Murray Callan Swim School

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1012 Law St (at San Marcos & Pacific Beach)
San Diego, CA 92109

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(858) 273-7946
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Murray Callan Swim School - San Diego, CA
Murray Callan Swim School - San Diego, CA
Reviews
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Best

I can't say enough about the great experience we've has here. We know without a doubt, our kids have a great foundation for swimming (and they are 4 and 2) and it will keep gettin...

Worst

I took my son to Murray Callan's for over 6 months and ultimately parted ways in a rather ugly manner. Originally, I wrote a scathing review of the school while I was still quite ...

VERY GOOD!! 4/15/2011

I took my 2 year old daughter for about 4 months last spring/summer - she loved the water but really did not learn much except to hold her breath - which I guess is not that bad. I will definitely go back this summer. Maybe now that she's 3 she will advance faster. Was anyone able to find out were Genesis went? She was the VERY GOOD!! more
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We would highly recommend their program to any parent 4/14/2011

Carrie started swimming at Murray Callan Swim School when she was 3 months old and loved the water from day one. We feel it contributed to her balance, muscle development and overall confidence. Her love of the water lead to involvement in the Junior Lifeguard program which also exposed her to kayaking. Through kayaking she earned a berth in the 2004 Olympics. Our three daughters had a wonderful experience at Murray Callan Swim School. It provided the beginning of a love for water sports and we would highly recommend their program to any parent. more
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I loved the approach and technique 4/12/2011

Murray Callan Swim Schools are awesome. I loved the approach and technique. My children are great swimmers as a result and my son is surfing all the time. Great program! more
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We feel very lucky 4/11/2011

As natives of Southern California and Long Island, my husband and I have been in or around a body of water all of our lives. The ocean and the lifestyle of living by the ocean are very important to us. Naturally when we found out we were having a baby we started planning for swimming lessons! We wanted to start our baby as soon as possible and we knew we could do that at Murray Callan Swim School. What we had hoped is that our child would eventually be a very proficient swimmer but we realized that we got a lot more out of swimming. Chloe learned to adapt to her instructors and peers who then helped her adapt to other environments. Because of her early instruction at Murray Callan Swim School we have never seen any type of stranger anxiety and we attribute it to being in a fun yet structured setting like Murray Callan Swim School. She sleeps like an angel after swimming, which is great for us! She has a healthy amount of stimulation from her classes. So that is the mommy and daddy side of the story; the Registered Nurse side of me knows that this is an invaluable skill to possess, especially living in our great city. Accidents and children go hand-in-hand but if we can give Chloe the gift of swimming we are giving her a life-saving tool for the future. Like we needed additional reasons to love Murray Callan Swim School, the facility is super clean, the water is nice and warm and the staff genuinely love the kids. We feel very lucky that Chloe has MCSS! more
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Ability to be 'water safe' is an additional level of comfort 4/6/2011

We enrolled our daughter in the Murray Callan Swim School when she was about six months old. We had a wonderful experience during her lessons and we were impressed by the friendly and very clean environment. She adapted quickly to the warm water and the caring patience of the instructors. She became water safe after very few lessons and was swimming well by the time she was a year old. Although we have always been extremely safety-oriented concerning our own pool, her ability to be 'water safe' provided an additional level of comfort. We can strongly recommend Murray Callan Swim School to any parent with young children, especially if they have a pool or visit homes with pools (although extremely close supervision is always required). more
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They are absolutely the best at what they do 4/5/2011

Yes Murray Callans swim school is expensive. Yes Murray Callans school has strict business policies. Yes Murray Callans parking can be a hassle, especially in summer. So why then for the past three years have I sent my children for swim lessons to Murray Callans? Because they are absolutely the best at what they do. . . teach children to swim! more
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I remember how much Murray Callan Swim School cared 4/4/2011

I am proud to be a Murray Callan Swim Schools' alumnus. Murray Callan's methodology and philosophy helped not only my lung development - but those early years gave me such self-esteem and discipline about my body. Their teaching was a natural journey to the tennis court. I still remember ""Ready Go"" - but mostly I remember how much Murray Callan Swim Schools cared that I succeed in life. more
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Court now swims on her own 4/1/2011

In March I met a lady at my gym who has 3 kids. I have one 2 year old daughter. We got to talking and I soon found out she had been taking her kids to swim at Murray Callen swim School for awhile and she highly recommended I enroll my daughter. Since then, that mom and I have become great friends, but even more important is that I took her advice and got Courtney started with lessons, which have been an absolute success. Court now swims on her own and she LOVES it and I feel great knowing she's safe. I'm so glad that I followed through and didn't wait (like some parents) until I thought my child was ""old enough"" -- it turns out that they're ""old enough"" as soon as they're born. Get your kids swimming, San Diego moms and dads! Do it now! And definitely do it at Murray Callen Swim -- they know what they're doing. It's not by chance that they've been in business for so long and that they have such a great reputation. more
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This school truly is a diamond in the rough 3/30/2011

Murray Callan Swim School has changed our lives. My 3 girls were terrified of pools, each to varying degrees. But after a few months of lessons with Zach and Rocky, we've got 3 mermaids on our hands! :) We love this program and we are so glad they have such patient, comforting teaching techniques. The lessons are moderately priced and the schedules are convenient. The pool is warm and the staff is cheerful. This school truly is a diamond in the rough. All parents should give their child the best gift possible: the gift of pool safety. more
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I have had a great experience with Murray Callan 3/28/2011

I have had a great experience with Murray Callan. They took amazing care of my 2 kids as well as myself. My 2 children are now able to swim all the way across the pool completely on their own. They are such confident swimmers and they absolutely love the water. We still go because of their new year round program that works really well for us and to help keep up their confidence in the water and their abilities. They have always been flexible with working around our schedule to the best of their ability. We appreciate their great customer service and overall warmth. more
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Best place to teach young children how to swim! 3/24/2011

We first took our daughter when she was 2. She screamed and cried the first 5 lessons. Then, she loved it! Rocky was a patient and excellent instructor. Not only did we take our daughter to Murray Callan again the following summer, but we started our infant son (then 11 months old) on lessons with Rocky as well. Both of them love being in the water now. more
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The instructors are so good and patient 3/22/2011

I am the mother of two, oldest age 6yrs youngest age 3yrs. My oldest started with Murray Callan at age 6 mos. she continued until this past fall. This fall I felt she was ready for the swim team at a local facility and we discontinued at Murray Callan. I was right, she is an awsome swimmer and compared to the other kids I have seen swimming at the other facility I definitely noticed that her strokes are by far superior. The first time I saw her """"glide"""" across that 25 meter pool I had tears in my eyes I was so proud of her and so so glad that I kept her at Murray Callan for as long as I did. My youngest started swimming at age 4 mos. He has definitely been a little slower to pick it up but the instructors are so good and patient that now he is like a fish. He did turn that corner and this past summer he was swimming all over his grandmothers pool and jumping off the diving board. I started at Murray Callan because I wanted my kids to be safe in the water, I stayed with Murray Callan because I believe that their technique is the best and it works, and finally because both of my children love/loved it. more
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Murray Callan Swim School is the best out there 3/16/2011

I would like to start off by saying that Murray Callan Swim School is the best out there! My family and I have been going there for years. When I saw some of the comments on this website I was upset. There are some reviews talking about Murray Callan's style, technique and structure to their business. I know for a fact that they offer a great business to people who want their children to be great, strong swimmers. They have a reason behind everything they do and if people would take the time to read their material and talk to the instructors and management they would find amazing information. What other swim school has three generations of school teachers, swimmers and athletes as ownership? What other swim school has a pool owned just to teach young children to swim and for nothing else? I am sick and tired of people giving their negative opinions when they have no idea what they are talking about. I think people are just angry and take it out on one thing that rubs them the wrong way. Please don't take it out on a business that works so hard to provide a service that is so vital to children's water safety. more
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The best thing going for PB by far 3/14/2011

I saw a review for Murray Callan and was sooo bummed I didn't get to be the first. I've wanted to say something for a while then someone beat me to it. Well I'm in luck after all because the original location in PB hasn't been reviewed yet. The beer guggling party goers will disagree with me but this place is the best thing going for PB by far. I have a 9 y/o, a 7y/o and a 4 y/o and all have been to Murray Callan. We've tried others and they were nice but after two years of paying for swim lessons elsewhere my oldest two were able to stand on the shallowest step without freaking out. I was freaking out at paying all this money only to see little to no progress with the kids. I told my wife we needed to just ignore the screaming and crying and get the kids in the water but she said if I did it my kids would resent me for life. Then came Murray Callan and tough love! They did exactly what I knew needed to be done. With loving kindness they took my kids one by one and brought them into the water, telling them to hold their breath then dunking them. By the end of the summer they were racing each other across the pool and swimming like fish. Murray Callan's is a must for anyone with children and a pool-it is just that simple. more
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The instruction is outstanding 3/10/2011

No comparisons anywhere else. Don't see the big deal with policies. You choose your own schedule and can change it any time based on what's avail. I've seen nothing but smiles and splashes from kids and parents and teachers. Love it. more
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6mos old and our daughter was swimming 3/8/2011

Our daughter started swimming here when she was 6 months old. Now she is just over two and she a """"fish"""" and absolutely loves the water. This is by far the best thing we have done for/with our child. We recently had twins, and as soon as we can get a full night's sleep we'll be there with all three. From the front desk staff to our beloved instructors, everyone was not only professional but really seemed to enjoy what they did. The love they bestowed upon my daughter was unprecedented. I'm a native of San Diego and a lifelong surfer, former competitive swimmer, and swim instructor. In short, if you want your child to be comfortable, confident, and at home in the water, this is the place. I've never posted on a review site before. I was looking for the Callan's webpage to send to a friend when I saw a negative review and I just had to speak up. I don't know where the dissenter was from, but maybe swim instruction is different on Mars? All the moms and dads I sat next to during lessons felt the same way I do. My advice would be to go down and check it out in person. There is no greater evidence than all the children there building a great relationship with the water. more
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Murray Callan Swim Schools is the school for your family 3/4/2011

""Both of our kids started at Murray Callan Swim School at 3 months old, our daughter was able to swim the length of the pool by 2.5 years old. We credit that to the awesome instruction and the commitment we made to make sure our kids were water safe. My kids have no social anxiety and I credit MCSS with this as well. They interact with instructors and other children at a young age. I am surprised at the comments on here. I don't feel that the attendance policies here are any different than any other school or activity. I wish I could get a credit for all the days my kids missed in school, soccer, or gymnastics. Having a makeup per series seems pretty fair to me. I hear a common theme amongst the unhappy parents (that mostly post under the guise of anonymity), they want their kids to swim but they want results fast and don't want to stick with it. Swimming, just like piano, karate etc. require consistency To the parent that is upset about their kid slipping off the ledge, I know it can be scary but your child is YOUR responsibility! The instructors are doing a job and that means teaching instruction. They don't have eyes in the back of their heads. The program isn't meant to be a drop off swim class for moms to Facebook or gossip. I have an extremely hard time believing that had any instructor seen this they would have just let your child struggle. My guess is you weren't paying attention and this happened. Don't blame the swim school. Look, if you want your kids to love swimming, swim proficiently, and love their swim instructors than Murray Callan Swim School is for you and your family."" more
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I can't believe how much my kids have learned here 3/2/2011

I have 2 kids and they came to Murray Callan 8 months ago with very little swimming experience. We tried other schools but we finally found the right one. Over the past 8 months, my kids have become extremely comfortable with the water and are learning to swim the long way across the pool. I can't believe how much they have learned. I know that the instructors and the very warm water have helped them advance so quickly. We are getting ready for their spring break from school and I am so excited for them to show off their new skills in the water. more
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The staff is helpful and accommodating 2/28/2011

My children have been consistent, year-round, 3 day/week attendants at Murray Callan Swim School since February 2004, and I couldn't be happier with their swimming and water skills. All 3 of my children started swimming at 3 months old and haven't stopped. The swim school has exceeded my initial expectation which was having the kids comfortable enough in the water so that playing in Grandma's pool would be fun and stress free. Now all 3 of my kids leap into the pool and ask to go swimming every day of the week. All are exceedingly comfortable in the water and getting their faces wet, playing, splashing, swimming, and ""racing."" My 4 year old easily pulls himself across the long length of the pool, which thrills his grandparents! My toddlers love the pool, too. They have been diving for toys and hopping off the edge and into the water since they were 6 months old. All of my children have bonded with their instructors. Each instructor possesses a wonderful combination of warmth, love, playfulness, and professionalism. All are well-trained, so that I know even if our instructor is sick, my child is in capable hands. The staff is helpful and accommodating within the rules and confines of the program. All of my requests to make-up lessons in advance have been met. My children love swim lessons, and Murray Callan is an integral part of our routine. Nothing is more fulfilling than hearing peals of laughter ripple across the pool as my son and his instructor are goofing around, diving, and swimming together. more
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so far, so great 7/26/2010

The lessons have been great. My kids are doing more than ever before and they've learned quickly. It's obviously an effective teaching style and the school has lots of experience. I'm so grateful that my kids are actually swimming now, not just splashing around but timidly. So glad we found this place! Pros: learn to swim more
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<h2>Over 60 years Experience in Swim Instruction and Public Education</h2>

Owner Message

  • <p>Our program was founded by United States Swim School Association Hall of Fame Member Murray Callan and we instruct ages 3 months through adults. We have an individualized program with never more than three students per instructor. We have one-on-one rotation instruction and, as a result, each student will progress at their own rate.</p> <p>We have very warm 93o water, which creates a very relaxing, enjoyable teaching and learning atmosphere. Our swim schools are open year-round; our pristine facilities are indoors.</p> <p>We utilize a soft-touch technique, developed by Murray Callan over the last 60 years, which has been very successful for us; it is based on a Soft-Touch, No-Fear method.</p> <p>Our pools have a lot of shallow water and are custom-designed strictly for teaching swimming and that's all they are used for. Our pools have broad, shallow steps, all the way up to just a few inches in depth so anyone, any age, can seek their own security level by getting their feet on the bottom.</p> <p>We feel that with all those qualities combined, we have the best teaching aquatic environment anywhere.</p> <p>The lessons themselves are a half-hour in length and run on a twice-a-week basis year-round, for the first time in our 35 year history. The schedule choices are either Monday-Wednesday, Tuesday-Thursday, or Friday-Saturday. Our facilities are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 in the morning until 12:40 and then again from 2:20 in the afternoon until 7:00 pm. The last class of the evening starts at 6:30. Our Saturday hours are 8:00 until 12:40 only. We charge for a series of 8 half-hour lessons, which on a twice-per week basis will take four weeks to complete. The cost of lessons is $136 for a series of 8 lessons: a second child in the same family costs $5.00 less at $131. There are no enrollment or registration fees, therefore we only accept cash or checks.</p> <p>We suggest visiting our facilities during our open hours. Potential customers can walk out onto our pool deck unannounced, sit down and observe classes, and if there are any questions at that point, feel free to stop by the front desk and ask. When you are ready to enroll, either give us a call or come down in person and we will try to formalize a schedule that will be convenient for you.</p> <p>All children under the age of 2 must have an adult in the pool with them. All children under the age of 4, even if they are potty trained, must wear two, snug-fitting, non-disposable swim diapers or swim pants.</p> <p>Again, please remember we offer a 2-day-per-week schedule year-round.</p>.

    *All Levels of Swimming Instruction - Beginning to Advance
    *Medically Approved Infant Program
    *One-On-One Rotation Instruction
    *Soft Patient Techniques
    *Family Owned & Operated
    *Ages 3 Months-Adult

    *Over 60 years Experience in Swim Instruction and Public Education

    *Owned and operated by 3 generations of the Callan family

    *Owned,built and custom-designed exclusively for teaching infants and young children to swim

    *Crystal clear water 93o

    *COME VISIT OUR FACILITIES for additional information!

Additional information
  • Hours: check schedule online
  • Neighborhoods: Pacific Beach, Northern, Northern San Diego
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