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If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
About
Your child only learns to swim once so make it a TERRIFIC, positive, and fun experience with Mr. Steve - Pinellas County's busiest and most experienced swim teacher going home to home! Greatest number of reviews and hires on Thumbtack.
Honored swim teacher (father of four) gets kids comfortable and makes learning to swim lots of fun! (see flyer & photos) using your home, apartment, condo, or your residential community pool teaching young children (toddlers through to teens).
He is national award-winning swimming teacher - giving the experienced guidance your child needs. (Awards from International Swimming Hall of Fame and National Swim School Association’s / United States Swim School Association’s Hall of Fame).
It is soooo much fun! Students don't realize they are learning, they often think they are playing in the pool.
No problem not seen before with other students and solved. Summer is short so get them swimming in no time! with the most experienced teacher who gets kids going farther, faster, and more enjoyably than others.
Inquire today and a 2 page full information flyer will be sent.
$45 per lesson coming to you. If taking twice a week, or if two students each taking a lesson back to back --- each lesson is $40.
Or build a 30 min. group lesson with your child(ren) and friends' children. $25 each swimmer.
Note: I teach only in Pinellas County...passing on listings outside Pinellas County.
Overview
Hired 77 times
16 similar jobs done near you
Background checked
1 employee
28 years in business
Business hours
Sun8:00 am - 8:00 pmMon8:00 am - 8:00 pm
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Cash, Check, and Zelle.
Top Pro status
Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.
2024
Services offered
Student experience level
Work location
I travel to my customers
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for work quality, professionalism, and responsiveness.
Exceptional 5.0
37 reviews
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Read reviews that mention:
Carla L.
Jun 30, 2026
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Hired on Thumbtack
Steve was an A+ swim instructor! He was professional, patient, and did a fantastic job interacting with our 2 and 5 year olds. He made them feel comfortable in the water while keeping the lessons fun and engaging. We were impressed with his ability to connect with both kids and build their confidence. We highly recommend Steve to anyone looking for swimlessons for young children!
Details: Young child (18 months - 5 years old) • No experience • Comfortable in water • Learn basic strokes • Become more comfortable in water • Yes, a pool that allows private lessons • 30 minutes • My home, venue, etc.
Private Swim Lessons
Tara G.
May 20, 2026
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Hired on Thumbtack
Steve is the absolute best ! My son really enjoys swimlessons with him, and is always asking when his next lesson is. My son is on the hyper side and Steve has been very patient with him since day one. We actually our refreshing my 3 year olds skills this year again and he is super excited! Definitely would recommend Steve, he also brings all different kinds of toys and learning stuff! Thank you for all that you do 🙂
Details: Young child (18 months - 5 years old) • No experience • Comfortable in water • Become more comfortable in water • Improve swimming technique • Learn basic strokes • Yes, a pool that allows private lessons • I'm flexible • My home, venue, etc.
Private Swim Lessons
Glenda R.
Jul 26, 2026
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Hired on Thumbtack
We couldn’t be happier with our grandkids’ swim instructor Mr Steve. He is the best swim teacher they’ve ever had by far. His patience is exceptional, and he skillfully adapts his teaching to each child’s personality, confidence level, and learning needs. He responds quickly to texts, making communication easy and reliable. The kids look forward to lessons because he makes learning fun while staying calm, focused, and professional. For toddlers and preschoolers hesitant about putting their faces in the water, he uses water toys and engaging activities to build trust and confidence. His combination of skill, kindness, and professionalism makes him an outstanding instructor, and we recommend him without hesitation.
Details: Young child (18 months - 5 years old) • Beginner • Not comfortable in water • Become more comfortable in water • Learn basic strokes • Yes, a pool at my home • 30 minutes • My home, venue, etc.
Private Swim Lessons
Holly M.
Oct 20, 2025
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Hired on Thumbtack
My 22-month-old has been taking swimlessons with Mr. Steve since he was about 18 months, and we couldn’t be happier! Mr. Steve always brings fun toys and creative activities that keep my child engaged and excited to be in the water. He’s incredibly knowledgeable and has a calm, encouraging way of teaching that makes swimming fun—not scary or overwhelming. We’re so grateful for the positive foundation he’s building for our little swimmer!
Details: Infant (under 18 months) • No experience • Comfortable in water • Become more comfortable in water • Improve swimming technique • Yes, a pool at my home • 30 minutes • My home, venue, etc.
Private Swim Lessons
Courtney m.
Aug 17, 2026
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Hired on Thumbtack
Great experience. My son looks forward to swimlessons every week!
Details: Young child (18 months - 5 years old) • No experience • Comfortable in water • Learn basic strokes • Improve swimming technique • Yes, a pool that allows private lessons • 30 minutes • My home, venue, etc. • At the pro’s location
Private Swim Lessons
Credentials
Background Check
Steve Graves
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
Pricing is $45 per half hour lesson. Discount per lesson, when working with two or more students having back to back half hour lessons on the same visit. Discount if 2 or 3 students of similar level & age in the same lesson.
Build a class or stay with one-to-one learning.
No additional fees or contracts. No charge when bad weather forces cancellation of the lesson. Flexible no-charge scheduling for vacations, camp, sickness, etc.. You don't loose. Compare to other lessons providers!
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Listen to the parent's/grandparent's description of what the child does in the water now...and go from there. Pick them up right where they are. After first lesson I can advise on expectation of progress.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
B.S. in Education - Physical Education. Have taught elementary, middle school, and high school physical education which included swimming.
Long time Red Cross Water Safety Instructor and also currently certified by Swimming Lessons University - both are Florida approved certifications for swim teachers. Current first aid and CPR certification. * Note - the state of Florida does not require home pool instructors to have certifications as those who work in public and semi-public pools. Look for that however.
