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About
I come with every piece of equipment students need for swim lessons, EXCEPT THE POOL. MUST HAVE POOL ACCESS. This includes heavy-duty water noodles, surfboards, barbells, toys and more.
I can recommend where to purchase anything anyone wishes to own.
I review every lesson before and after, taking input at these times. I offer suggestions on what can be done between lessons to help continue the learning process. Every lesson must end on a high note!
I enjoy building trust with students that allows them to make progress. I love to see students overcome obstacles and grow in the water. I love to see new learners conquer fears and accomplish goals set for them by themselves or by the general progression of swim lessons. I also love to see them learn to have safe fun in the water. Every lesson must have dedicated fun time!
Overview
Hired 6 times
Background checked
27 years in business
Business hours
This pro hasn't listed their business hours.
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Cash.
Services offered
Work location
My customers travel to me
I travel to my customers
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for work quality, professionalism, and responsiveness.
Exceptional 5.0
6 reviews
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Read reviews that mention:
Jessica S.
May 28, 2019
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Hired on Thumbtack
We worked with Deb last summer in a small group of young toddlers (11 Mo-1yr). She was awesome! The kids learned pool safety and basic swim strokes as well as some great songs. Would definitely recommend Deb’s lessons!
Details: Infant (under 18 months) • No experience • Become more comfortable in water • Yes, a pool that allows private lessons • 30 minutes • Need some more information before hiring • I would like to discuss the price with the instructor • The swim instructor travels to me
Private Swim Lessons
Inna A.
Sep 11, 2020
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Hired on Thumbtack
Deborah has been giving swim lessons to our kids for the past 3-4 summers. She is an excellent swimming instructor and very good with kids. I noticed big improvement in their stroke development and overall technique. Deborah is also great at teaching adults - she gave some lessons to my husband, who is a good swimmer but wanted to improve his stroke. She is a pleasure to work with, has good communication, and arrives on time.
Private Swim Lessons
Hans W.
Apr 7, 2025
Deborah has been swim instructor for our two daughters and they absolutely love her! More importantly, however, they are quickly progressing in their learning and our oldest (6yo) has now begun to swim by herself. They listen well to her, and are having great fun at the same time; Highly recommend!!!
Stacey T.
May 7, 2021
Deborah provided swim lessons to my two children starting from age three or four for over five years. She is an excellent instructor. Very professional. She is great at breaking down the steps of each stroke so that children can understand and learn each piece and then put it all together.
She was specifically good at customizing her teaching style to the personality of each of the children, identifying what would best motivate them and make it the most fun for each of them. As the children got older, we moved into other topics like pool safety, what to do in different scenarios (such as someone falling in with their clothes on). My children are very strong and confident swimmers thanks to Deborah.
Alex V.
Apr 9, 2021
During the three years I had the opportunity to work with Deborah, she proved to be a knowledgeable and professional instructor, who truly cares about her students learning how to swim properly. From infants to adults of all learn-to-swim levels, she has the patience and dedication to teach the basics, and the experience to correct stroke mechanics to help her students be successful in the water, all while keeping them safe and in a relaxed atmosphere. I would recommend her without a doubt!
Credentials
Background Check
Deborah Cushman
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
I charge $50 per half hour, including transportation and all equipment for all ages. I WORK MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY AND SUNDAY, BARRING PREVIOUSLY SCHEDULED APPOINTMENTS.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Building trust always comes first in any learning relationship, especially in the water, where fear often comes into play. Making a lesson fun as well as a learning experience is also important. But keeping things positive and rewarding is critical. Some days it may be one stroke, but multiple activities around that stroke. There should always be multiple activities -- keep busy, allow time for breaks that are fun but may have a "hidden" skill. Gauge attention physical and mental capacity for lessons carefully. Have fun! make sure your student is as well. Be safe. Remember to debrief at the end of the lesson so the student has a concept of what they have achieved and if there is an adult "in charge," it's good for them to know as well. You may assign "homework" in the bathtub or in the pool with family.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I was an American Red Cross-certified lifeguard for more than 20 years and have been an American Red Cross-certified Water Safety Instructor for that long as well. I have also been an Aquatic Director. I am certified in CPR and First Aid for the Professional Rescuer.
I am also a healthcare writer and bring that to bear on my lessons when appropriate. I make that knowledge age-accessible. Anatomy, neuromuscular memory, physics and more all play an important role in swimming.
