The Bender JCC Herman Aquatic Center offers an array of classes and lessons for all ages including Group Swim Lessons, parent/child classes including Waterbabies and Watertots, Private & Semi-Private Swim Lessons, Pre-Team, Swim Club, Masters Swim Club, as well as the Isadore and Bertha Gudelsky Exceptional Swim Program for children, teens and adults with orthopedic-related disabilities.
Swim Classes, Lessons & Clubs
The Bender JCC of Greater Washington offers swim classes, swim lessons, and swim clubs for all ages and skill levels. Learn to swim, refine your strokes, or build endurance—it’s all possible at the Bender JCC.
Infant Swimming Resource (ISR) 
Not Just Swimming – Surviving!
Lessons are every day, Monday – Friday for only 10 minutes a day. ISR (Infant Swimming Resource) is the global leader in survival swimming lessons for infants and young children ages 6 months – 4 years. ISR teaches children Self-Rescue® techniques, designed to help them survive should they find themselves in the water alone. Ages 6 months – 6 years. Click Here for more information and to register.
Water Babies and Tots
Our Water Babies and Water Tots classes introduce children with their parents in the pool to the water. Using verbal cues and body language your child will be introduced to basic swim skills including back float, kicking, blowing bubbles and reaching all with assistance from the parent. Ages 6 months to 3 years.
Swim Classes
Our swim classes introduce children of all ages to the water, helps new swimmers become adjusted and teaches fundamental swim skills and strokes.
Swim Clubs
Our youth and adult swim clubs allow swimmers to work on competitive skills and build endurance through challenging workouts and individual stroke correction.
Private & Semi-Private Lessons
Private (one student per instructor), semi-private (two students per instructor) are available in 30-minute increments. Lessons are based on instructor availability and are available to Bender JCC members only. To schedule lessons or for more information, contact Caroline Cardullo, Aquatics Director at 301-348-3890.
Private & Semi-Private Lessons
Aquatic Group Fitness
Free to members, the Bender JCC’s aquatic group fitness classes
– including Aqua Zumba, Flex & Stretch and Aerobics —are low-impact total body workouts ideal for all ages. See our list of classes HERE or for more information on aquatic group fitness, contact Jaimi Jones at 301-348-3891.
Pool Safety
Herman Aquatic Center Indoor Pool
Indoor Pool Schedule- 25 yards long
- 3’-10’ deep
- 6 lanes
- Meets ADA requirements
- Staffed by certified lifeguards at all times
Outdoor Pool
- Outdoor Pool Schedule
- Double flume slides
- Paul Family Interactive Play Area
- Attached playground
- Waterslide Rules
- Swim Test Rules
- Outdoor Pool FAQs
- Outdoor Pool Winter Safety Protocol and Procedures
Isadore & Bertha Gudelsky Exceptional Swim Program
The Bender JCC offers swim classes for children, teens, and adults with physical disabilities. Learn more about the Isadore & Bertha Gudelsky Exceptional Swim Program.
Pool Safety
The Bender JCC is committed to keeping its members and visitors safe. In addition to our certified lifeguards, we require strict adherence to our pool rules. Learn about our outdoor pool rules.
Questions about aquatics at the Bender JCC? Contact us!
ProAction Aquatic Physical Therapy
ProAction Physical Therapy offers Aquatic Therapy water for people who do not tolerate treatment ‘on land’. We are one of only a few clinics in the Washington, DC area that offers this valuable service. Our Physical Therapists are expertly trained to provide therapy in the water. Take advantage of this exceptional program right here at the JCC!
Physical Therapy in the water:
- Creates a safe and effective environment to exercise.
- Enablespain-free strengthing, stretching, and overall mobility.
- Uses hydrostatic pressure to reduce swelling.
- Improves your ability to balance.
- Creates the ability to move joints through greater ranges of motion.
Aquatic Physical Therapy benefits those who have:
| Neck and back pain | Arthritis |
| Fibromyalgia | Gait and balance difficulties |
| Poor conditioning/endurance | Neurological disorders |
| Joint replacements & other types of surgery | Chronic pain |
Aquatic Physical Therapy is covered by Medicare and most medical insurance plans when it is prescribed by a physician. There is no extra cost for participating in Aquatic Therapy sessions. Please call us for additional information at 301-881-CARE (301-881-2273). See you at the pool!
