Aquatics Programs

Our pools are home to swimmers of every age and ability, from beginners building water confidence to competitive athletes and future lifeguards. Explore our aquatics programs below to find the one that fits your family.

Fall Swim Registration Now Open

Semester begins October 5

A young girl wearing goggles and a black swimsuit smiling in a swimming pool, holding onto the pool edge with one hand and floating near the lane divider.

Our Programs

  • A young girl practicing swimming with an instructor in a pool, using a yellow floatation device and holding onto a red lane divider.

    Group Swim Lessons

    Our Aquatics program gives swimmers of every age and ability a place to learn, train, and grow in the water — from parent-and-me classes for toddlers to competitive stroke work for teens headed toward swim team. Explore the programs below to find the right fit.

    Aquatics Fall Session
    Begins October 5
    10 weeks

    Swim Groups:
    Baby Nemo ages 2-4 (parent-and-me)
    Tadpoles ages 4-6
    Stingrays ages 7-10
    Sharks ages 11-14

    Beginner, Intermediate, & Advanced levels available for Tadpoles, Stingrays, & Sharks. For more information on swim levels, click here.

  • Indoor swimming pool with empty lanes, a pair of water shoes at the foreground, and folding chairs and orange traffic cones along the poolside. There are advertisements and a schedule on the wall behind the pool.

    Private Swim Lessons

    Looking for more one-on-one attention than a group class offers? Our private and semi-private swim lessons pair swimmers ages 4 months and up with a dedicated instructor on a schedule that works for you with no fixed session dates required.

    30-Minute Lessons:
    Private: $50 member / $75 non-member
    Semi-Private: $85 member / $95 non-member
    45-Minute Lessons:
    Private: $65 member / $80 non-member
    Semi-Private: $90 member / $100 non-member

    Please note that lessons expire 4 months after purchase. Private lessons are non-refundable. Minimum of five lessons.

    Visit the Fitness Desk to purchase private lessons. Email [email protected] for more information.

  • A colorful beach ball floating in a swimming pool.

    Adaptive Swim – All Abilities

    Our Adaptive Swim – All Abilities program is designed to provide a supportive and welcoming swimming experience for children ages 5–8 with different abilities.

    Program Details

    • Sundays, 12:00–12:45pm PM

    • Ages 5–8

    • 10-week semester

    • Small-group instruction

    • Fee-for-service program

    • Registration is required

    • Members: $365

    • Non-Members: $425

    Program Focus

    The program provides swimming instruction in a supportive environment and focuses on water safety, comfort in the water, swimming skills, and building confidence. Instruction is adapted to each child's individual abilities and learning needs.

    Teaching Approach & Instructor Training

    Our instructors use an adaptive approach to help each participant progress at their own pace while creating a positive and inclusive learning environment. Our instructors are currently completing the Angelfish certification course to further develop their skills in adaptive swim instruction.

    Class Size

    The program is offered in a small-group setting to allow for more individualized attention and support for each participant.

    Who Is This Program For?

    This program is for children ages 5–8 who may benefit from a more individualized and supportive swimming environment.

    Registration

    Registration is currently open. For additional information about the program or registration, please contact the Aquatics Department at 718-475-5211 or 718-475-5215, or email [email protected].

  • Swimmer in a competitive swimming pool doing the butterfly stroke, wearing a white swim cap with Singapore flag logo, with orange and red lane dividers visible.

    Pre-Competitive Swim Team

    Do you know how to swim and want to take your skills to the next level?

    Join our Pre-Competitive Swim Team and prepare for future swim team qualification in a fun, supportive, and challenging environment!

    ​$800 for 10 weeks JCC Members get 10% OFF

    Saturdays 5-7pm
    Fall 2026 Registration Coming Soon

  • Swimmer performing a stroke in a swimming pool during a race.

    Trident Aquatic Club

    Trident Aquatic Club is a USA Swimming registered team that runs from September - August. There are nine training groups for ages 8-18. Placement will be based on experience, ability level, and a tryout administered by the coaches. Placement is at the complete discretion of the coaches. Trident Aquatic Club runs at the Staten Island JCC and at Wagner College. Accepted swimmers can choose their preferred location based on available slots.

    For more information, email [email protected]

  • Morning Splash Club

    Give your child a summer full of splashing, swimming, and sun. Morning Splash Club pairs daily swim lessons with pool play for kids ages 6–12, grouped by skill level from beginner through advanced. Choose two or four days a week, and extend the day until 3:30 PM with our Summer Sports Academy add-on for basketball and flag football.

    Stay tuned for Summer 2027 registration!

  • A water polo player wearing a red cap with a Chinese flag is reaching up to catch or pass a yellow water polo ball in a swimming pool.

    Second Grade Swim

    We are proud to partner with select Staten Island public schools to provide free swimming lessons to second graders during the school day. This program is generously funded by the Heckscher Foundation for Children.

  • A swimmer wearing a blue swim cap and goggles is swimming in a pool with lane dividers, splashing water as they race.

    Progressive Swim Instructor Course

    Location: Bernikow JCC Indoor Pool

    Prerequisites:

    • Water Safety Instructor candidates must be at least 16 years old

    • Demonstrate the ability to perform the following swimming skills (in the beginning of class):

    Swim the following strokes consistent with Level 4:

    • Front Crawl, Back Crawl, Breaststroke, Elementary Backstroke, Sidestroke – 25 yards

    • Butterfly – 15 yards

    • Back float for 1 minute (floating or sculling)

    • Tread water for 1 minute

    Stay tuned for more class dates

  • Orange life preserver hanging on a white wall with a small sign that reads 'No diving' in both Portuguese and English.

    Lifeguard Training & CPR

    Train for one of the most valuable jobs at the pool. Our Lifeguard Certification courses prepare candidates 15 and older to earn or renew their lifeguard and CPR certifications, from full certification to recertification-only tracks. Pre-registration and attendance at every session are required, and all candidates must pass a prerequisite swim test before the course begins.

    Stay tuned for more class dates.

Contact Us
For More Information

718.475.5215