Private Swim Lessons contract template
A signed agreement matters more here than for almost any other profession on this site — swim lessons carry genuine drowning and injury risk, and most of these clauses exist because a single serious incident, not just a billing dispute, is the realistic worst case.
Scope and format of lessons
State the student's name/age, lesson length, number of lessons or package size, and the specific skills/goals being taught (water comfort, floating, a specific stroke, etc.) so expectations are clear before the first session.
Assumption of risk and liability waiver
Have the parent/guardian (or adult student) acknowledge the inherent risk of water-based instruction in writing — standard across the swim-instruction industry, and it doesn't replace insurance, but it establishes informed consent and can help in a dispute.
Supervision responsibility outside the lesson
If teaching at a client's own pool, clarify that a parent or guardian must remain present and responsible for supervising the pool area outside the lesson itself — you are teaching a lesson, not acting as a lifeguard for the whole property.
Pool access and condition requirements
Specify who provides the pool and the water-quality, depth, and temperature conditions that must be met before a lesson can safely proceed — you should be able to decline or reschedule a lesson if the pool isn't safe.
Health and medical disclosure
Require disclosure of swimmer's ear history, seizure disorders, asthma, or any other condition relevant to water safety before the first lesson.
Cancellation and weather policy
Outdoor-pool lessons are weather-dependent — set a clear reschedule policy for rain, cold snaps, or pool closures, separate from your standard no-show/late-cancellation policy.
Payment terms
Specify per-lesson rate or package price, payment schedule, and refund/credit policy if a package is discontinued early.
This is general guidance, not legal advice. Consider having a local attorney review your final agreement.