Private Swimming Lessons for Edmonton Adults
Reach your swimming goals faster with expert, one-on-one coaching for beginner to intermediate swimmers.
Select your goal to learn more:
Looking for something more advanced? Or not sure what you need?
What’s Different About The Big Mermaid?
Hi! I’m Coach Heather, founder of The Big Mermaid. My goal is to help Edmonton adults move their bodies in the water with joy and confidence—no matter what kind of body they have.
Teenage swim instructors can be helpful (I used to be one!), but as an adult, you might prefer learning from someone with a little more experience.
I’ve spent decades teaching and coaching swimming and other subjects both here in Edmonton and internationally. I also have a PhD in sport psychology from the University of Alberta and deep expertise in adult learning and motivation.
As a woman with ADHD, I know learning new skills and building consistent routines can feel really hard sometimes (or all the time!) That’s why I offer a range of thoughtful services and compassionate support designed to transform your relationship to the water—and yourself.
“Beyond the technical skills, she’s helped me gain confidence and truly appreciate what my body is capable of. Her encouragement and belief in her swimmers is inspiring, and I’m so grateful to be learning from her. I would highly recommend Heather to anyone wanting to grow as a swimmer, no matter their starting point.”L.G.
How This Works
Picking a Pool
At this time, I operate out of five City of Edmonton facilities: Kinsmen, Peter Hemingway, Commonwealth, Eastglen, and Grand Trunk. You can use this custom map to see which ones are closest to you.
I can work with you to figure out the best pool for your needs and timing. We can also switch between pools—your lessons don’t have to all take place at the same location.
Scheduling
I aim to book sessions on weekdays between 9 am and 4 pm. This is when pools are the quietest and have the most space available. I find booking during these times makes for a much more pleasant learning experience. Of course, this works best for people who have some flexibility in their work schedules. If you work from 8-5 every day, I might not be the best fit for you, but feel free to reach out anyway in case I have some Saturday availability.
One big benefit of private lessons over group classes is that you don’t have to worry about missing classes due to sickness or travel. The lesson will not be happening without you! If your schedule changes from week to week, that is also fine. We can schedule one lesson at a time, for whatever day and time works for the two of us.
Pricing
Rather than having a set hourly rate, I offer a variety of services at different price points. Select your swimming goal to explore these services, their costs, and what’s included:
Please note that admission fees for City of Edmonton facilities are not included in these prices. If you have a facility membership, you can scan your card for entry. If you don’t have a membership, you can pay the drop-in rate or purchase a multi-visit pass (this typically works out to $8-$13 per visit).
Booking Process
Ready to get started? Here’s the process:
- Introductions. Before you give me any money, I want to make sure my services align with your needs and goals. Please fill out my contact form and I’ll get back to you via text or email.
- Intake. I’ll give you the link to an intake form with some questions to answer and a waiver to sign (electronically).
- Invoice. Once I’ve received your completed intake form, I’ll send you an invoice with instructions for payment. Read over it carefully to make sure everything is as discussed.
- Payment. Make your payment via e-transfer. I’ll send you a receipt that you may be able to use to claim health benefits.
- Schedule. We’ll pick a day and time that works for both of us. I’ll send you a calendar invitation right away, along with any other info you might need. The day before our session, I’ll send you a reminder text.
Contact Info
Name: Heather Larson (she/her)
Email: swim@thebigmermaid.ca
Phone: 780-200-4984
Location: I operate out of five City of Edmonton facilities: Kinsmen, Peter Hemingway, Commonwealth, Eastglen, and Grand Trunk.
Land Acknowledgement
At the age of 17, my maternal grandmother jumped into the Elbe River to escape from Russian soldiers, who continued shooting at her as she swam to a boat. Two years later, she crossed the Atlantic Ocean to come to Canada and make her new home in a place she often referred to as “the best country in the world.”
Although she did not have an easy life, she and my grandfather (and their descendents, including myself) benefited from policies that favoured white European immigrants over Black and Asian immigrants, and sought to erase Indigenous Peoples and cultures from the land.
Today, I acknowledge that I live, work, and swim on Treaty 6 territory, which encompasses the territories and home of numerous Indigenous peoples, including Nehiyawak (Cree), Tsuut'ina, Niitsitapi (Blackfoot Confederacy), Métis, Dene Suliné, Îyârhe Nakodabi (Nakota Sioux), Haudenosaunee (Iroquois Confederacy), Nahkawininiwak (Saulteaux), Anishinabemowin (Ojibwe) and Inuit.
I acknowledge my responsibility to contribute to reconciliation efforts with ongoing thoughtfulness, compassion, and intention to ensure current and future generations of people who live on this land may do so prosperously and with dignity. As a small gesture of restitution, 5% of all proceeds of this business will be donated to the Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society.