Aquatics at the JCC
Squirrel Hill Facilities:
The Katz Family Swimming Complex
Squirrel Hill Lap Pool:
25 yards·7 practice lanes (6 competitive lanes) · Depth 3’6” to 4’6″ · 80 degrees
Squirrel Hill Small Pool:
50 feet (6 lengths =100 yards) · 3 lanes · Depth: 2’10” to 4” · 90 degrees · Hydraulic lift
South Hills Facilities:
The Charles M. Morris Aquatics Center
South Hills Lap Pool:
25-yard, 6 lanes · Depth: 3 to 6 feet · Hydraulic lift and access stair.
Comfort in the water and learning to be safe in and around water are skills for life. At the JCC, aquatics are among the most important services we provide. So come for a swim or water workout, enjoy the water with your kids. It’s all here for you!
JCC Sailfish Swim School: Tadpole to Olympian!
At the JCC Sailfish Swim School we believe swimming is a necessary life skill and it is our responsibility to support water safety education in the community.
Sailfish Swim School
We provide high quality swimming instruction by our friendly, energetic, and enthusiastic team, and continuously update and improve our teaching methods.
Our newly formatted swim lessons are taught across five locations with consistent instruction and levels no matter which JCC site you choose.
Jack Morris Invitational Swim Meet
Join us for the annual swim meet honoring the memory of beloved swim teacher and coach Jack Morris, held every spring. Participants include Squirrel Hill and South Hills Swim Team members, Sharks, and approved private lesson participants.
To make a contribution to the Jack Morris Endowment Fund for JCC Aquatics, call the JCC or donate online at donate.jccpgh.org/donate. The Jack Morris Endowment Fund provides scholarships for children to participate in JCC swimming programs.
Pool Schedules
Aquatics Programs
GROUP SWIM LESSONS
Contact: For information, email Alycia Miller
Learn More: Sailfish Swim School: What Level Am I?
Guppy and Me: Ages 6-24 months
(Parents are in the water)
Parent/child class where songs and games are used to build confidence in the water.
Tadpoles: Age 2
(Parents are in the water)
Children learn to get in and out of pool unassisted, blow bubbles, put their face in the water, practice front and back floats with support, explore arm and leg movements and kicking on their front and back with support.
Jellyfish: Ages 3-5
Children practice unsupported front and back floats (starfish float) and front glide with their face in for 1 body length—superman glide or streamline position.
Catfish: Ages 3-5
Children combine arm and leg action for freestyle and backstroke. Beginner breathing techniques are introduced.
Starfish: Ages 6-12
Children practice unsupported front and back floats and start to combine arms and legs for four strokes of freestyle.
Goldfish: Ages 6-12
Children practice bobbing/treading while moving to safety in chest-deep water. Freestyle rotary breathing will be the main focus along with perfecting backstroke arms and legs.
Dolphins: Ages 6-12
Children learn to swim underwater and tread in deep water. They practice freestyle with rotary breathing and backstroke. Breaststroke will be introduced.
Sharks: Ages 6-12
Children refine freestyle and backstroke, perfect breaststroke and are introduced to butterfly and open turns.
Aquadults: Ages 13+
Aquadults classes are designed to help beginner swimmers regardless of their starting point. Aquadults group lessons are ideal for adults who have never learned to swim, have a fear or hesitation of the water or want to perfect their swimming stroke.
Beginner:
Get comfortable in the water, learn breathing and buoyancy techniques, floating, gliding, and kicking. The class will introduce freestyle, backstroke, and sidestroke.
Intermediate:
Learn breaststroke and refine freestyle and backstroke skills. Rotary breathing is introduced.
Advanced:
Focus on more advanced techniques, such as flip turns and refining of the four competitive strokes for efficiency and speed.
PRIVATE LESSONS
Private Swim Lessons
To schedule one-on-one instruction, please fill out this form.
Price:
- $42/half hour/member;
- $50/non-member
- $210/6 lessons*
- $320/10 classes*
*Only JCC members may purchase private lesson packages.
AQUATIC FITNESS
Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program
Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Exercise Gentle movements increase joint flexibility and range of motion, while restoring or maintaining muscle strength. Wednesdays and Fridays 11:00 AM -11:45 AM. Small pool. No fee.
Aqua Aerobics
This aerobic class includes total body conditioning and toning. Wednesdays and Fridays 9:00 AM – 9:45 AM. Lap pool. No fee.
Aqua Flow
Focus on balance and coordination with yoga adaptations and light stretching. Tuesday & Thursday 9AM.
Shake, Splash, & Roll
Bursts of full body aerobic exercise combined with strength, flexibility, and balance exercises. Weekdays 11AM.
SilverSplash
Short bursts of cardiovascular aerobic exercise are combined with a series of strength, flexibility and balance exercises using a specially designed SilverSneakers® kickboard. Mon-Fri 11-11:45. Small pool. No fee.
Aqua WalkOut
Enjoy gentle, slow movements in the warm water. Walk forward, backward and sideways as arms assist your movements. Stay as long as you like—this group has the warm water pool space for an hour. Tuesdays and Thursdays 8 AM Small pool. No fee.
CERTIFICATIONS
Dates for Water Safety Certifications and Lifeguard Certification will be posted soon.
Looking to Join Our Team? We’re hiring for SWIM!
The JCC is seeking part-time lifeguards/group/private swim lesson instructors! All applicants are required a minimum of 1-3 years swim instructor experience. Applicants must have up-to-date American Red Cross Lifeguarding, First Aid, & CPR/AED certifications. Water Safety Instructor Certification (WSI) is preferred. A free health membership is offered upon hire. All candidates must possess or obtain Act 33/34, FBI clearances, and mandated reporter training.
Learn more about employment opportunities and apply HERE.
For more information, contact Alycia Miller.
Contact Us
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