Rufino Avitia
Owner and lead instructor
Rufino started Cabana by teaching in the pools of his Lilburn neighbors on weekends. He teaches in English and Spanish and takes the Saturday mornings in Gwinnett County.
Swim lessons at home in Gwinnett and DeKalb counties
Swim lessons in your own backyard pool
Cabana teaches children in family pools across two counties. We bring the instructor and the kickboards; you bring the pool, a gate and fence, and an adult on the deck. Rufino and Valery teach in English and Spanish.
Two counties, one route
We drive to the same neighborhoods each week, so your class has a day and a time. If your town isn't listed, ask: we add a stop when it fits the route.
Gwinnett County
Classes Monday to Saturday
- Lilburn
- Lawrenceville
- Snellville
- Grayson
- Dacula
- Suwanee
- Buford
- Norcross
DeKalb County
Classes Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
- Tucker
- Stone Mountain
- Lithonia
- Clarkston
We don't teach outside Gwinnett and DeKalb counties.
ZIP codes: 30047, 30043, 30044, 30046, 30039, 30017, 30019, 30024, 30518, 30093, 30084, 30083, 30058, 30021
Before your first visit
Four things from the household, ready when the instructor arrives.
- 1
A gate and fence
The pool has a fence with a gate that closes behind us. Your family follows your own city and county rules for pool fences and gates.
- 2
A shady spot
Somewhere to rest between turns: a shade sail, an umbrella or a covered patio.
- 3
An adult on the deck
An adult from your household stays on the deck for the whole class, watching. Lessons are no substitute for adult supervision.
- 4
A towel
A towel for each swimmer, with a dry spot to keep it. Swim shirts are welcome, and goggles if your swimmer likes them.
Hot weeks, shifted classes
In the hottest weeks we teach in the morning and the evening, and leave the middle of the day to the shade.
Weekend classes
Saturday mornings across both counties.
Apr to Oct
After-school classes
Weekday afternoons, when the sun is lower.
Apr to May, Sep to Oct
Morning and evening classes
Early and late in the day, in the hottest weeks.
Jun to Aug
How to start
From a first message to a first class, in four steps.
- 01
Step 1: Get in touch
Call, text or send the form. Rufino or Valery answers in English or Spanish and asks your town, the swimmer's age and when you would like to start.
- 02
Step 2: A first visit at your pool
The instructor comes to your pool, meets the swimmer and walks the deck with you to agree where class happens and where your adult sits. Then the swimmer tries an easy first skill and we agree on a level.
- 03
Step 3: Register
Register for a session of eight short classes on our enrollment page. We ask for what we need privately there, never through this site.
- 04
Step 4: The first day
The instructor arrives a few minutes early. Your adult is on the deck and the towel is ready, and the swimmer starts at the level you chose together.
Three instructors, one route
Every instructor holds lifeguard, water-safety instructor, CPR and first aid, and background checks. Rufino and Valery teach in English and Spanish.
Valery Jara
Instructor
Valery teaches the evening classes in Gwinnett County and Water comfort for the youngest swimmers. She teaches in English and Spanish.
Lan Pham
Instructor
Lan drives the DeKalb County route on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays and teaches Breathing and arms and Strokes. She teaches in English.
Questions from families
Do you teach in my pool?
If the pool is in Gwinnett or DeKalb county and has a fence with a gate that closes, yes. Look for your town on the list above, or ask us.
What do we need to have ready?
A gate and fence around the pool, a shady spot for resting, an adult on the deck for the whole class and a towel for each swimmer. Everything else comes with the instructor.
How do you decide my swimmer's level?
At the first visit the instructor meets the swimmer in your pool, tries an easy first skill and agrees on a level with you. The level can change as classes go on.
Who is in the water with my swimmer?
The instructor, within arm's reach. An adult from your household stays on the deck.
Do you teach in Spanish?
Yes. Rufino and Valery teach in English and Spanish. Tell us which you prefer when you get in touch.
What if it is very hot, or the weather turns?
In the hottest weeks we move classes to the morning and the evening. At the first thunder we get out of the water, and the class is made up in the same session.
Ask about a first visit
Choose a time on our enrollment page, or call or text us. Have your ZIP code and the swimmer's age ready.
Phone(770) 555-0107
Hours
- Monday to FridayToday
- 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- SaturdayToday
- 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- SundayToday
- Closed