Simply astounding. I was joking couple of days in about what's this voodoo Conrad does because it wasn't just our daughter who was completely transformed, it was every. kid. Our daughter went from screaming bloody murder on day 1 to Conrad being her favorite person on the planet in just a few days. She is a total mermaid now, solely thanks to Conrad. Worth every penny and Conrad should charge a LOT more for what he does. Remember one thing and one thing only - you MUST come back the second day, no matter what happens on the first day if your kid is scared of water. You are doing disservice to your family if you don't. I'm kind of sad our second daughter is a natural mermaid and I won't get to see her go through similar life changing transformation. And Londa is wonderful! EDIT after reading some of the other reviews. Our daughter was little over 3 when we came to Conrad. We had to negotiate with her to even wash her hair because of the chance a drop of water might fall on her face. Saying she was not a fan of water when we signed up is a huge understatement. read more

Not sure the hype here. This dude doesn't smile, and teaches 8 kids at a time. If your kids cries, he will make you feel bad and stop the lesson and send you home. I thought he was supposed to help those who are scared and need more attention, but seems he doesn't want to deal with the difficult cases. I would look for other options. Don't believe the hype and cult following. It's all smoke and mirrors. read more

If 3.5 mins of swimming and 40+ minutes of sitting on the steps or holding the wall is what you are looking for, then this class is for you. My bigger issue however is the hostility I experienced when I said that we would not be returning after our second class. I didn't ask for a refund or comment on Conrad's actual teaching methods, I just said that 3.5 minutes of instruction (I used a stopwatch for tracking during my second class after seeing how little swimming happened during the first class) wasn't worth the time invested or drive to get there in my family's opinion. I expected a gracious "thanks for letting us know, we appreciate the feedback" response, but instead received a series of emails hurling insults and calling my family quitters. I've since read a series of reviews on this site which I wish I'd read before signing up for lessons from people who dared to express views similar to mine (and also from one poor woman forced to listen to Londa gossip about her child). I understand that they are running a business, but not delivering what is promised and then attacking anyone who dares to ask questions - implies guilt and fear, not confidence in the experience they are delivering. Do your research. I wish I had. read more

My son has been swimming for a year and loves the water. I brought him to brush up on safety skills. My 3 and a half year old child strongly disliked the experience. He has never behaved this way before; he screamed throughout the class. I realized that my parenting style and the philosophy of the preschool that my son attends have a different approach to interacting with children than swim teacher, Conrad Cooper. I wish I had honored my sons feelings and taken him out of the pool during the first 10 minutes. After 30 minutes of screaming I overheard Conrad's wife Londa gossiping about my son with another parent and the two people were criticizing me. I confronted them and asked if they were talking about me. Londa confirmed that she had been taking about me. I left immediately as this was my first parenting experience of being bullied. I would have appreciated kindness and I needed guidance about what to do. My son and I both had uncomfortable experiences. We did not return to complete the final two days. read more

Swim to Me - I love to Swim. - Swimming Lessons/Schools Near Me

My kids missed a lesson and learned in FOUR days. Conrad is firm. He is a old school cool "grandad" styled teacher who speaks with kind assertiveness. This is not for all parents. After three summers and hundreds of dollars of wasted money from coddling wimpy fun filled lessons my children were unable to swim. 4 days at Swim to Me and they were diving in 10 feet. Thank you Conrad. Priceless! read more

We have a few friends who took their kids to Conrad's swimming classes and highly recommended him. So, when it came time for our little one to learn how to swim, we thought Conrad Cooper's Swim To Me was a logical choice. Conrad's classes are held in his private home, in a pristine pool (no chlorine) just 10 minutes away from our home, near LAX. Parking is free and plentiful on the residential streets. Registration was super easy with Londa, Conrad's wife via phone or e-mail. She was very kind to answer my many questions and always responded in a timely manner. One session consists of five 1-hour classes and costs $200. The classes are not private, and have 8-10 students. The students go one-by-one and spend approximately 5-10 minutes of time with Conrad per class session. The kids sit on the steps or (cry on their mommy's or daddy's lap, in my case) while they await their turns. Conrad's techniques are not for the faint-of-heart. There are no warm and fuzzy feelings here. I'm a customer service nut (if you already hadn't figured from my hundreds of reviews). I would have appreciated a hello or greeting when we arrived, or some sort of acknowledgement from Conrad. I get it - we're not there to make best friends, but there was a lack of congeniality. Conrad submerges the children on the very first day of class. and continues to guide the kids with firmness (dunking, swimming, diving for objects on the pool floor) and secret whispers (I don't know how he did it...but it worked). My daughter was afraid, and cried often (even up until the 4th day). She hesitated and didn't want to go to class. But, the end results do not lie. Conrad has instilled a confidence and joy of water in my daughter that is priceless. She now asks to swim and go to the pool almost every day. read more

I am not being hyperbolic when I say that watching Conrad interact with my three kids (ages 6, 4, and 2) taught me as much about parenting and human nature as he taught them about swimming. Let me explain: After the first lesson my kids were crying and very upset. I am a huge wimp of a parent so I was also upset for them all that evening, as was their mom. I thought "maybe my kids are the rare ones that he cant reach.. maybe I raised them wrong.... maybe I should have brought them earlier... etc. But we trusted Conrad and looked forward to another afternoon in Londa's tranquil yard, so we went back for lesson two. During lesson two I watched them as they pled with Conrad not to make them go under water anymore. Conrad stayed firm, yet empathetic, but completely unwavering in his trust in the process and in my kids. He guided them to repeat the moves as they protested. I sat at the edge of the pool on a chair in silent pain. All of a sudden, half way through the class -- which is about 1/4 of the time with Conrad and the rest of the time watching others interact with Conrad which provides important modeling for them--my kids went from clinging to Conrad in almost hysterics to instant smiling. For the next several moments my son put he head under water for the first time in his life, and came up each time happier and more proud of himself than I had ever seen him. My daughter went from crying to laughing within the course of a one-hour lesson. And my 2-year-old son uttered "pool... pool" all the way home after a lifetime of being scared of bodies of water. I asked Conrad how this happened and he simply said, "kids don't get in a pool and 'learn to swim,' they learn trust which allows them to do what they already inherently understand how to do. Our role as teachers and parents is to let them know we would never let them get hurt. It is all about trust... them trusting you as their protector and them being about to trust themselves." I have never been so proud of them, and it taught me so much about parenting and raising great kids. So if you are like some of those who commented below and had negative experiences, just realize that you may not, as a parent, be ready for Conrad. But I can assure you that your kids were more than ready had you allowed them the opportunity to find their mutual trust. You did not save them from Conrad... rather, you denied them a beautiful experience and skill. I can't wait to go swimming with my kids next week, and for the first time ever watch them swim right next to me and under water. read more

Had mixed experience with our two kids. First one great - we were really happy with the class. Second time around was a totally different experience - you know maybe we just caught Conrad on a bad day and thats cool but the class was really bad. In fact my kid still talks about how mean Conrad was and how happy he is with the teacher he had after.. I was there for the last day of a week class and Conrad gave up on my kid and one other. He pretty much dismissed them - sort of fired them from the class. I felt like he should have given me 1/5 my payment back. My kid sat on the side of the pool the entire time. Also Conrad was just mean to several kids. I get mean and I get the difference between mean and stern. He was also short with me when we spoke. Again first chid went really well and I was really impressed and grateful. Second time was a very poor experience for me as a Dad and my kid. One last comment I think there are too many children in the class. Each child on average gets to work with conrad three or four times. Nothing personal. Just swim classes. read more

My 2 yr old daughter had her first day with Conrad today and we are really excited to see her progress through this week in class. My 5 yr old son has already 3 sessions with Conrad over the past 3 summers and is a really great swimmer. After each session, we made sure to practice with my son throughout the summer which really helped. My son loves Conrad and we are huge fans of his program - he is definitely the "swim whisperer". Conrad was able to gain my son's trust from the beginning and I can already see that happening with my daughter. She says she is so excited for her swim class tomorrow! read more

Helicopter parents need not apply. No coddling allowed. Conrad knows his sh*t. Let him teach your kid to save their own lives in the pool. Both of my kids went through the program 10 and 6 years ago, respectively, and I'd do it again in a heartbeat. I didn't sign them up to be babied, I signed them up to learn to not drown in the pool. Step 1. Bring your kid. Step 2. Have a seat in the shade. Step 3. Quietly get over your fear of watching your kid face, and ultimately, conquer their fears. On day one you'll discover Conrad is not there to socialize with the parents; he's there to do his work. And that is what we paid him to do. read more

Conrad and Linda are amazing! Conrad came highly recommended. parents that I spoke with acted as if there was no other option but Conrad. I must admit I am pleased. My 8yr old was completely frightened and embarrassed me the first day. He was screaming to the top of his lungs and fighting. Conrad got him to trust him by the second day, and by the 5th day he was swimming. My 11 yr old really excelled. He was more familiar with the water. He was swimming across the length of the pool by the 4th day! He was finally diving in on the ladt read more

I understand that all method may not work for your child and your docile children need more hand holding but to write a review, which is YOUR opinion to say he was a monster and watched as he tormented other children you should have taken your child out of the water immediately and reported this outrageous abuse but you did not so shut up. Now my son was about 5yrs old and unfortunately my son IS THE ONLY CHILD that I know that's been in the program ( my little cousins and niece did learn and are great swimmer now) program that did not get it..... my son will be 12 in September but just doesn't get the hang of swimming, its taking him way longer but the key is to put and keep them in the water. I should have put he in the water immediately after the lessons but I didn't I waited a whole year to put them in lessons again so I blame myself and that was over seven years ago. However my 75yr old mother at the time of her first swimming lesson with Conrad was amazing , she is not an great swimmer but she is no longer afraid to get in a pool. That was no easy task....babies and children are much easier than VERY GROWN ADULTS... but my stubborn mother, that was short of a miracle, she always in the pool summer are not... she is now 84yrs old thanks for giving her life again!!!! read more

Conrad WILL teach your child to swim. Let him teach and do his magic . Conrad is in control and in charge at his lessons , not the parents not the children . Remember this information. Children respect him and feel safe with him. Some might not be happy to get in the water but none of them ever feel like they are not being looked after. He is a gentle giant. Knowing how to swim is entirely different than "playing in the water" knowing how to swim saves lives! A huge difference. Water safety is learning how to be a strong swimmer. Conrad's mission is to teach your child just that. My son started with Conrad at 3 1/2 a year later than they suggest. So to make up for that time he did 3 beginner classes in one season. Now taking his 4 th class he is in advanced swimming. He is now 4 1/2 and is not only swimming but doing the backstroke ,floating ,and treading water. The setting is beautiful with great music playing in the background . I feel like I'm in an oasis. The quality of the lessons and the fact that Conrad is invested with his heart and soul makes these lessons a bargain. They are also kind enough to offer a discount if you register early on. Conrad's wife Londa is his business partner , let me tell you she runs one smooth operation. They are organized and efficient ! Do your child a favor and have Conrad teach them. read more

Swim to Me - Waiting their turn. - Swimming Lessons/Schools Near Me

My son and daughter went here and we were more than happy with Conrad's teachings. He's nurturing yet firm, encouraging but not coddling. He's the right mix of teacher and coach for kids of all ages. I think the name Swim Whisperer suits him best because he has a way of helping the most scared kid love the water by the end of their sessions and sometimes the end of the first session. He's a joy to watch in action and if you can imagine it, it's a joy to relax in his beautiful backyard (yes I said relax while your child is being taught) listening to the Jazz playing over the sound system. I highly recommend Swim to Me! read more

Our then 5 year old son took 5 consecutive group classes with Conrad at his home. This teacher traumatized (and I'm not using this word lightly) our child so much that now, 2 years later, he is still afraid to put his head in the water. All his lessons ended in tears every. single. time. Conrad may have a teaching style that works for some, but not for every child. He does not change his 'style' to accommodate all types of children. If your child's personality does not mesh with his (i.e. a little more timid, lacks confidence, emotionally immature), then he/she is out of luck and will probably have a ruined relationship with the water, like my child. After 2 years, we finally convinced our child to get back in the pool for another lesson (with a different teacher, of course). What a world of difference. We have a happy swimming child now. Seeing this difference is what made me want to go back and write this review. read more

After reading Yelp reviews, Conrad Cooper is a love hate relationship. But the love hate comes down to the parents, not the child. If you tell your children to do what he tells you, be respectful and pay attention to those that are already swimming....you will end up with a child who understands water safety. My kids age 6 and 4 are completely opposite. The six year old, totally fearless will do what is told and volunteer to go first. My four year old, a little timid, will hesitate and be content with going last. However, both children improved beyond what I thought possible. Mr. Cooper spent equal amounts of time with both of them. At the end of the day, I would recommend Swim To Me. As long as you support the method, your child will be swimming better than you thought possible. read more

We had a very upsetting experience. Our daughter swallowed a lot of water and got an ear infection. She wasn't afraid of the water before but she is now. I think this is a better option if you've tried everything else first. The method is like exposure therapy. Pretty intense for a 3 year old. read more

I brought my son for lessons after hearing about Conrad from a friend. Their home is so beautiful and they have this peaceful music playing in the background as the kids have their lesson. Conrad was so patient with my son and I am so grateful because he truly learned how to swim. He is so confident in the water now and laughs as he dunks his head underwater and jumps from the stairs and swims to me. He is absolutely incredible to watch and I cannot thank Londa and Conrad enough for taking the time to reach my son. It's an investment I would happily make again because the result is my child's happiness and success with his brand new skill. read more

Thank you Conrad for all that you do !! Best swim instruction you can ever have ! Guaranty you could will Be pool safe! My kids lives swimming because of Conrad ! read more

All i can say is AMAZING!!!! Conrad is the "Kid Whisperer", I mean just crazy... my daughter is 4 years old and finally after 3 years of no-swimming in the pool i decided to sign her up for swimming classes with Conrad Cooper.... the best $200 i have ever spent. $200 for 5 hrs of class and guarantee your child will be able to swim, or the least not cry and be afraid of the water anymore. His method is very "no mercy" type of way, but it works. I mean, he can do that because he is not emotionally attached to the kids like us parents... we would never dip our kids head under water while they scream on top of their lungs, but he can, and it works!!!!! in the same time, he is soothing and the kids just trust him, they somehow know that he will not let them go and he will be there every step of the way. I cant wait to go back w my daughter for more classes.... simply amazing!!!! read more

Our daughter Arielle learned to swim from Conrad over 18 years ago! Wow, time flies. I stumbled on this yelp page and my spirit just HAD to contribute. Conrad is a blessing to the community at large. He IS in charge, big time and we respected his position at all times. His teaching was so good, that Arielle today absolutely adores the water, swims for hours in the ocean, and she is quite capable. Anyone who cow-tows to the notion of child centered rearing is in for a rude awakening when their kids hit puberty. Hats off to you, Conrad and glad to learn that you are still at it. Hi Londa! Ziva and LaRue read more

My twin son and daughter began swimming with Conrad when they were 2 years old. Yes, they cried at first but that's to be expected. I liked that Conrad was gentle but firm and it made my kids respect him. In a very short time, they learned to dive into the water, not to fear the deep end, and to swim under water the entire length of the pool! They are 7 years old now and absolute fishes. Just the other day my son said, "I miss Mr. Conrad." It saddens me to read these negative reviews. Parents need to realize that kids are tougher than you think. Embracing them getting a thick skin will help them excel in the harsh reality of the 'real' world. read more

My daughter is a great swimmer and it is 100% because of Conrad. My son took Lessons for the last two summers and it is only a matter of time before he is as good as his sister. I have one more that's not old enough yet but as soon as Conrad will take him he will be swimming there too! The pool is gorgeous , and the atmosphere is relaxing! I love our week long swim lessons in the summer. He is a great teacher that teaches kids patience and respect for the water! There is no better feeling than knowing your kid is a great swimmer! I cannot say enough good things about Conrad and Londa! read more

Mr Conrad has done well with my daughter. He teaches more than one kid at a time which I feel is beneficial. While the children wait for their turn they are watching each other learning what Conrad has taught them which also gives the children confidence in themselves confidence in themselves to do the same thing. I'm enrolled her for two weeks and she has come so far. She is swimming now. Her first day was rough. She cried and he was patient with her. But when we got home, she couldn't wait to go back the following day. She has been this way everyday and on the weekends. I can't wait for my son to start... read more

Conrad is an excellent instructor that knows how to get the best out of your child. My daughter is 4 and was petrified of going under water. Day one of swim class with Conrad she cried and tried to negotiate with him for her not to go under water. I knew she was in excellent hands and let the instructor lead. Day two she was hesitant but didn't cry and was more confident. Conrad has a soothing voice and is assertive with his teachings. By the end of her last session she was left wanting more. I signed London up for a second session of 5 because now she loves swimming and is progressing with each session. I highly recommend this class, I thought it was impossible for my daughter to get over her fear but thanks to Conrad she now has. 5+ rating and thank you for all that you do with these kids! read more

When I took my children to Swim to Me, I had one expectation: That they learn how to swim. Since I taught my nieces and nephews to swim, I knew I had to check my ego at the door - because of the dozens of people I knew personally (and obviously thousands more that I didn't) that had successful results. I was not at all shocked when both of my kids learned to swim within the first week of working with Conrad. I can't speak intelligently about anyone else's experience, but I know this has been the sentiment with all of the parents in our classes. This is a collaborative learning environment. Watching other children gave my daughter and my son the confidence to try harder. They watched other kids and by the end of the week, they were helping to encourage new friends. I would suggest that before someone pulls out a stop watch, that they watch how engaged the children are, and that by staying focused in the class for the entire period, it could likely reveal the full benefits of your child swimming. I have a friend who sent his children to the Westchester YMCA. 15 minutes per day for a week with the instructor....they didn't learn to swim...two weeks later, they went to Conrad and you guessed it! Little Swimmers! Quality over quantity...A parent talked about timing her child's instruction at 3.5 minutes. Let's multiply that by five - you get 17 and a half minutes for the week. That means - I have two children that learned to swim in less than 20 minutes each! I do not want to insult anyone, but I think I will go with my personal experience - as well as that of thousands of SoCal parents who rest easy when their kids are swimming because of Swim to Me. As I have bragged to many this summer, neither of my children have reached the age of nine yet, but both were snorkeling with me in Maui last month. Again, I went to the class concerned about the quality of the instruction and the proof is in the results. read more

Bow down to this man!!!! My 4 year old daughter cried the first day, but only because she was nervous. Once he worked his magic she was smiling and giving me the thumbs up. We just had our first weekend, Saturday she cried a little and by Sunday she couldn't wait to go to class. She was so excited! I saw two kids crying at the top of their lungs Saturday and by Sunday jumping into the pool with Conrad. Best investment hands down! Money well spent! I immediately signed her up for another session this summer, and will most likely sign her up every summer!!!! read more

It's taken me over a month to post the traumatic video of my 3 year old son who was carelessly released from Conrad's grip as Conrad turned his focus away from my son to splash away a bug in the water. I shudder to think what could have happened if I didn't have my eyes plastered to my son. Please watch the video and see for yourselves before you make the decision whether or not you would entrust this man with your child. Conrad consistently turns his back on upwards of 10 kids, most of whom have NO IDEA how to swim. There are no other set of eyes watching. This is UNSAFE. You've been warned. Watch the video in the "Photos and Videos" section and see for yourselves the careless nature in which Conrad literally forgets my son as he starts to sink under water. read more

Mr. Conrad is the best swim teacher ever!! He is really awesome with the kids and will have your child swimming by the end of the week. He is so calm and patient with the kids and get them to trust him in the water. I would recommend this class to everyone but if u cant take your child crying for the first day or so and try to baby your child this class is not for you. If your child crys on the first day, guaranteed by the end of the week your child will be jumping in and not want to stop swimming . I absolutely am going to spend my money only with Mr. Conrad. My daughter's love him and now LOVE water. Thanks Mr. Conrad for teaching my girls see you next summer. read more

Swim to Me - My girls with mr. Conrad. - Swimming Lessons/Schools Near Me

We went back for a second week to reinforce what our toddlers learned earlier this summer. AMAZING! The difference in their comfort level in the water is night and day. Our son even jumped off the lower rock and swam to the other side of the pool. Our daughter by the end of the week was "no tears" and saying "Over there! Over there!" and pointing to the side of the pool with a smile on her face and then swimming there. We continue to be impressed by what Conrad does to get the most tentative and frightened children in the pool and swimming by the weeks end. For those who say that Conrad's techniques are too harsh, we have never seen any evidence of that and think that those people are missing the point. What Conrad is doing is estabishing ground rules for water safty and and to give children the tools to be safe, happy and confident in the water - for a lifetime. He is the swim whisperer. read more

We signed our kids up with Conrad after going to the Y for 3 years. My daughter hated swimming and just couldn't grasp it. After 2 days of being with Conrad not only did she love the water but she was swimming across the pool and jumping off of the rock. My son was very fearful in the water but after being with Coach Conrad for 2 days he was a happy camper. We haven't been this season because of scheduling but we will be back next season. On the first day of the class most kids will cry but by the 3rd day every kid is smiling and enjoying the water and by the end of the week most kids are swimming. It's amazing what Conrad does with the kids and adults. We love Conrad and Londa and would recommend them to anyone looking for te best swim lessons in LA! read more

Conrad is the Swim Whisperer, I have watched as my son who began in April as a 2 year old gain confidence as well as swim holding his breath across the pool. I cannot explain my gratitude to Conrad and his lovely wife Londa. It has been my proudest moment as a mother to watch as my son gained confidence and the necessary skills, including holding his breath, holding onto the edge of the pool, as well as keeping his eyes open while swimming under water. Not only have I watched my own son, but children of all ages become aware and confident in the pool. It is a gift to have such a remarkable instructor as Conrad, and I encourage all parents to have their children take Conrad's intensive week long swim class. My son being so young attended 6 sessions over a 4 month period. I cannot wait for him to begin classes next year. read more

Conrad is the SWIM WHISPERER! It's amazing how much he taught me in one week! I'm a lot more confident in the water and very motivated to continue practicing what I learned from him. I plan to return for a follow up session next year. read more

Conrad is really the swim whisperer. He did an amazing job teaching my son to Swim. This is our second year back and my son is now swimming and was even confident enough to jump off the big rock!! He can be a little tough on the kids and strict but I think this is what the kids need. When they sit on the step they need to learn patience, to wait their turn and to work it out for themselves. He can be strict but the truth is in the real world there are consequences and so are there in the pool. Swimming is fun but a serious activity that kids need to take seriously. My kid made tremendous progress with Conrad and even kids that were scared of the water and were crying hysterically on the 5th day they were swimming with confidence and had a smile on their face. I would definitely RECCOMEND swim to me to anyone who wants to teach their kid to swim and realize that's it's hard. The first day is sometime harder for the adults the the kids but at the end u will be very happy with the results!!! read more

Absolutely outstanding! First of all I dreaded taking my daughter to other swimming lessons. An hour of prep time for a 20 minute lesson, showering her in some tiny stall. It was not an enjoyable experience. Conrad's house is comfortable and calming for parents and children. Classes are an hour long and you sit in comfortable chairs while listening to their lovely outdoor music. All the parents are cheerful and happy. I thought it would be a negative that the classes were not private however the children are a help to one another so the group setting was a positive. Ok let's get to the swimming! By the end of week one my 4 year old was swimming under water, she could swim across the pool and jump in without fear. Conrad is gentle and assertive at the same time. All I can say is that he is the "swim whisperer." His wife who handles the organizing was prompt and understanding. This will be the best money you will ever spend! read more

Spending $825 this Summer for my Niece Bailey to learn how to swim is the best thing I could've done. I am very pleased with the results. I am looking forward to sending my Grand daughter and my Nephew next Summer. I have recommended your services to several people. Thank you for your services! Conrad and Londa are great! read more

We loved our experience with Conrad! We've tried so many classes in different swimming schools, but never seen the results. Only after taking classes with Conrad we started seeing progress. Great teacher, clean environment and amazing customer service! read more

Amazing swim teacher! All my little cousins have been taught by him. Neighborhood staple, very nice guy and super patient. Definitely approve of bringing your children here read more

Reviewing for a friend who does not have a Yelp account. She took her 3 year old daughter to his class. After repeated dunks under the water, she began to cry and was eventually kicked out of the class. A few hours later at home, her daughter began having problems breathing. They rushed her to the hospital and it turned out she was suffering from dry drowning. Thankfully they got her help in time and she is OK, but needless to say does not want to get near a pool at this time! read more

My kids are really enjoying this swim class. Pros-Conrad really helps the kids forget about any fear and encourages them. My kids have really improved already!! Cons-way too much waiting for other kids to take their turns. For what we are paying, there should be more instruction per child. read more