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About
For over 20 years, I’ve helped people of all ages overcome their fear of the water through patient, one-on-one private swim lessons. I truly enjoy teaching and watching students grow more confident with every session.
Seeing a nervous beginner relax, learn new skills, and finally smile with pride is the most rewarding part of what I do. My lessons are calm, encouraging, and paced to match your comfort level, so you never feel rushed or judged.
Many of my clients come through word-of-mouth referrals, which reflects the trust and progress they experience. If you’re ready to feel safer and more confident in the water, I’d be glad to help you get started.
Overview
Hired 35 times
Background checked
1 employee
33 years in business
Business hours
This pro hasn't listed their business hours.
Payment methods
Ask this pro about their preferred payment method.
Services offered
Student grade level
Pre-K
Elementary school
Middle school
High school
Subject area
General reading and writing
Reading comprehension
Essay writing / review
Creative writing
Work location
My customers travel to me
I travel to my customers
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for work quality, professionalism, and responsiveness.
Great 4.8
19 reviews
5
95%
4
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5%
Your trust means everything to us. Learn about our review guidelines.
Read reviews that mention:
Kim W.
Aug 1, 2026
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Hired on Thumbtack
Barbara is a wonderful swim instructor! My 2½-year-old and 1½-year-old were initially very wary of the pool and afraid to swim without large flotation vests and arm floaties. After just six weeks with Barbara, they progressed to swimming confidently with only small flotation belts and no arm supports. Barbara incorporates puzzles, games, music, and storytelling into every lesson, making swim instruction fun, engaging, and exciting for young children. Their progress has been incredible, and they have become so much more comfortable and confident in the water. Water safety is incredibly important, and Barbara has a special way of teaching these essential skills while keeping children happy and engaged. We look forward to continuing lessons with her as all of our children progress!
Details: Young child (18 months - 5 years old) • No experience • Comfortable in water • Become more comfortable in water • Yes, a pool at my home • 45 minutes • My home, venue, etc.
Private Swim Lessons
Pickleball A.
Jun 18, 2026
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Hired on Thumbtack
Barbara has only worked with our 3.5-year-old daughter, Aanya, for one class so far, and we were genuinely impressed by the difference we saw right away. She has a wonderful way of connecting with young children and making them feel comfortable and confident in the water.
Aanya was engaged, excited, and much more comfortable after just a single lesson. Barbara is patient, encouraging, and clearly very experienced with teaching young swimmers. We’re excited to continue lessons and see Aanya’s progress.
Highly recommend Barbara to any parent looking for a caring and effective swim coach for their child! 🏊♀️😊
Details: Infant (under 18 months) • No experience • Comfortable in water • Learn basic strokes • Become more comfortable in water • Improve swimming technique • Yes, a pool at my home • 60 minutes • My home, venue, etc.
Barbara's Swimming Lessons's reply
Wow! Thank you, for your very kind review! I look forward to teaching Aanya again this weekend!😎🏊♀️🐠💕
Private Swim Lessons
Tom T.
Aug 27, 2026
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Hired on Thumbtack
Barbara met my daughter earlier this summer as she was a scared swimmer, and in just a few months her confidence and capability has transformed immensely. Highly recommend Barbara as a swim instructor and a great person to work with!
Details: Young child (18 months - 5 years old) • Beginner • 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
Hope L.
Jul 10, 2025
Ms. Barbara has been a highlight of my kids' summers now going on five years. She is incredibly knowledgable, fun, and always goes the extra mile to keep the kids engaged in group or one-on-one lessons. She worked a range of ages and abilities within our family - even with an adult who had never learned how to swim! I continue to be impressed with her creativity and dedication to form and safety. She is *the* best!
Barbara's Swimming Lessons's reply
Thank you for your kind review! I am grateful that I have been able to help your family members become confident and strong swimmers. Thank you for trusting me to teach them the skills they need to stay safe in the water! Watching them grow and continue to learn new skills is such a rewarding experience!!
Nick r.
Aug 5, 2021
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Barbara was great. My kids really enjoyed lessons with her. She connected with them well. Pool was always super warm too!
Details: Youth (6 - 12 years old) • Beginner • Comfortable in water • Learn basic strokes • Improve swimming technique • No, I would like the pro to suggest a pool • 60 minutes • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.
Private Swim Lessons
Credentials
Background Check
Barbara Buonagura
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
Family Specials are provided.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Communicate with the parent and get to know about my prospective student. Also, I always provide references and reviews.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Besides being a certified American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor, I am also a certified Physical Education teacher k-12, ENL teacher k-12, Elementary N-6 grade teacher and have my extensions in Special Education. In addition, I am a proud member of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity Task Force. I am a lifelong learner and take pride in always learning new strategies to help my students achieve their goals and become confident.
