Build confidence in the water with private swim lessons
This summer we will offer private swim lessons tailored for kids who aren't quite ready for the swim team but are eager to dive into the world of swimming. Our lessons focus on water safety, basic strokes, and building confidence in the water. With our fantastic lineup of patient, experienced, caring, and professional swim instructors, your child will find their fins and dive into summer with joy and excitement. Let us help your child make a splash in a safe and supportive environment!
Hi! My name is Kendall Thomas, and I’m from Mobile, Alabama. I’ve been teaching swim lessons for six years now, and I absolutely love it! I've always been drawn to the water—whether it was swimming on a team, playing in the pool, or just soaking up the sun. My mom, who teaches swim lessons every summer, encouraged me to get involved with teaching lessons. At first, it was just a convenient job after swim team practice, but after my first season, I discovered a true passion for teaching. When I’m not at the pool, you can usually find me enjoying the sunshine at the beach, playing volleyball, or spending time with friends and family. To me, the best part of summer is simple—no school!
Hi, I’m Lauren Beasley! I am going on six years teaching swim lessons and what a joy it has been to me. Growing up the eldest in a big family, I was always teaching my siblings and cousins something new at any given opportunity. With the love and passion for education I have, it felt a natural (and important) fit to learn to teach swim lessons while I was serving as a lifeguard as a teen. Since then, I have spent every summer teaching children the importance of water safety and equipping them with these skills. When I’m not at the pool, you may find me singing anything and anywhere, taking photos, or at the beach! Personally, I find doing anything at the beach to be the best part of summer!
I’m Jennifer Thomas, I have been teaching swim lessons for over 35 years. I grew up near the beach, had a pool in my backyard and love swimming. I started teaching swim lessons in my teens and have been doing it ever since! When I’m not at the pool, I am the Teen Library Associate at West Regional Library. In my spare time I enjoy watching my daughter’s volleyball games, hanging out with family, reading, painting, and going to the beach. The best part of summer is swimming!
Hi everyone! I’m Adam, and I’m pumped to be back for another awesome summer at Oakwood — this time not just on deck as head coach for the swim team, but in the water teaching swim lessons too. I grew up as a summer swimmer, trained with CMSA, and swam for my high school before heading to Birmingham‑Southern College to continue my swimming career. The sport has shaped so much of who I am, and I love getting to pass that on.
I’m a huge sports fan and a die‑hard Florida Gators guy, and I bring that same energy and enthusiasm to every lesson. My goal is to help young swimmers build confidence, learn strong fundamentals, and get ready to join the Junior Rays or Stingrays when they’re ready. When I’m not coaching, you can usually find me hanging out with my dog, Coach Pepper — Oakwood’s biggest fan. I can’t wait to help your swimmers grow, learn, and have a blast in the pool this summer.
Hi! My name is Abby Eddins, and I’m from Mobile, Alabama. This is my first year teaching swim lessons and I’m so exited! I took swim lessons as a child and I’m looking forward to helping others gain confidence and learn how much fun it is to swim! I enjoy pottery, spending time with friends, and making coffee! The best thing about summer for me is spending time in the sun!