Testimonials

“I wanted to take the time out to say thank you for all that you have done for and with me this past week. I am a 28 year-old male who never achieved a good comfort level in the water. All that changed once I started working with John.  Although my insecurities in water made my first day difficult, John never once wavered in his promise to helping me become a confident swimmer.  When I first started lessons with John I could not float or tread water.  By the end of my fourth class I was able to swim a lap in the pool. John’s patience helped me to relax and work toward feeling comfortable in the water.  John’s ability to apply different ways of instruction to my learning capabilities yielded incredible results in my case.  I’m sure he can do the same for you also.”

“John — Thank you for helping Will learn to swim.  He has been so excited. I was very happy with his progress and the approach you used with him.  What is most important to me is that Will progressed so quickly and really seemed to be enjoying himself.”

“Thanks again for helping me overcome my fear. As a kid growing up, I was afraid of deep water. A near death experience in a friend’s swimming pool at the age of 10 contributed to this and has been with me ever since (currently 28). Living in California, it was a constant embarrassment to have to admit that I couldn’t swim and always avoided going to the deep end of a pool. I finally made a commitment to overcome my fear and learn to swim. I came across John’s website during my research and decided to try him out. Like most people, I was skeptical at first but remained open to what he had to offer. I have to say, after completing his 4 class course I am absolutely amazed at what I was able to accomplish. I’ve overcome my fear of deep water, learned how to swim, and at the same time, feel more confident about myself. His training was phenomenal to say the least; he was very patient, knowledgeable, and accommodating to my specific needs. I highly recommend his services; you will be surprised after one session. The prices may seem steep in the beginning, but the results are priceless.”

“At the age of 5 my father took me to a pool and tried to teach me how to swim. I was paralyzed with fear. No matter how hard he tried, I wouldn’t let go of him. As I grew up the fear grew with me. Over the years, many people unsuccessfully tried to teach me and help me overcome my fear. I wanted to learn but the idea of being in the water without my feet touching the ground was petrifying, I was convinced I would drown. I hated the idea of giving up, but once when I almost drowned in the ocean I was convinced I would never be able to swim.

This past January I moved to San Diego and for some reason thought about swimming lessons again. After some Internet surfing, I came upon John’s website. The whole thing seemed too good to be true, even though the testimonials on the site sounded very convincing. Despite my skepticism, I emailed John and set up the lessons – I’m so glad I did. John is very patient and his unique techniques really do work. He made me feel very comfortable and I did not feel awkward or judged. He helped me overcome my fear by incorporating simple and logical steps. I felt a bit overwhelmed when he took me into the deep end, so he took it very slow. By the end of my first lesson I was floating and by the end of the fourth I was swimming unassisted. I even managed to go to a pool by myself and swim. I am in the middle of my second set of lessons and John is teaching me how to breathe and swim laps.

I recommend John to anyone who is afraid of drowning but really wants to learn how to swim and overcome his/her fears. Don’t be skeptical; if it worked for me, it will work for anyone. And it is an amazing feeling. Thank you John, you have changed my life and made me feel so proud of myself.”

“I am a 59 year old retired physician who swam poorly.  I had two near drowning experiences in my life (one of which I recalled on my way to my first lesson with John). I could swim, but felt panicked the entire time.  I basically muscled my way through the water in a very tense manner.  Thanks to John, that has all but disappeared.  John taught me how to “move the float forward” in a relaxed and efficient manner.  I kept practicing what he taught me last month, continue to improve, and am now swimming regularly. I’m actually enjoying it.  I find it a relaxing way to exercise and once I achieve my distance goal – I will take it to the ocean.  If you have experienced any fear of the water in your life, and that fear is what is keeping you from swimming, you absolutely need John’s help, because that fear will be conquered and will become a thing of the past for you.  John erased 50 years of the fear of swimming for me in 4 lessons and for that I am grateful.”

“We were headed out on a scuba trip and asked John to get our 6 yr old comfortable with mask, fins and snorkel. She had always refused to even put on swim goggles. In less than 10 minutes, he had motivated Sarah to test the waters. In less than 25 minutes, she was clearing her mask and ready to head into open waters it seemed.  We will let her play the rest of this summer and I am sure we will be back to John later for help with her swimming form.  John is convenient, reasonable, organized and has a way with kids that works. Thanks!”

“My 6 year-old daughter tends to get frustrated when she doesn’t master a new skill fast so she was a bit anxious about learning how to swim. I found out about John’s private lessons on line. The fee seemed a bit high but then again I thought, “He must know what he’s doing.” Within a couple of lessons, John had found a way to allow my daughter to relax totally in the water. Once she learned how to relax, she followed his instructions and started to swim almost right away. Before I took her to John’s, she was not skilled enough to take Beginner I lessons and I’m happy to report that she is now enrolled in Beginner II. She’s very proud of herself and so am I. I’m very happy about the results and I am now telling other moms about John.”

“I’m in my thirties and until recently I couldn’t swim to save my life…literally! So after trying the classes offered by the Rec Center a couple of summers in a row and not progressing at all, I decided to find a private instructor. I was very anxious before my first lesson (I was nervous about going into the deep end) but the lesson started quite simply in the jacuzzi. I got to relax and we then moved on to the shallow end of the pool where I practiced my swimming. By the end of the 4 lessons, I had gone from the shallow end to the deep end several times. My kicking is good now. I know how to save myself thanks to John who showed me how while I was in the deep end. Although my technique still needs practice, I can finally say that I can swim. I highly recommend John to any adult who wants to learn how to swim or get over their fears of the deep end. His house is conveniently located near Highway 5; there’s always nice relaxing music in the background and John is very understanding and patient.”

“John,

My 5 1/2 yr old son took a one week package of lessons with John. I wasn’t sure how it was going to go since my son had initially expressed a desire to learn to swim but days before his lessons, he started saying that he didn’t want to go or put his head in the water. John was very patient and kind with my son. He showed my son what to do and instructed him to do it in a way that my son accepted. By the end of the 1st 25-minute lesson, my son had his face in the water and was able to hold his breath! By the end of the 1st lesson, my son was begging to go back to see John. By the end of the 2nd session, my son was able to swim across the pool with his head in the water! My husband and I were amazed! By the end of the 4th session, my son was willing and able to jump into the pool and swim to the side. We highly recommend taking John’s classes. His gentle but direct manner is wonderful. He goes at the person’s pace and then pushes them a little farther, but in a way that encourages rather than forces the person. He was definitely worth the drive down from Carlsbad.”

“I began my lessons with John as a complete non-swimmer. I almost drowned as a child and spent the majority of my life avoiding water. At 27-years-old I decided to toss aside my fear and embarrassment and give swimming another try. I found the testimonials encouraging and the private, one-on-one lessons appealing. John was very patient and took time teaching me the basics in a way I could mimic and understand. By my 7th lesson I was able to step off the diving board and swim the length of the pool. This was a huge feat for me and a total accomplishment. John gave me the confidence and tools I need to swim on my own and perfect my skills. I would recommend his lessons to anyone and everyone interested in learning to swim and/or overcoming their fears!”

“Thank you for being patient with me and my wife. We learned so much from you. I know I need to work more on my kick, so I signed up at a fitness club and I now practice swimming there 3-4 times a week. You’re a great teacher and your words are still in my head whenever I make a mistake with my technique. In fact my wife is really good at imitating you. You made swimming fun and exciting for us. We will be back soon for more lessons.”

Hi John,

Coming to take your swim lessons, some of my concerns were how much someone who has not stepped into a pool would be able to get out of 4 lessons. You put me at ease and helped me overcome my fear of water. I think starting off in the Jacuzzi helped overcome the fear and quickly transition to the pool.

I believe that a teacher like you who enjoys teaching imparts a lot more knowledge. Your humorous style, the tips and tricks and your judgment on when to move me on to the next level was perfect.

I always thought it was impossible to be able to learn to move and swim underwater in such a short period of time. What I achieved in those 4 sessions far exceeded my expectations and the goal I had set for myself. I am going to be working on improving my technique and would try and come back for a few more lessons as time permits.

John,

As a 35 year old non-swimmer, it was hard to get myself to take swim lessons. I was embarrassed. I kind of thought it was too late. When I was about 10 years old I had a “near death” experience in the ocean that left me scared of the water.

Growing up I would always make excuses when friends had pool parties or beach parties. I would sometimes fake illnesses to stay home so I didn’t have to be embarrassed about not knowing how to swim. Good friends were surfing, and I had to make excuses why I hated cold water, etc. As my kids got old enough to take swim lessons they started asking me why i didn’t swim with them.

I did a lot of searching online and read reviews of all types of places and teachers. I read some lessons online that prepared me to take real lessons. Finally I decided to schedule some private lessons with John. I only wish I had done so YEARS ago. John showed me how he floated like a ball filled with air. I was very skeptical and petrified, but John was very patient and understanding. Soon I was floating, then actually feeling relaxed. I was able to swim across the pool sideways holding my breath. When John finally got me to float in the deep water I couldn’t believe it, it was like I was in a dream, but at the same time I was mad at myself for not doing this sooner. On the 4th lesson, I actually jumped into the deep end and floated up to the surface. It was literally life changing! I am now enjoying taking the kids to the pool and have started taking surfing lessons from a friend of mine.

If you are at all like me DO NOT WAIT! Schedule some private lessons now. John is very understanding and patient. I am having so much fun in the water now that I am no longer scared of it. I still need more lessons to get the breathing part down, and I plan on taking more lessons with John.

Hi John,

I just wanted to let you know how much Eva enjoyed her private lessons with you. She had previously taken a year’s worth of lessons once a week at Aqua Pros for over $600 and was still not swimming on her own. Going to friend’s homes with a pool was frustrating because they can swim and she couldn’t! In just 4 lessons with you she was able to swim across your pool (kicking, freestyle arms, blowing out her breath under water and coming up for breaths), dive for shells using her “hearts” (breaststroke), swim under water and gain a ton of confidence that she didn’t have before. We will be enjoying the rest of the summer practicing what you taught her and having SO MUCH MORE FUN than before the lessons. We look forward to seeing you next summer.

Thanks!

“I am a 33 year old non-swimmer. I have always enjoyed the water, but did not know how to swim. Different people have tried to teach me, but with no success. When I went to Mr. Tarney’s class I was scared, but also excited to learn. After just one class I was swimming! I couldn’t believe it. I have tried so long and finally I was able to swim. I know that it will take alot of practice to become efficient, but with Mr. Tarney’s lessons I overcame my fear of the water. Thank you so much.”

“At first I was really scared.  But then I liked it (swim lessons).”

“Mr. Tarney provides a welcoming environment for both learners and observers (of all ages).  His approach is wise, respectful of fears, and reasonable in its expectations.  I felt his “philosophy” regarding swim instruction fostered interest, comfort and real learning.”

“Since my son was 4, I have spent approximately $1,500.00 on swim lessons. All of his lessons have been with a well-known swim school. Now 6, I wanted to get an outside evaluation. I took him to John for 4 – 25 minute lessons and it was apparent what skills my son had not being taught properly.

Even though my son enjoyed the social aspect of a group lesson at his former swim school, it was quite apparent money had been wasted on lost time on what were truly ‘play dates’ in a pool.

Now my son is driven to swim properly and even enjoyed being taught how to snorkel by John. Hawaii here we come!”

My kids could not wait to go swim with John each day of their 4 day session.  The lessons were balanced, informative and fun.  Both kids improved their strokes, breaths and confidence in the water. Jumps off of John’s diving board or diving for shells  were treasured rewards during class.

The calm music and setting of John’s pool made for a very relaxing learning environment.  John has lots of patience and different ideas to use when trying to get the kids to the next level.  It was a great experience!  Thanks John!

John was an amazing teacher with my stubborn 7-year old son.  My son would not even put a toe in the water and John had him swimming and diving for items by the second lesson.  My son couldn’t wait to continue!  I recommend John for any child — easy going to the most difficult.

“After spending over $1000.00 this summer on private swim lessons with another instructor closer to home (North County), I decided to give John a call as my sons Abraham 6, and Gabriel 4, still refused to even get their face wet. We signed up for a week with John to give it one last try. Ten minutes into our first swim lesson, my son Abraham was putting his entire face into the water!

Abraham has a sensory integration disorder and earning his trust in the water is no easy task for anyone. I was so delighted with John’s patience and ability to earn Abrahams trust, even in the first ten minutes of meeting each other!

Swimming is such a vital life skill- it really pays to have someone with John’s experience; natural ability, patience and insights teach your children to swim. Put simply: you won’t find a better swim instructor in San Diego.

I believe that a big part of what makes John so special and amazing with children is the fact that he has not forgotten what it is like to be a child. He is very much aware of their fears and never misses the opportunity to encourage.”

“John was very patient and made the lessons enjoyable and fun. My freestyle, backstroke, and breaststroke have improved tremendously, as well as my confidence in swimming. John uses creative techniques in his teachings that will stay with the student for a long time.”

“A history of ear infections as an infant kept me away from the water. After a trip to Australia, I was sad to have missed out on the opportunity to explore the underwater world, so I decide to learn swimming/ snorkeling. I found John’s website very convincing and signed up for 4 lessons.

I quickly connected with John’s unique, well-designed teaching method. A big light went on for me during his one of a kind introduction. His demonstrations, vocal cues, and gentle manner in correcting my mistakes made me feel safe and secure. He also pointed out and prepared me for potential problems I might encounter while swimming in the ocean. John also removed my fear of ear infection by introducing me to ‘SwimEar.’

“John: As a 44 year old non-swimmer who was dragged into the deep end a few too many times by my older siblings in my youth (yes, there was a little baggage there), I finally decided that it was time to take some swim lessons last May. As luck had it, my limited Internet search and research led me to John Tarney. Let me tell you, it was a great move. I was missing out on a ton of fun for several years for no real reason.

If you are worried about being an older goof ball taking lessons, don’t worry. First, John is an excellent, levelheaded teacher; he’s great with the “big kids” as well as little ones. Secondly, it’s far more goofy to be an older non-swimmer making excuses for staying out the water. It’s really just that simple – give it a shot. You never know, you may have a lot more fun and possibly save a life (including your own) one day. As for the last few months, life in the water has been a lot more fun!”

“I felt queasy in my stomach when I heard my mom was going to give me swimming lessons, because I couldn’t swim. I was afraid I might drown. Even though it’s never happened to me, I still believed there was a chance I could. But when I got there I really liked John, my swimming teacher, because he was nice to me and encouraged me. Now my mom says I look like a frog swimming in the water. I feel great and inspired now that I can swim. My best stroke is the breaststroke. I still haven’t mastered the crawl stroke but I believe I will with John.