Aquatics Education at the J

Swimming is a gift for life. According to the Talmud, a Jewish parent is required to teach his/her child three things:

  • Torah – that is, the rules of the world as we understand them, and wrong from right
  • How to make a living
  • How to swim

Our year-round swim classes are focused on teaching all children to become water safe and confident swimmers for life. Your child will develop a strong foundation of skills and water safety awareness in our structured yet fun swim classes.

swim classes

Our Parent & Child Swim Class is designed for infants and toddlers ages 6–30 months and focuses on creating a positive, fun first experience in the water. Through songs, games, and gentle hands-on support, parents and instructors work together to help children build comfort and confidence in the aquatic environment. Swimmers are introduced to early water skills such as breath control, body positioning, and basic safety habits, all while emphasizing safety and enjoyment.

Our Toddler Swim Class is designed for toddlers who are becoming more independent and curious in the water. With close instructor supervision, children work on water acclimation, breath control, body positioning, floating, and basic arm and leg movements. Parents remain on deck for support and encouragement while allowing their child to practice small independent movements in the water. Classes maintain a 1 instructor to 3 students ratio to ensure safety, confidence-building, and individualized attention.

The Preschool 1 Swim Class is designed for children ages 3–4 with little or no prior swim experience. This level focuses on building water comfort, independence, and confidence through gentle instruction and playful activities. Swimmers are introduced to essential skills such as water acclimation, breath control, floating, gliding, body positioning, and basic pool safety, including safe entry and exit. By the end of the class, children work toward full-face submersion, front and back floats, short glides, and an understanding of safe pool behaviors.

The Preschool 2 Swim Class is designed for children ages 3–5 who are ready to build on the skills learned in Preschool 1. This level focuses on increasing independence, endurance, and body control in the water. Swimmers work on rollover breathing, strong kicking on the back, big arm movements, extended floats and glides, submerged object retrieval, and basic treading water. By the end of the class, children demonstrate confidence with full submersion, controlled 10-foot glides, strong streamline positions, and the ability to independently exit the pool using various methods.

The School Age 1 Swim Class is designed for children ages 5–12 who are ready to begin swimming independently. This level focuses on developing coordinated movement, controlled breathing, and foundational swim skills. Swimmers work on independent glides, balanced body positions on the front and back, flutter kicking, big arm movements, rolling between positions, and the Swim–Float–Swim sequence. Water safety skills such as treading water and safe pool exits are reinforced throughout the class to build confidence and endurance.

 

The School Age 2 Swim Class is designed for children ages 5–12 who are continuing to develop independent swimming skills. This level emphasizes structured progression, proper technique, and increased confidence in the water. Swimmers focus on refining body alignment, breathing patterns, big arm movements, strong flutter kicking on the back, independent glides and floats, and expanded water safety skills. Instructors provide clear cues, positive reinforcement, and individualized feedback to help swimmers build endurance, consistency, and control while maintaining a safe and encouraging learning environment.

The Intermediate Swim Class helps swimmers refine technique and build stroke efficiency. Swimmers learn the two phases of every arm stroke—the power phase (catch, mid-pull, finish) that moves them forward, and the recovery phase that resets the arm for the next stroke. This level focuses on side-breathing, backstroke, and introduces treading water, breaststroke, and dolphin kick. By the end of this class, swimmers have the skills, endurance, and technique needed to progress into swim team.

The Stroke Booster class is designed for swimmers who are preparing to join swim team and want to strengthen their technique. This class focuses on refining stroke mechanics, improving efficiency, and building endurance across all four competitive strokes. Swimmers receive targeted feedback on body position, arm and kick coordination, breathing, and turns to help clean up technique and build confidence. Stroke Booster provides the final skill development needed to ensure swimmers feel prepared, strong, and successful before transitioning to swim team.

Are you whistle worthy? Looking for a Lifeguard job?  Are you at least 15 years old?  Then take a Red Cross Lifeguard Certification Class at the J. Prerequisite swim skills required. Register here.

Dive Into Swim Team

JETS Swim Team Logo FULL COLOR, Jewish Community Center of Houston

JETS – J’s Excellent Team of Swimmers
JCC Swim Team

Make a splash this season with JETS, the JCC Swim Team designed to build confidence, improve technique, and foster a strong team environment. Our experienced coaches support swimmers at every stage of their development.

The JETS Swim Team is a competitive and developmental program for swimmers who are ready to take their skills to the next level. JETS focuses on building strong techniques, speed, endurance, and race confidence in a fun, team-centered environment. Swimmers train all four competitive strokes while learning starts, turns, and finishes, with an emphasis on goal setting, sportsmanship, and personal growth. Whether your child is new to team swimming or looking to improve their performance, JETS provides the coaching, structure, and motivation to help every swimmer succeed both in and out of the water.

Why Join the JCC Swim Team?

  • Skilled, supportive coaches
  • Technique-focused practices
  • Confidence, fitness, and teamwork

groups

Ages: 5–12 | Level: Entry Level

Practice Options:

– Monday & Wednesday, 4:30–5:30 PM

– Tuesday & Thursday, 4:30–5:30 PM

 

Requirements:

– Swim 25 yards unassisted using the front crawl

– Rhythmic breathing

Ideal for first-time team swimmers. Focus on stroke fundamentals, drills and technique.

Ages: 8–21 | Level: Entry Level

Practice Schedule:

– Monday–Thursday, 5:30–7:00 PM

Designed for swimmers ready to build endurance and refine technique across multiple strokes.

 

Requirements:

Swim 50 yards unassisted of front crawl, back crawl, and breaststroke

James Browning

Director of Aquatics

TODAY'S

HOURS

Aquatics

Outdoor Lap Pool

7:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Indoor Pool

9:00 AM – 5:30 PMIndoor Pool Hours 9:00 AM – 5:30 PMIndoor Splash Pad

Recreational Pool

Closed for the season

Kid Care

8:00 AM – 1:00 PM

UPCOMING

12
Apr
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Mobility and Active Recovery Workshop
27
Apr
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36th Annual Golf Tournament
15
May
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Weingarten Tennis and Pickleball Tournament
16
May
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Weingarten Tennis and Pickleball Tournament
17
May
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Weingarten Tennis and Pickleball Tournament

NEW YEAR, NEW GOAL?

Our Health & Fitness Membership includes premiere access to our state-of-the-art fitness center, group exercise classes, personal training and more. Enjoy our spa-like adult locker rooms, indoor and outdoor aquatics complex, Kid Care services, and reservations for outdoor tennis and pickleball courts, too!

The J will have modified hours for Passover! Click to view.