Fear of water is the third greatest fear among American adults, deemed only somewhat less terrifying than being eaten by dolphins and loneliness. Conquer a crippling phobia with today’s Groupon: for $79, you get eight weeks of group swim lessons at King’s Swim Academy in San Mateo (a $158 value). This deal can be redeemed for either adult or children’s classes, and though buyers can purchase as many as they like as gifts, only one redemption is allowed per student.

King’s Swim Academy is owned and operated by splash masters Jeff and Joan Smith, who bring 30 years of pool professionalism to the chlorinated classroom. Children's group classes come in a rainbow of color-coded skill levels, from blue (3–4 years old, no experience needed) to red, a level geared toward experienced swimmers of all ages looking to file their fine floating skills. Class sizes are kept small in order to ensure each tadpole and full-grown flounder receives the individual attention he or she needs to earn waterproof wings, and the friendly coaches wade tirelessly through swimstruction to ensure students become competent swimmers, while also instilling a sense of pride and confidence. Children and adults alike benefit from the physical activity of swimming, increasing strength, muscle tone, lung capacity, and endurance as they master pertinent skills such as treading water, safety swim, basic strokes, and torpedo kicks, especially handy in disarming any U-boats lurking near the ladder.

Classes run a half-hour and take place once a week over a period of eight weeks, so customers should check out the accommodating schedule to find a class time that fits meshes perfectly with their hectic viewing lineup of Empty Nest reruns. The clean, safe, and heated pool is waiving its usual membership fee for Groupon holders, making it easier than ever for eager new swimmers to pick up a life-saving skill or simply enjoy adult swim without noodling a noodle.

Valid for baby, child, or adult lessons.

Reviews

Yelpers give King's Swim Academy an average of 4.5 stars:

• The staff is very responsive and attentive, they are passionate about kids learning to swim, but also very caring. A very family-oriented place! – jenn w.
• Great staff and great teachers! Class sizes are small and each student is given an equal amount of 1 on 1 time with their teacher. The class schedule is flexible enough to fit any schedule. – Gordon S.