher approval required.
• Group Lessons — 4 and up · Three to four swimmers with one instructor; offered to students who have been with the program for at least one cycle; teacher approval required.
• Advanced stroke work — Progression from group lessons; children swim full lengths of the pool and practice all four competitive strokes; teacher approval required.
• Adult Lessons — 30-minute lessons covering basic competency and comfort in the water to stroke technique and competitive swimming strategies.
• Lessons at Home — All Ages · year-round · Teachers come to your home; pool must be privately owned and at least 87 degrees; one hour minimum required.

At a glance

• Ages: 0–18 years old
• General schedule: Continuous enrollment; perpetual enrollment until a 35 day cancellation notice is given; payments due on the 1st business day of the month; 3-month quarterly commitment; no refunds after the first lesson; five-day grace period for unsuccessful automatic debit; $25 late fee after the grace period; registration available any time during the year.

About the provider

Since 1995, Wendy Fereday Swim School has provided Santa Barbara families with swim instruction. Wendy Fereday has been teaching swimming lessons to all ages since 1974. Wendy Fereday holds a B.A. in Ergonomics (Physiology of Exercise), a teaching credential in Physical Education, and a coaching certificate in swimming. The school’s goal is to teach children to swim, learn to thoroughly enjoy the water, and learn safety and survival skills along with the foundations of stroke technique. It also says it strives to provide water safety education to the community it serves.

What families say

“The staff and Wendy are always great! The attention and focus with each child is superb! You can always see how loving and patient they are with everyone.” — Lisa Crabtree (Nana)

Last updated October 30, 2026.