Swim lessons — for kids of all ages — have always been a popular activity at the Simon Family JCC. With summer temps climbing high, plus expansive indoor and outdoor options for swim lessons at the JCC, there’s no better time to get kids feeling more confident with their water abilities.
Deven Defee, the JCC’s head swim instructor, is a certified Water Safety and Lifeguard Instructor. In Colorado, Defee managed an aquatics center, and locally, she managed the Larkspur Swim & Racquet Club and was aquatics director at a regional YMCA. At the Simon Family JCC, Defee manages all the instructors and scheduling for lessons, with a goal of finding times that work well for everyone.
Private, as well as small group lessons are available. For children who are beginners, Defee (and her team) work on safety and floating, followed by breathing techniques, and how to safely enter and swim in the water. For intermediate swimmers, honing their strokes, perfecting breath work, and learning new strokes are all covered. Advanced swimmers can learn how to quicken their pace while racing, perfect a new stroke, or work on starts.
“We’re very lucky to have the best swim instructors I’ve worked with here at the Simon Family JCC,” says Tom Edwards, athletic director. “We not only see huge improvements in our swim students, but they have a ton of fun doing lessons in a safe and friendly environment.”
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Private Swim Lessons: $190 for six, 30-minute lessons (-$25 for JCC members)
Semi-Private Lessons: $140 for six, 30-minute lessons (-$25 for members)
Group Lessons: $78 monthly for unlimited (-$18 for members)
–Brian Berusch