PRIVATE SWIMMING LESSONS IN EDINBURGH

Swimming Lessons For Adults in Edinburgh

Befriend Water is an adult-focused, one-to-one (1-2-1) learn-to-swim program. Unlike other traditional swimming schools that treat each customer like another number on a spreadsheet, we will delve deep into your learning style and relationship with water, ensuring a truly bespoke and effective learning experience.

What will I learn?

PRACTICAL SWIMMING SKILLS:

Basic Water Competence - Safe warm up, safe water entry, breathing techniques, body position, moving in water, floating on stomach, floating on back, streamline, front paddle, submerging underwater

Stroke Swimming - Breaststroke swimming, Freestyle / Front Crawl swimming, Backstroke swimming, Safe Diving Technique, Deep Water swimming (Introduction)

WATER SAFETY EDUCATION:

Swimming in different types of water, understanding risks and common hazards, preventing injuries, swimming etiquette, water safety equipment.

MINDSET & RELAXATION: 

Overcoming fear of water, breaking through limiting beliefs, working through past trauma, taking control of emotions and panic in water, building confidence, meditation and breathing techniques. 

Where are the lessons located?

The swimming lessons take place in The SPA at The Caledonian Hotel in Edinburgh, Scotland.

How much are your swimming lessons?

There are few different programs you can choose from and price will depend on how much independence and help in learning to swim you need. You can start with a single lesson or prepay several months ahead to keep you committed to learning. 

Click here to check available programs.

Why your swimming lessons cost more than any other learn to swim program?

BefriendWater focuses on quality over quantity. A single lesson with me will be an equivalent of 5 lessons at an alternative swimming school. We focus on only the most important and practical swimming skills that you will actually use in real world. 

I’m not going to ask you to do pointless and time consuming drills that only extend the learning time. On the other hand, I can spent more time with you on other aspects of your journey like your mindset and accommodate individual needs.

A session will last 2 hours with an hour in the water and an hour outside of water (debrief / feedback / coaching). We will analyse your swimming on video and break down what you need to work on for the upcoming session. 

Additionally, 10% of the profits goes to charity, funding swimming lessons for underprivileged children.

When are they taking place?

There is no fixed timetable for swimming lessons with BefriendWater. We try to fit into your schedule instead. The Spa at The Caledonian is open from 6am to 9pm and we can pick suitable times within those ours, making sure the pool is quiet to allow for learning. 

Who is it for?

Adult Non-Swimmers and Beginners only.

Swimming Lessons with BefriendWater aren’t for everyone. These are high quality, personalised, custom built swimming learning programs for someone who has been struggling with water all their life. 

I created this program to help other adults to break years of trauma and shame. Empower them to rebuilt their identity, mental strength and confidence.

There are many coaches that want to train improvers swim faster and better. There aren’t many teachers focusing solely on teaching basic water competence to adults. 

Is there a guarantee?

Yes, you have my 100% money-back guarantee. If at any point you are not happy with my swimming lessons, I will give you all your money back. 

What do I need to bring with me?

You only need to bring your swim trunks and a smile. Everything else like the towel, swimming cap and all necessary equipment is on me. 

Who are you and what are your qualifications?

I’m Alan Cie. A freelance swimming teacher, holding Level 2 STA Award in Swimming Teaching and the NPLQ Pool Lifeguard Certificate. I’ve spent thousands of hours in the water transforming from a non-swimmer to an educator. Learn more about my story here.

Can I try first?

Yes, reach out to me via email to book a free consultation and get a promo code at alan@befriendwater.com

What if I can’t make it? 

If you reschedule up to 48h before the lesson, there is no additional cost. Last minute cancellation will result in losing a session.

Is there parking available?

The parking at The Caledonian Hotel is currently under construction. There is only street parking available along with a NCP underground parking near Castle Terrace.

How to find the entrance? 

The Spa entrance is separate to the hotel and is located on the Lothian Road.

Are you offering group lessons?

No, unfortunately group swimming lessons don’t allow for quality adult swimming learning experience. There is simply not enough time within a session to give equal amount of attention to each learner. I’m currently focusing on 1-2-1 lessons to provide a truly personal service and maximise the satisfaction.

Are you offering open water swimming lessons?

Open water swimming lessons and swimming retreats will be coming at some point in 2026. Make sure to begin learning now, to be ready to swim in the sea by next year.

More questions? Drop me an email at alan@befriendwater.com