★ 5

We’ve been attending bear paddle LITH for about a year. Both kids have been doing very well , with one ready to graduate. They are extremely helpful and super nice! Highly recommend !

Source: Google

★ 5

What a blast.

Great faculty

Great facility

They do their best to accommodate every schedule. We respect the fact that they have a very diverse set of kids.

A two-year-old is crushing it

Can’t wait to get our youngest started when he hits six months!

Source: Google

★ 5

This was my son's first swim class and we ended up scheduling more classes! Abbie was excellent. She made the experience so great and was so kind and encouraging. Would definitely recommend Bear Paddle, and Abbie!

Source: Google

★ 5

We absolutely love Bear Paddle! My son used to hate swimming and would get anxious every time we mentioned lessons. But ever since he started here, everything has changed — now he looks forward to swim day every week!

Coach Abby has been incredible — patient, encouraging, and so good at building his confidence in the water. She makes learning fun and really connects with the kids. And a big thank-you to Steven, the manager, for always being welcoming and running such a positive, well-organized school.

We’ve seen such a huge improvement not only in my son’s swimming skills but also in his attitude toward the water. We’re so grateful for the care and dedication the whole team puts into what they do.

Source: Google

★ 5

We did trials at a couple places, but our kids always felt the most comfortable at Bear Paddle (and so did we!)
Steven, the manager, seems to go above and beyond every single time we see him. He's in the water doing assessments and hands on with each kid, assisting and encouraging from the pool deck, and gives preparatory talks to his team before the start of each day of lessons. You'll always get a warm hello and an enthusiastic high five for the kiddos from Steven!
We have had many great coaches, some of which have come and gone due to school schedules, etc. But our current coaches are Coach Abby and Coach Riley. The kids respond so well to their teaching styles and have tons if fun in the water. They're encouraged to work toward hitting their next milestone and the coaches are so genuinely excited when the kids do so.
When one of our 4 year old's favorite coaches went back to school, Steven matched him with the person he knew he'd do best with and not just whoever was available. You can tell he really cares about the progress and success of these kids and Bear Paddle just wouldn't be nearly the same without him! Everyone is amazing, but he is the true heart of this place.

Source: Google

★ 5

I just wanted to say a big thank you to Allie and Steven for the amazing customer service.They are always kind, patient and welcoming. My son Nikodem feels comfortable and excited to come for his swimming classes because of them. It is clear they truly care about the kids and their progress. We really appreciate the smiles, support and kindness we receive from them every time we come in. Thank you for making learning to swim such a fun and enjoyable experience.

Source: Google

★ 5

My son is fairly new to Bear Paddle and the experience has been phenomenal in the short couple months he’s attended. He’s so much more confident in the water and is more aware of water safety. We started with one day a week and we decided to add a second because of how amazing the staff and management have been. Abby V is his coach on one day and Abby J is his coach on the other, and I can’t give them enough praise. Special shout out to Kyle who had him in the beginning and was able to get him in the water on his first lesson. Steven the manager goes above and beyond to communicate with us on our son’s progress and has even gotten in the water when my son was hesitant at first. I would highly reccomend this place to anyone looking for swim lessons!

Source: Google

★ 5

My grandson has been coming here for 3 mos and has made great progress. We’ve had such a wonderful experience with Abby V. as our 4-year-old grandsons swim teacher! From the very first lesson, she made him feel safe, comfortable, and excited to get in the water. Abby V. has a calm, encouraging way of teaching that keeps lessons fun while still focusing on safety and skills.Everyone from the front desk to the teachers to Steven the mgr have been wonderful. We highly recommend Bear Paws to others.

Source: Google

★ 5

We’ve been coming here for about two years now and have had such a wonderful experience with every coach from one year old to three years. Transitioning him from the class where I’m in the pool to the class without me was one of the best experiences I’ve had here. Coach Bryer made him feel so comfortable. He had the best time and is so proud. We can’t wait to come back next week!

Source: Google

★ 5

BRIAR IS OUTSTANDING! Allie is AMAZING! Our twins love coming here and we have complete confidence in them!

Source: Google

★ 5

Both of my kids have been coming here since they were 2 years old and one is now 6 and the other is 4. The staff here is exceptional and have always had a great experience here. They are very clear in letting you know your child's progress. While all of the employees are great, Steven and Allie have been especially kind, and genuine!

Source: Google

★ 5

We have been going here for quite a while now and always have such a great experience. Allie who is always helping us up front is the best and we absolutely love dealing with her. All the teachers are great and we would absolutely recommend going here with your kiddos. Our son went from being afraid of water, to diving full under within a very short time. For how inexpensive it is along with all the perks (private lesson and family swim) I think it’s a must for fun and safety.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Amazing staff and swim teachers, highly recommend for safe swimming!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

We've been here since October 1, 2023, and my 5 year old is so happy to come each week.
We love the structure of lessons.
The most important thing to me as a parent is instructor engagement. They are all focused, kind, and attentive. Staff at the desk work hard to keep everything organized and keep parents informed.
My son has been swimming for 3 years, but has made so much progress in these last couple of months at Bear Paddle!
I'm so grateful to the program and everyone involved.

Update, my 2 year old had been there for a few months now and is loving it!
We couldn't be happier with her progress!

Update: 9/19/25 She's now 3 and working so hard. We love her instructor, Nora!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Bear Paddle LITH is a fantastic place to learn how to swim. Our daughter struggled with confidence in level 1 and they went above and beyond to help her gain confidence so she could move along in the program. The 1 on 1 lessons are great and she loves going to the swim camps. The ability to take the kids to family swim on the weekends is also a great perk. The employees are awesome and make swimming fun for the kids. I would absolutely recommend the LITH location and I'm so glad we chose this over other options.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 3

The swim instructors were nice when they showed up. We had a substitute who my child wasn't really comfortable with. Front desk is kinda pushy.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

The coaches here are phenomenal and the staff is all so friendly! We love Bear Paddle!

Source: Google

★ 1

While the swim coaches are kind for the most part, they are mainly high school kids. This place was costing us $110.00/mo for our son to have 4 classes, once a week, for 30 minutes that your child is in a shared lane with normally 2 other kids taking turns with the teacher. Basically, they get about 20mins of swim time a month for $100. A gym membership at lifetime costs 100/mo for adults and 50 for kids and you could do all that 24/hr (now 20 after covid) 7 days a week with all the amenities they offer. Basically, Bear Paddle is a total rip on price and quality of service. On top of that, the facility in LITH smells awful of chlorine AND is about 120 degrees in there at all times. So, while you get to watch your kid sit on the side of the pool for 30 mins, you get to sweat like a pig at the same time!

The only benefit of bear paddle has is it’s indoor, but so is lifetime and its doesn’t smell like a bottle of urine mixed with chlorine.

Go to your local park district if you are in the LITH/Algonquin area. It is a 1/4 of the cost and the pool is MUCH nicer.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 4

Just stopped by for introduction lesson for toddler. As a grandparent, I was able to see firsthand. Friendly staff, clean facilities.

Source: Google

★ 5

We are 100% thrilled with the instruction at Bear Paddle! The teachers are all so amazing and patient, the lessons are structured in such a way that kids develop true confidence in their skills and (most importantly) learn how to be safe in the water. You can see when you watch the other classes, from the very youngest to the most advanced, each level is catered to each child's ability and skill level, and progression is methodical and measured by learning attainable skills. I only wish we had found Bear Paddle sooner!

Source: Google

★ 1

Save your money! This is no better than a park district class with a hefty price tag. I signed my two boys up, hoping the price would mean that they would learn faster or have more skilled teachers.

From the 1st lesson in level 1, they were given 2 badges. They only needed to earn their floating badge. After $800 ($400/kid) and 15 lessons, they still can not float. They can keep a float by paddling bur cannot float on their back for 15 seconds. They will not move them to the next level. In 15 lessons and an absurd amount of money, my kids didn't learn a thing!

I kept bringing it to their attention. They response was, "Some kids can take 6 months to move up." My sister in law had the same issue. I didn't find out about it until after I enrolled my kids. This is a scam.

The pool and locker room are not the cleanest either.

I gave them 1 start because their teacher was very nice.

Source: Google

★ 5

Staff here have gone above and beyond for my son. Kaylee and Steven especially have worked so hard to get my son comfortable with the water and with swimming, and have been incredibly patient with him even on the days he doesn’t want to get in. The two of them have helped make swimming fun again. I cannot thank them enough for everything they do, every week!

Source: Google

★ 5

We highly recommend Bear Paddle-LITH! We’ve been here for a couple years, and my oldest is now a safe & confident swimmer!! We’re thrilled with his progress! Our *spicy* 4 year old recently started lessons and has had a tough time adjusting. Bear Paddle staff (both coaches & management) have been SO helpful & patient, offering creative solutions to help our little guy feel comfortable. They handle his challenging behaviors professionally & patiently! Bear Paddle-LITH truly continues to go above & beyond to support our swimmer & his needs!

Source: Google

★ 5

We love Bear Paddle Swim School! All of the teachers and staff are friendly. We love the monthly themes and the associated activities like BINGO and coloring sheets!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

My son looks forward to his swim lessons. When he started he was afraid to even float on his back. Now he is learning the butterfly.
The coaches are great with him. They really work with his personality to make learning to swim fun and safe.
The management is always friendly and helpful.
The workers at the front desk always take the time to answer my son's questions and chat with him after every lesson.
Bear Paddle was a great choice for us. I wouldn't go anywhere else.

Source: Google

★ 5

I definately recommend Bear Paddle for helping your kids learn to swim and gain confidence in the water! My 8 year old son and 3 year old daughter have been swimming here for over a year and love it! The coaches, especially Julia, Abby and Emma, are incredible! Very patient and encouraging. They make my kids feel safe and confident in the pool. The front desk staff is also very friendly and helpful with whatever we need. They take time to interact with my kids to make them feel welcome. The staff here goes above and beyond to make my kids love going to the pool and learning to swim!

Source: Google

★ 1

Call me old fashioned but I think customer service is the key to a great experience and this place lacks it in a big way. First impressions are everything and from day one no one at the front desk so much as looks at you or welcomes you with a hello or smile. In a "30 min" group class my child experiences maybe 5 mins of instruction. I can't say I've seen an "adult" present once and any concerns are quickly turned onto the parent or child. There are several things in the shower area that are not functioning, shower heads, lights, clothes drying unit... We received a free 1 on 1 30 min class and upon our arrival, on time, we waited 7 mins for another student to finish and the class ended on its scheduled time to accommodate the next student. There has been no feed back from the instructors or school in the 6 weeks my child has attended and at this point it's just not worth the money. We will be canceling and dealing with the remaining 30 days reluctantly.

Source: Google

★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Bear Paddle is a nurturing environment. They know my child and help her grow while respecting her boundaries. Engaging and fun way to learn safety. We've gone from crying the whole time to loving swimming. The badges are a nice way to track achievements.

Source: Google

★ 1

Can't reach anyone to return my calls or emails about pricing and lessons.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Been taking our daughter since she was 6 months old and she absolutely loves the water! Classes are run really well and Coach Madeline is the best! Only complaint is if you have really little kids, there are limited changing tables for getting dressed after lessons which can be a challenge.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Definitely an upgrade from the place I left. Instructors are way more hands on and are more knowledgeable with constructive feedback.

Source: Google

★ 4

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★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Reasonably priced and my tot loves swimming lessons.

Source: Google

★ 5

We love going to Bear Paddle. Instructor Marissa M. Is Amazing! My daughter wouldn't even go near water, Instructor Marissa worked with Mila and now she's on level 2. This is a big win for us. It's a group effort between us our kids and the instructors.
Thank you Marissa & Bear Paddle!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Everyone is so friendly and great with kids. Our kids love going to their swimming lessons!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 1

If I could give negative stars I would. My three year old son took Beginner swimming class here in which the instructors he had lacked major patience. I witnessed the instructors showing frustrations with him multiple times and one even forcefully using his hands to force him into swimming positions my son was clearly uncomfortable with. My three year old was fighting to break free from this mans grip. The instructor even looked back to see if I was watching. Our families experience with the school has been a very very bad experience and after realizing my children were not safe here I pulled them from the school.

Source: Google

★ 4

Nice place for kids to learn how to swim

Source: Google

★ 4

Week day crew seem much more attentive regarding interacting with kids as well as keeping face mask on/secured. Numerous times seeing staff pull mask down to talk to each other in pool or kids on weekend.

Source: Google

★ 4

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

$30 for a 30 min lesson/instruction. Groups are small enough so safety concerns are met. My daughter has been in a group of 2 and 3, and in a 5 week period has made drastic improvements in her abilities. Highly recommend.

Source: Google

★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Amazing staff. They truly try to help kids and work with them.

Source: Google

★ 5

We love Bear Paddle, especially coach Eva! She makes it really fun! My 5 y.o. just loves her. She plays with them during class, sings songs to them, makes it truely fun!

Source: Google

★ 4

We love taking our daughter there and she has gotten so much better with her skills since starting there. All of the teachers are wonderful too. The place is very clean and organized and classes are spaced away from each other. The only reason I can’t give a five star review is because they just never answer the phone and sometimes they called back when it’s too late. Sometimes they don’t call back at all.It would be better if somebody had to leave the desk that they carry a handheld with them so that they could answer the phone when they leave the desk too.

Source: Google

★ 5

Only have had great experiences here! Great place for your kids to learn to swim!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

This place impresses me everytime!
It's clean, the staff is incredible with kids, and they are experts at teaching swimming.

Source: Google

★ 5

Great experience, attentive instructors.

They are very patient and take things in steps, and relay clearly what my daughter needs to work on.

Source: Google

★ 5

I take Swim lessons there and their very good at comforting the kids and setting up their pools! Definitely recommend your kids to go their!

Source: Google

★ 5

This place is amazing!!! My kid has been going here since he was baby... and its a proud moment to see just how far he has come. Makes me feel tons more comfortable to have him around water. Highly reccommend Bear Paddle to anyone!

Source: Google

★ 5

My son had taken swim lessons prior to swimming at Bear Paddle but those lessons were nothing compared to the experience he gets at Bear Paddle. He has made so much progress over such a short period of time. The teachers are truly dedicated. When we come for family swim (which is included free with his lessons) the teachers are engaging, even outside of lessons. The facility is clean and always filled with smiling faces. My son loves coming to Bear Paddle, he always has so much fun.

Source: Google

★ 5

I’m so happy we found this swim school! The teachers are amazing, great with kids, and knowledgeable about water safety and building strong summers for life! I was beyond impressed with all the progress my kids have made since swimming here! My 4 year old can already do the butterfly!! My kids are exited to swim each week and love their coaches. The building is clean and inviting! I also love that the water is salt water, so the kids aren’t exposed to harsh chemicals. A perk of being a swimmer here is that on that weekends they offer family swim! I HIGHLY recommend Bear Paddle!

Source: Google

★ 5

Very happy with our experience! Clean facility and nice staff. Thank you

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

It's great for the kids to learn to swim

Source: Google

★ 3

Source: Google

★ 5

I signed my 3 year old up for swim lessons at Bear Paddle and it has been such an amazing experience. He was afraid of being in the water when he started, and now, just 5 months later, he is going under water, wearing swim goggles, and floating on his back with his wars submerged (this was a big issue). I am very happy with his progress. The team and facility is wonderful!

Source: Google

★ 1

I sent my two older children to dolphin but decide to send my youngest here as they just opened and are closer to home. Unlike dolphin they don't have a swim jr swim team which was a lot of fun for the kids. We had several issues with scheduling when nobody was assigned for his lesson and we would have to go home (never gave a credit either). Now that he wants to stop lessons and we informed them on the 15th of November we are told we have to pay for the rest of the year as we had to cancel December by November 7th. Very poorly ran and I do not recommend.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Friendly and accommodating staff, warm water for the kiddos, small class sizes. Great place for the little ones to learn water safety, how to swim, and have fun at the same time.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Great place! My son loves it.

Source: Google

★ 5

Coach Madison is amazing! She helped teach our son to love the water. The instruction, facilities, and experience at Bear Paddle is exceptional. I would consider swim lessons an essential for any child.

Source: Google

★ 5

Very pleased with Bear Paddle LITH! Clean facility. All of the instructors we’ve had so far are excellent with children and the customer service is great. Definitely recommend! My 5 year old has learned so much in 3 short months! He enjoys going every single week. The instructor:student ratio is worth the lesson rate.

Source: Google

★ 5

Amazing experience at LITH location. We have tried lessons at LifeTime, YMCA, and Dolphin. This place makes them look like amateurs. Having a dedicated pool designed for lessons sets them apart. The other places make lessons work on pools not really designed for lessons. There is also a deck manager that is constantly overseeing the class and making recommendations to the instructors if they see something the instructor does not. Can't say enough good things, you have to try it.

Source: Google

★ 5

The staff at Bear Paddle are fantastic and willing to bend over backwards to accommodate parents and their schedules.

My oldest daughter gets very anxious with boy swim teachers. We thought she was getting better so we scheduled her new level 3 class with a boy teacher so that her class would be at the same time as her little sister. I took her in this morning for her first class and she started crying and was not having a boy teacher :(

I went to the front desk to see if we could reschedule for another time with a girl teacher. Lauren was there to save the day. Knowing that her little sister also had a swim class scheduled at that time Lauren went above and beyond. Unable to find a day with both a level 1 and level 3 class (and a girl teacher!) she talked to both Britton (the current lvl3 teacher) and Shelby and got them to flip their classes so that Shelby (a girl teacher!) would teach lvl3 for my daughter moving forward.

Lauren could have just found a different time with a different teacher for me but she took the extra steps to making my life easier and having both my girls swim at the same time. THANK YOU LAUREN!

We've tried swim lessons Centegra and Dolphin but Bear Paddle is the only one where we've seen any actual progress and excitement from our daughters when it comes to swimming. This combined with their great staff who empathize with parents means I cannot recommend them high enough if you're looking for a place to teach your kids to swim.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Great place. Our daughter has come so far. Used to be scared of the water and now she can't wait to go every week.

Source: Google

★ 5

Love the instructors. Kiss really learn swimming concepts here.

Source: Google

★ 5

I have been pleased with the swim lessons for my one year old.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Love this place!! I have my 8 month old daughter enrolled and it’s great!

Source: Google

★ 5

We are lucky to have Bear Paddle open a branch at our location Lake In The Hills starting last summer. It is perfect for kids of all ages to learn swimming. The facilities are good, and the instructors great. They are also very flexible in offering make up classes if you happen to miss any. All in all, very happy to you in our neighborhood Bear Paddle. Wishing you all the success. Keep up the high quality and good work!

Source: Google

★ 3

I took my child here, she said the water is gross and smells like feet. She swallowed a little and It left a slimy nasty smelling film on her mouth. But the coaches are ok..

Source: Google

★ 5

Love this place!! Been to two classes so far and both times it has been a great experience. Would definitely recommend!

Source: Google

★ 5

We love Bear Paddle! A few years ago we did park district classes and our oldest did not make any progress. We heard about Bear Paddle and started in Bloomingdale and now are in Lake in the Hills, and we have had a great experience with friendly receptionists ready to help, and swim instructors who know the right techniques and how to challenge our boys to the next level. They have given us free private lessons too as well to help advance. If you desire quality training and confidence that your child will learn how to swim then trust Bear Paddle to teach them this important life skill!

Source: Google

★ 5

We think Bear Paddle is awesome! We've taken our 8 month old to Bear Paddle since she was 6 months. The instructors are great and not to mention that the deck & front desk staff are equally as great! Our little one has learned so much in the short amount of time that she's been attending as well at such a young age. It's a great bonding experience for both my husband as well. Thank you Bear Paddle Swim School!!!!

Source: Google

★ 5

These guys really turn things around and help my little girl not only learn how to swim but to also enjoy swimming too! Thanks again

Source: Google

★ 1

Scam! We were suppose to pay for 8 lessons FOR ONE TIME PAYMENT And Gus's what thy been charging us for the classes so we wanted to cancel and Gus's what THEY SAID "policy" we need 30 day Writtin notice. And they will keep on charging us!
DONT EVER SIGN UP FOR THIS PLACE THEY WILL OVER CHARGE AND DO FALSE ADVERTISEMENT!!

Source: Google

★ 5

The staff is great! My son has fun while learning skills other programs did not teach him. He has learned more in the few months he has been at Bear Paddle than an entire session at another location. He loves going to swimming at the warm pool that doesn't hurt his eyes!!

Source: Google