Aquatics

Learn how to swim at the J.

Our experienced, certified instructors and proven learn-to-swim methods reach nearly 1,000 students every year. JCC Chicago teaches people of all ages (as young as 3 months) how to be safe and comfortable in and around water, which leads to becoming safer, better swimmers.

Choose a Location

Northbrook – Bernard Weinger JCC

W. Rogers Park – Bernard Horwich JCC

Lifeguard Certification Class

Bernard Weinger JCC

Learn the skills and knowledge required to become an American Red Cross lifeguard, including how to recognize, prevent and respond quickly to aquatic emergencies. Learn CPR for the Professional Rescuer, AED, and First Aid. This course incorporates in-person, in-water, and online components. Prerequisites: Participant must be 15 years of age or older, pass a swimming pretest and complete online work prior to first class. The skills pretested include: swimming 300 yards of front and breast stroke; swimming 20 yards to retrieve a 10-pound weight in 9 feet of water and then 20 yards back to the starting point; and treading water for two minutes. Participants will receive certification after attending all class sessions, passing all written exams and water skills. Payment of class fees does not guarantee certification. Registration will close 72 hours before course begins to allow participants to complete all online work prior to class. Lifeguard, First Aid and CPR for the Professional Rescuer certifications are valid for 2 years. Classes are limited at this time due to COVID-19 restrictions.