Join the J

 

 

Header Image
 
AQUATICS
at JCC Buffalo
Aquatics at the J

Build Confidence
& Community

 

We’re Here to Help You Thrive in the Water

Whether your goals include learning to swim, improving your fitness, building strength, or simply enjoying time in the pool, the J is ready to help you succeed. Our aquatics programs are designed for every age, ability, and experience level, and our welcoming environment makes time in the water both fun and rewarding.

We offer a wide range of options, including:

  • Swim lessons for children, teens, and adults
  • Youth swim team
  • Low-impact water aerobics and specialty group fitness classes
  • Lap swimming and open swim times
  • American Red Cross certification and safety courses
  • Adaptive Au-Some Swim Lessons for swimmers with special needs

Our skilled and credentialed aquatics team is dedicated to helping every member feel confident, capable, and supported in the water. From gentle flexibility classes to high-energy interval workouts, and from beginner swimmers to competitive athletes, you will find programs that meet your needs and encourage growth.

Fitness at the J
VIEW OUR AQUATICS SCHEDULES

Our Pools

JCC Buffalo offers exceptional aquatic facilities at both locations, making it easy to enjoy a wide variety of programs and activities in the water. Our heated indoor pools are open year-round for lap swimming, group classes, and special events, with temperatures consistently maintained between 82–84°F for an optimal swimming experience.

Leo Chapin Pool

Benderson Family Building

The Leo Chapin Pool at the JCC Buffalo Benderson Family Building features five 25-yard lanes, a 12-foot maximum depth, and a spectator balcony overlooking the pool. It hosts a wide range of programs, including aquatics group fitness classes, swim lessons, certification courses, training, and the Storm Swim Club.

Leo Chapin Pool

Richard Zakalik Pool

Holland Family Building

The Richard Zakalik Pool at the JCC’s Holland Family Building features four 25-yard lanes and a 9-foot maximum depth, with bleachers for spectators to comfortably watch swim activities. It supports a full range of programs, including lap swimming, swim lessons, group water-fitness classes, and Storm Swim Club, ideal for swimmers of all levels.

Richard Zakalik Pool

Grossman Family Outdoor Pool Complex

Benderson Family Building

The Grossman Family Outdoor Pool Complex features five 25-yard lap lanes with a maximum depth of 5.5 feet, plus a dedicated toddler pool with a maximum depth of 2 feet. Open mid-June through early September, the complex offers a whole summer experience with outdoor pickleball courts, beach volleyball courts, and the convenient Snack Shack for refreshments. It’s a welcoming seasonal hub for family fun, fitness, and outdoor recreation.

Grossman Family Outdoor Pool

Rent a Pool for Your Next Celebration

From birthday parties to team celebrations, our pools set the perfect scene for your event.

Inquire About Pool Rentals

Pool Rules

To help keep everyone safe and comfortable, please review and follow these rules while using the pool and surrounding areas.

  1. The Health Department requires all patrons to take a cleansing shower with soap before entering the pool.
  2. Being on the pool deck is prohibited unless a lifeguard is on duty.
  3. Running, rough play, dunking, wrestling, pushing people into the pool, or other improper conduct is prohibited.
  4. Diving is only permitted in water deeper than 9 feet and must be forward-facing.
  5. Please refrain from extended breath holding (hypoxic training).
  6. Objects deemed to be dangerous or unsafe by lifeguards are not permitted in the pool area.
  7. Swimmers must wear swimwear, such as swimsuits or trunks, before entering the pool.
  8. Food or refreshments may be consumed only in designated areas; glass is not permitted.
  9. Bandages must be removed before entering the pool.
  10. Persons with open sores or skin diseases are not permitted in the pool.
  11. It is forbidden to contaminate the swimming pool—this includes urinating, defecating, spitting, or blowing your nose in the pool.
  12. Children who are not toilet-trained must wear snug-fitting swim diapers.
  13. Bringing any animal, other than a registered service animal, onto the immediate premises is strictly prohibited.
  14. All children under 15 years of age must be accompanied by an adult on the pool deck.
  15. Children under 6 years of age must have an adult in the water.
  16. Any child who cannot swim the length of the pool unassisted must have an adult in the water.
  17. Only Coast Guard–approved and labeled personal flotation devices may be worn, and only with direct adult supervision. Each individual wearing a personal flotation device must be accompanied by an adult in the pool, within arm's reach.
  18. Pool deck chairs and loungers must remain 6 feet back from the pool edge at all times.
EXPLORE OUR AQUATICS PAGES