Teaching your child to swim is so significant that it’s mentioned in the Talmud.
Open Enrollment for Summer 2026 sessions starts Tuesday, May 26 at 12:00 pm
The MJCCA’s Aquatics program offers a variety of swim lessons to introduce your child or yourself to the water and instill strong foundational skills for a lifetime of safe aquatic fun.
Note: Available swim lesson days/times can be found through the registration links below the FAQ. For additional inquiries, please email swimlessons@atlantajcc.org.
Alison Boivin
Alison is a former year-round Dynamo Swim Club athlete with 13 years of competitive experience. A standout swimmer at Dunwoody High School, she qualified for the state meet all four years and went on to compete with the Furman University club team. Alison coached the Mill Glen and Tuxford summer swim teams for eight seasons and has years of experience teaching private swim lessons. With more than 21 years of experience as a classroom teacher, school district administrator, corporate product specialist, national academic advisor, and marketing manager, she brings a unique blend of expertise to the pool. Now a swim mom to two Dynamo athletes, Alison is passionate about helping young swimmers build strong technique, confidence, and a lifelong love of the sport.
Trent Gould
Trent Gould started his swim instructor journey in 2018 by offering lessons for the city of Dayton, Ohio. His involvement extended to participating in the Summer Swim Team and engaging in year-round swimming activities with the Dayton Raiders. He also worked in Gwinnett County prior to coming to the MJCCA. Trent enjoys exercising and listening to music.
Mecca Hamilton
Mecca is an experienced swim instructor with more than 12 years in aquatics. She specializes in working with nervous and first-time swimmers, bringing a supportive, safety-focused approach to every lesson. She was a lifeguard and swim teacher at Norfolk State University, followed by roles with the City of Norfolk, Virginia and in Georgia. Mecca has taught baby-and-me, preschool, school-age, and adult swim classes. As a mother of two young children, she values patience and trust, creating a calm, positive environment. She meets each swimmer where they are and helps them progress at their own pace.
Korey Lowrey
Korey has proudly served as an instructor at the MJCCA for nine years. He enjoys actively contributing to the overall excellence of aquatic programs and services at the MJCCA.
Carissa Mindt
Carissa Mindt transformed her childhood love for recreation into a rewarding profession as a Youth & Aquatics Director and Swim Teacher. Certified in water safety, lifeguarding, pool management, personal training, and water aerobics, her coaching philosophy revolves around creating a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable learning environment. Carissa has taught swim lessons since 2021, and previously was the Assistant Games Director for the 2019 JCC Maccabi Games.
Maxine Spencer
Maxine is a former MJCCA Zaban Sharks swim team member and has been an avid swimmer since early childhood. She has been a swim instructor since 2019 and a lifeguard since 2020. Maxine specializes in teaching children ages 2-5, while also having experience working with swimmers of all ages and abilities. She is passionate about helping children build confidence and develop strong, safe swimming skills.
Will Trocchi
Will Trocchi has been in the pool since he could walk. Over the years, he’s worn many hats—swimmer, coach, official, and lifeguard—and loved every minute of it. From teaching toddlers to training adults, Will is passionate about helping swimmers of all ages feel confident and successful in the water. He looks forward to making a positive impact on your family.
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"Demitri
With a background in both track and field and football at Virginia Tech, Demitri Knowles achieved recognition as a Bahamas National Champion and one-time runner-up during his junior year. Along with his other athletic achievements, he had the privilege of being part of the Bahamas National Swim team for two years. Over the last four years, Demitri has been dedicated to instructing swimming and enjoying the diverse interactions with clients ranging from 0 to 99 years old.
TAT Trierweiler
TAT Trierweiler is a recent Savannah College of Art and Design graduate who has always been in and out of the water. They have been competitively swimming since they were eight years old and have taught individuals of all ages in private and group settings. They have a passion for helping people love the water as much as they do and hope to help people discover a new hobby.
Laurie Adler
In 2009, Laurie Adler began her journey as a summer swim team coach, coaching over 150 swimmers aged 2-18 annually for three years. Although Laurie’s full-time career is in marine biology, she could not abandon her passion, and upon relocating to Atlanta for a job at the Georgia Aquarium, she discovered the MJCCA community. Laurie has cherished the opportunity to build relationships with students and empower them to achieve their aquatic goals since starting at the MJCCA in 2022 as a part-time swim instructor.
Jonny Booth
Originally from the metro Chicago area, Jonny Booth is completing his psychology major and entrepreneurship minor at Georgia State University. A former competitive swimmer for eight years, he became a swim instructor following high school. Over the last seven years, Jonny has coached, lifeguarded, and helped certify new lifeguards. As a certified personal trainer, he works with adult clients both in and out of the pool. Jonny finds joy in working with a diverse range of individuals, including teaching NFL running back Ito Smith how to swim.
Kourtland Tate
Kourtland Tate is a Georgia native and a Spelman College Graduate. She has been swim instructing and lifeguarding for more than eight years and has worked with a variety of age and skill levels. Throughout her career, she’s developed a firm and encouraging approach that has served her students well. In her free time, she enjoys exploring photography, a good book, and spending time with her two furbabies.
Irene Bottini
Swimming competitively for 12 years, Irene Bottini obtained her lifeguard certification and worked as a lifeguard over the summer. Along with her work as a lifeguard, she assisted with swim lessons at summer camp. Currently a senior in high school, Irene has been a member of the Varsity Swim Team for three years and varsity dive team for two years.
Gabby Lerner
Gabby Lerner grew up attending school and camp at the MJCCA, where she has also worked in the aquatics department for six years. With five years of lifeguarding experience and four years of teaching swimming lessons, she brings a wealth of expertise. Having competed in swimming for a decade, she maintains a deep passion for the sport. Currently a sophomore at the University of Florida, she is pursuing a major in Health Education and Behavior. Gabby can also be found lifeguarding and supervising at the pool.
Brianna Levine
Brianna Levine is a dedicated member of the JCC community and is passionate about coaching swimming and dance. With extensive experience at the MJCCA and her hometown JCC, she is thrilled to bring her energy and dedication and return to the pool.
Laura Porto
Laura Porto has been teaching swimming for more than 20 years and has experience with all ages, levels, and abilities. Laura loves working with beginners to overcome fear and acclimate to the water. As a former competitive swimmer, she has coached swim teams and enjoyed working with younger and newer competitors. Additionally, Laura is a certified Water Safety Instructor and a Lifeguard Training Instructor.
Sarell Tutt
Sarell Tutt has been immersed in swimming since the age of 3, starting at the Mill Glen Summer Swim Club and later becoming a year-round member of the Dynamo Swim Club until age 17. She was also a member of the MJCCA Zaban Sharks, and holds records at both Georgia Tech and the MJCCA. Her Aquatics career officially began in 2021, with roles such as lifeguarding, coaching, and instructing.
Kaley McPherson
In her third summer teaching at the MJCCA, Kaley McPherson is thrilled to return. Currently in her sophomore year at Auburn University, she is working towards a degree in Marketing and Public Relations. When not at the pool instructing, she can be spotted running around town, enjoying walks with her dogs, or immersed in a captivating book. Freestyle is her preferred stroke, while she enjoys teaching backstroke.
Rachel Urbach
Starting as a member of the MJCCA Zaban swim team, Rachel Urbach embraced a sense of community and a passion for swimming. Additionally, Rachel worked as a lifeguard at a summer camp, ensuring safety and fostering a positive aquatic experience for campers. During her time as a lifeguard, she had the privilege of forming connections with families, leading her to teaching private swimming lessons. Rachel has come full circle, returning to the MJCCA as a swim instructor, continuing to share her passion for swimming with others.
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What is the difference between private and semi-private lessons?
Private lessons are a 1:1 ratio (one swimmer and one instructor). Semi-private lessons are a 2:1 ratio (two swimmers and one instructor). Participants in semi-private lessons must be close to the same ability level to keep lessons fluent and help all participants improve together. You will need to schedule with another family if you choose semi-private lessons. We do not provide you a swim partner. Only one person may register online for a semi-private lesson. The second participant must call, and our registration team will assist with completing that registration.
How long is a swim lesson session? And how often?
Swim lessons are 30-minutes long, typically once a week. It’s the ideal time for students to remain engaged and attentive while having fun and remaining consistent.
Can adults take private swim lessons?
Of course! We welcome adults who want to improve their swimming ability, from basic water safety to perfecting stroke technique. Regular swim lesson fees and policies apply.
How old does my child need to be to take swim lessons?
Children can typically begin individual lessons when they are 6 months old.
Does my child need to wear a swim diaper?
All children under the age of 4 – or who are not fully potty trained – must wear a disposable swim diaper under a reusable polyester/cotton (machine washable) swim diaper. Non-disposable swim diapers provide a tighter fit, which helps avoid lengthy pool closures due to accidents. Both diapers MUST be worn underneath a swimsuit. If this policy is not adhered to, children will not be permitted to enter our pools. Review the policy and purchase your swim diapers here.
How do swim lessons work if my child is currently attending The Weinstein School or Camp Marie Benator/Club J/School’s Out Camp/MJCCA Day Camps?
We provide transportation to and from swim lessons for students enrolled in these programs. Note: if a child is enrolled in Club J, The Weinstein School, Camp Marie Benator, or MJCCA Day Camps and a parent needs to pick them up after their swim lesson, the family is responsible for notifying both Aquatics and Club J, The Weinstein School, Camp Marie Benator, or MJCCA Day Camps of the change.
How much do lessons cost?
Private lessons are $52 per lesson. Semi-private lessons are $42 per lesson per swimmer. Swim lessons run on a semester basis: Spring (Jan-May), Summer (Jun-Aug), and Fall (Aug-Dec) and are purchased in packages. The number of lessons varies depending on the instructor’s availability, and on any holidays the MJCCA may be closed. The MJCCA does not hold swim lessons on holidays. Any holidays that fall within a session are already excluded from the session price; therefore, families are not billed for those dates. The holiday schedule can be found here.
To participate in swim lessons, do you have to be an MJCCA member?
You must be a member of the MJCCA to participate in swim lessons. To learn more about your membership options, please call Membership at 678.812.4060 or email membership@atlantajcc.org.
Can I make changes to my swim lesson package?
Please reach out to the Swim Lessons Manager at swimlessons@atlantajcc.org if you wish to make a change to your package so we can discuss your options.
Can I cancel my swim lesson package and get a refund/credit for unused lessons?
No refund or credits will be issued for swim lesson packages including unused lessons. Purchasing a package is a commitment for the entire semester in order to foster a consistent learning experience.
How are lessons scheduled?
Lessons will be scheduled in the Pike13 app only after registration is confirmed and payment has been received. The first lesson will occur the week after registration is confirmed and payment is received.
What if I need to cancel a swim lesson?
You must provide at least 24 hours’ notice for any cancellation to avoid being charged for a cancelled lesson. Please cancel your swim lesson on your Pike13 app (do not email your cancellations), giving the instructor as much notice as possible. No makeup lesson will be provided where notice was received within 24 hours before the lesson or when no notice was received.
What happens if I’m part of a semi-private lesson and one participant cancels?
You may attend your swim lesson or cancel and arrange a makeup lesson with your partner if they cancel before 24 hours. If you attend privately, you will be charged the difference in the lesson.
Can I make up a lesson?
Members may schedule a maximum of two makeup lessons per session. If a lesson is canceled by the instructor or due to a pool closure, a makeup lesson will be scheduled and will not count toward the two member-initiated makeups. Makeup lessons will be scheduled with an available instructor and may not be with the student’s regular instructor. Please view the Pike13 app to schedule a makeup lesson with any of our instructors. No credits or makeup lessons will be offered after the session ends. Any unscheduled makeups or unused lessons will expire.
Children with contagious illnesses, open wounds, or a fever must stay home and not attend their lesson.
For parent drop-off or pick-up, parents must ensure their child is dropped off directly with and picked up directly from their instructor. Parents must never leave their child unattended.
Parents are strongly encouraged to remain off the pool deck during lessons. A glass window viewing area is available on Main Street.
The full indoor pool policy can be found here.
| Program | Date | Time | Age | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| program Private Swim Lessons | date 09.01.2021 - 08.31.2026 | time 5:30 am - 10:00 pm | age | view details | Continue to Registration |
| program Semi-Private Swim Lessons | date 09.01.2021 - 08.31.2026 | time 5:30 pm - 10:00 pm | age | view details | Continue to Registration |
The MJCCA’s Inclusion Program strives to provide the necessary accommodations and flexibility for youth who require additional support so they may access the transformative opportunities available at the MJCCA. Our Inclusion Team collaborates with parents, educators, and staff to determine if successful program placement is possible. These youth and their families are then supported by our Inclusion Team through program accommodations and may also receive individualized assistance. Click here for more information.