Youth Aquatics Program

Starts November 17, 2024 - Ends January 30, 2025

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Youth Group Swim Lessons

Skip dates: November 28, December 1, 22, 26, 29, 30, January 20

Level 1: Water Exploration (3 – 5 years old)

Sundays | November 17 – January 26 | 10:00 – 10:30 AM | $180/members | $195/public

Mondays | November 18 – January 27 | 4:00 – 4:30 PM
$180/members | $195/public

Thursdays | November 21 – January 30 | 4:00 – 4:30 PM
$200/members | $220/public

Introduction to water skills focusing on water acclimation. This course is for children who cannot be in the water independently without using a flotation device. Children are in the water with the instructor, parents may watch from the deck.

Skills needed to pass Level 1 include:

Entering the water in steps or jumping in independently
Opening eyes underwater and retrieving submerged objects
Front gliding 2 body lengths, and back floating for 3 seconds
Exiting the water independently

Level 2: Primary Skills (4 – 6 years old)

Choose from these convenient class options:

Sundays | November 17 – January 26 | 10:30 – 11:00 AM
$180/members | $195/public

Mondays | November 18 – January 27 | 4:00 – 4:30 PM
$180/members | $195/public

Thursdays | November 21 – January 30 | 4:00 – 4:30 PM
$200/members | $220/public

This course continues to teach fundamental aquatic skills. To enroll in Level 2 swimmers must be able to enter the water using steps or jump in independently; open their eyes underwater and retrieve a submerged object.

Skills required to pass Level 2 include:

Bobbing
Front glide
Using some combined arm action for two body lengths
Floating on back for 15 seconds
Exiting water independently.

Level 3: Stroke Readiness (4 – 6 years old)

Choose from these convenient class options:

Sundays | November 17 – January 26 | 11:00 – 11:30 AM
$180/members | $195/public

Mondays | November 18 – January 27 | 4:30 – 5:00 PM
$180/members | $195/public

Thursdays | November 21 – January 30 | 4:30 – 5:00 PM
$200/members | $220/public

Level 3 builds on the skills taught in Level 2 through additional guided practice in deeper water. To enroll in Level 3, swimmers must be able to:

Enter water by jumping in
Use rotary breathing
Back float for 30 seconds
Treading water for 30 seconds

Skills needed to pass Level 3 include:

Entering water by jumping from the side
Headfirst entries from the side in sitting and kneeling positions
Bobbing while moving toward safety
Rotary breathing
Survival float
Flutter, scissor, dolphin, and breaststroke kicks on front
Elementary backstroke
Front crawl for 15 yards

Level 4: Stroke Development (6 – 12 years old)

Sundays | November 17 – January 26 | 11:30 – 12:00 PM
$180/members | $195/public

Winter Season Dates(Registration Opens: 1/6/2025):
Sundays | February 2 – March 30 | 11:30 – 12:00 PM | $200/members | $220/public

Level 4 further develops the skills swimmers learned in Levels 1-3, and improves other aquatic skills. To enroll in Level 4, swimmers must be able to:

Enter water by jumping from the side
Enter water headfirst from the side in sitting and kneeling positions
Moving towards safety while bobbing
Use rotary breathing and survival float
Use flutter, scissor, dolphin, and breaststroke kicks on front
Use the elementary backstroke
Front crawl for 15 yards

Skills needed to pass Level 4 include:

Making a compact dive and stride dive, head first
Treading water with two kicks
Front crawl the length of the pool
Elementary backstroke, length of the pool
Breaststroke, Butterfly and Sidestroke for 15 yards

Group Swim Classes

Waterbabies (6 – 18 months)

Sundays | November 17 – January 26 | 9:00 – 9:30 AM
$180/members | $195/public

Winter Season Dates(Registration Opens: 1/6/2025):
Sundays | February 2 – March 30 | 9:00 – 9:30 AM
$200/members | $220/public

Parent and child learn together in the water in this introductory water class that uses a gentle, low-key approach with techniques to aid in teaching the child’s progress. Using verbal cues and body language, children will be introduced to basic swim skills including back float, kicking, and reaching, with assistance from the parent. Songs and games are incorporated.

Watertots (18 months – 3 years old)

Sundays | November 17 – January 26 | 9:30 – 10:00 AM
$180/members | $195/public

Winter Season Dates(Registration Opens: 1/6/2025):
Sundays | February 2 – March 30 | 9:00 – 9:30 AM
$200/members | $220/public

Parent and child learn together in the water in this class that introduces basic swimming skills such as back float, kicking, reaching, and blowing bubbles. Parents will assist their child with each technique. The skills learned will prepare children for entry into Level 1.

Private and Semi–Private Swim Lessons

One–on–one (private) or two–on–one (semi–private) swim instruction exclusively for Bender JCC members.

Private Swim Lessons

3 half hour lessons: $175
6 half hour lessons: $310
10 half hour lessons: $415

Semi-Private Swim Lessons

3 half hour lessons: $220
6 half hour lessons: $410
10 half hour lessons: $565

Please note that to participate in semi-private swim lessons you must have another sibling or child that is of equal skill. We do not have a matching program which pairs children together.

Prices listed for Semi-Private Swim Lessons includes both children in total. This price is not per child.

To schedule your lesson, contact Caroline Cardullo at 301.348.3890 or ccardullo@benderjccgw.org.

Isadore and Bertha Gudelsky Exceptional Swim Program

Helping children, teens, and adults with orthopedic-related disabilities to enjoy aquatics, this program matches participants with a coordinator, physical therapist, and adaptive water instructors to teach basic swimming skills.

For details, contact Caroline Cardullo at 301.348.3890 or ccardullo@benderjccgw.org.

All Bender JCC programs are open to everyone. Contact Kate Falls, Director of Inclusion, at kfalls@benderjccgw.org or 301.348.3767 to discuss support and accommodations.