30+ YEARS OF SWIM INSTRUCTION
Building Safe, Confident Swimmers
Personalized, Private Swim Lessons in Sarasota, FL & Surrounding Areas
Water Safety Starts At Home!
PRIVATE LESSONS | WE COME TO YOU | INFANTS–ADULTS | YEAR-ROUND | HEATED PRIVATE POOL AVAILABLE
Experience You Can Trust. A Program Built to Last.
For more than 30 years, Starfish founder Amy Diamond has taught swimmers of all ages, coached swim teams, lifeguarded, and built successful swim programs. After founding and successfully operating Lil' Guppies Swim School in Los Angeles for two decades, Amy decided to bring that experience to Sarasota and established Starfish Swim School SRQ.
Today, that experience lives on through Amy and every Starfish Team Instructor, who are all specifically selected and trained in the Starfish teaching philosophy.
The Starfish Method
One proven philosophy. Individualized for every swimmer.
No two swimmers learn exactly the same way. Our instructors meet each swimmer
where they are; adapting instruction to their age, ability, experience,
comfort level, learning style and goals. At Starfish SRQ, every swimmer is welcome. Our individualized approach allows us to support a wide range of learning styles, sensory needs, developmental differences, physical and neurological abilities, anxiety, fear of the water, and previous water-related trauma.
The FOUR PILLARS of the STARFISH METHOD:
WATER SAFETY & SURVIVAL
Our first priority and layer of protection.
Skills & Simulations to help swimmers navigate the water smartly, safely & efficiently.
INDIVIDUALIZED INSTRUCTION
Lessons designed around the swimmer—NOT a one-size-fits-all progression.
CONFIDENCE & COMPETENCE
Building swimmers who feel capable, comfortable and confident in the water.
LIFELONG SKILLS
We don't stop at survival.
We help swimmers continue to develop skills, refine technique, build strength & endurance,
and fulfill lifelong enjoyment with the water!
The Starfish Standard
Every Starfish instructor is personally selected and trained by founder Amy Diamond in the Starfish teaching method. This ensures every student receives a consistent standard of individualized, age-appropriate and ability-appropriate instruction delivered by the Starfish Team.
All Starfish instructors are Infant, Child & Adult CPR and First Aid Certified and bring extensive experience in swim instruction and working with children of all ages, abilities and skill levels. At Starfish SRQ, every swimmer is welcome.
From Water Safety to Lifelong Swimming
Water safety is where swimming begins—not where it ends.
At Starfish, our goal is to help swimmers become safe, capable, and confident in the water throughout every stage of life. From an infant's first experience in the pool, to a competitive swimmer's stroke development, to a senior enjoying gentle water exercise, our
individualized instruction evolves with you.
PRIVATE LESSONS | WE COME TO YOU | INFANTS–ADULTS | YEAR-ROUND | HEATED PRIVATE POOL AVAILABLE
What Sarasota Families Are Saying...
Tressa O.
"Katie is friendly, warm, and effective as a swim instructor! She has been the highlight of my son’s week! She is always happy, punctual and patient. I am so glad we went with Starfish Swim School of all the options in Sarasota!"
Rebecca S.
"We have had a great experience with Amy / Starfish Swim School! The perfect mixture of learning safety and meeting your child where they are each day. Pushing them a bit outside their comfort zone, and knowing when it’s enough! Nurturing, respectful, and knowledgeable. Giving you tools you can practice all the time."
Lyndsay F.
"Great experience! Sydney has been a wonderful instructor and has helped build confidence and skills in the water week after week.
She is kind, patient, friendly, and creates a positive learning environment that makes each lesson enjoyable. It’s clear she genuinely cares about her students’ progress, and her encouragement and instruction make a real difference.
Highly recommend!"
Priya M.
"Highly recommend! The owner (Amy) is unbelievably kind and patient- as a parent herself she understands the importance of swim safety. My son has been in once a week swim classes for the past 2 years, still unable to swim. Then after 3 lessons with Katie, he was already doing better than ever before! This investment is worth it- I highly recommend."
