Aqua-Tots Swim School
Teaching safety, skills & a lifelong love of water
“We’ve thought of everything to make the experience as comfortable as possible.”
Long before Andrea and Brad Sahl opened Aqua-Tots Swim School in Mt. Laurel, they were parents searching for the right program to teach their children water safety and foster a love of swimming. Living in North Carolina at the time, they struggled to find lessons that prioritized real skills over playtime. “I never learned how to swim, and I wanted something better for my kids,” Andrea says.
That search led them to Aqua-Tots, where they discovered a program focused on safety, progress and confidence. “They weren’t just playing games,” she says. “They were learning real skills, like how to save themselves and back float.”
The peace of mind they experienced inspired the Sahls to bring Aqua-Tots to the Philadelphia region, where they both grew up. In 2023, they opened Aqua-Tots in Mt. Laurel, conveniently located behind the Moorestown Mall. This location joins their Horsham, PA school, which opened in 2017, and another in Conshohocken, PA, currently under construction. Andrea’s expertise in finance and marketing from her corporate career at McDonald’s, combined with Brad’s background as a lawyer, brings a high level of professionalism and care to this community-focused business.
Andrea and Brad Sahl at Aqua-Tots Swim School in Mt. Laurel
Why choose Aqua-Tots
Aqua-Tots Swim School provides year-round, indoor swim instruction designed to grow with your child. Starting as young as 4 months old, children progress through 8 levels, mastering critical water safety skills and building confidence along the way. Parent-and-child classes introduce infants to the water, while kids as young as 2½ take independent lessons.
With a small 4:1 student-to-instructor ratio, each child receives personalized attention tailored to their needs. “We break every skill into steps so it’s never overwhelming,” Andrea explains. “For something like back floating, we start with full instructor support, then gradually reduce it until the child can float independently.”
Progress tracking is simple with a digital app, where families can follow their child’s curriculum and achievements. With predictable monthly pricing and a flexible makeup policy, Aqua-Tots fits seamlessly into busy family schedules.
“Swimming isn’t something you learn overnight,” Andrea adds. “Consistency is key, and we make it easy for families to stay on track.”
A facility designed for families
From the moment families step into Aqua-Tots in Mt. Laurel, it’s clear this isn’t just another swim school. The facility features private changing rooms and a comfortable lounge for parents. Floor-to-ceiling glass windows offer a clear view of lessons, while the air-conditioned space provides free Wi-Fi.
“We’ve thought of everything to make the experience as comfortable as possible,” Andrea says. The pool is maintained at 90 degrees, ensuring swimmers are comfortable while learning.
Every instructor at Aqua-Tots is a highly trained adult professional, not a teenager looking for a part-time job. Before teaching their first class, instructors complete 65 hours of intensive training, ensuring they are fully equipped to provide top-tier swim education. “But the training doesn’t stop there,” Andrea says. “Our team undergoes continuous professional development and regular evaluations to maintain the highest standards of safety, instruction and care. We are committed to hiring dedicated professionals who are passionate about helping kids succeed in the water.”
The foundation of safety
While the inviting facility and convenient scheduling are major draws, Aqua-Tots’ mission begins with safety. “We start by teaching kids how to save themselves if they fall into water,” she says. Techniques like holding their breath, floating and navigating to the pool’s edge are introduced early, creating a strong foundation.
“It’s about teaching kids to respect the water, understand its risks, and know how to handle themselves in it,” Andrea says.
Whether you’re introducing your child to water safety or building advanced swimming skills, Aqua-Tots Swim School in Mt. Laurel offers a safe, supportive environment where kids thrive.
“We’re here every day,” Andrea adds. “Our goal is to be the best swim school and the best employer while giving families in South Jersey peace of mind, knowing their kids are safe in the water.”
1102 Nixon Drive, Mt. Laurel | 640-223-6640
Email: mtlaurelinfo@aqua-tots.com
aqua-tots.com/mount-laurel
