Little Whale Swim School

Little Whale Swim School is a child development-based program that teaches life-saving, life-long skills. Unlike traditional swim programs designed by Olympians or coaches, Little Whale's unique curriculum was developed by credentialed schoolteachers. Their approach is organic, incorporating a variety of teaching tools, songs, games, and layered instruction to customize each child’s learning experience.

 

Owner Anya Hall takes immense pride in her staff, describing them as 50 of the best swim instructors in California. The instructors at Little Whale Swim School are dedicated to building strong connections with their students and making a lasting impact on their lives. Their swim schools are purpose-built for instruction, and their teachers undergo an extensive and ongoing training program to ensure the highest level of expertise. The school prioritizes the life-saving benefits of swimming lessons, and Hall credits her team for upholding that mission every day.

Drowning remains the leading cause of accidental death in children under the age of five, a staggering reality that underscores the importance of formal swim instruction. A study by the National Institutes of Health found that formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by up to 88%.

 

Little Whale Swim School begins lessons earlier than most swim programs, welcoming children as young as two months old. They strongly encourage infant swimming lessons before six months of age to take advantage of the natural "Moro reflex," which helps babies instinctively hold their breath underwater. Families who attend Little Whale Swim School consistently praise the customized lesson plans, exceptional instructors, and well-designed facilities.

 

Hall, a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, was a four-year Division I All-American swimmer and a National Champion in 2000. She also qualified for three events in the 2000 U.S. Olympic Trials. Hall comes from a family deeply rooted in the swim school industry. Her parents founded La Petite Baleen Swim Schools in their backyard the year she was born. After spending 16 years as the Curriculum & Marketing Director at La Petite Baleen, she launched her own swim school in Sacramento in 2017. Today, Little Whale Swim School has grown to two locations, in the Arden area and Land Park.

 

Hall’s passion for child water safety is at the heart of Little Whale Swim School. “Quite simply, I love children, and I love the water,” she shares. “But reducing the risk of drowning is something I am deeply committed to. I’m fortunate to mentor young people, watch children thrive, and, in doing so, help save lives every day.”