Adaptive Swim
Discover adaptive swim lessons at JCC Greater Boston—personalized instruction for all abilities in a supportive, sensory-friendly environment.
Individualized Swim Instruction for All Abilities
At JCC Greater Boston, our adaptive swim program is thoughtfully designed to support swimmers of all ages and abilities. Whether your child is new to the water or you're an adult looking to gain confidence and skills, our experienced instructors provide personalized, one-on-one swim lessons that meet each swimmer exactly where they are.
Why Choose Our Adaptive Swim Program?
Tailored Swim Lessons:
Every swimmer is unique, which is why we begin with a comprehensive intake process to understand each individual’s needs, behaviors, and goals. We develop customized lesson plans using proven strategies from the Swim Angelfish® methodology and Lenny Krazelburg Swim Academy techniques.
Collaborative Support:
We actively involve families, caregivers, and support professionals to ensure each swimmer’s progress and comfort. Our instructors maintain up-to-date swimmer profiles to adapt lessons as needs evolve.
Comfortable, Safe Learning Environment:
With our calm, welcoming pool setting and specialized adaptive training, swimmers build skills at their own pace while developing water safety awareness and personal confidence.
Who Can Participate?
Our adaptive swim lessons are ideal for individuals with:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Sensory processing challenges
- Physical, cognitive, or developmental disabilities
- Any unique learning needs that benefit from personalized support
Our Facilities
We believe every swimmer deserves to feel safe, supported, and comfortable while learning. Our Leventhal-Sidman Center in Newton is thoughtfully equipped to meet the needs of individuals of all abilities.
Our facility includes:
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- ADA-compliant restrooms
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- Elevator access to all areas of the building
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- Private changing rooms for individuals or families, with or without a caregiver
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- A hydraulic lift for safe and supported pool entry and exit
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- Sound-dampening panels around the indoor pool to help reduce noise and support swimmers with sensory sensitivities
Every aspect of our space is designed to create a calm and inclusive environment for learning and growth.
Hours & Rates
Rates for Group/Private Lessons
| Cost | Member Cost | |
| Private (30 min) | $94 | $68 |
| Group (30 min) | $88 | $70 |
Lesson Cancellations/Make-ups Policy:
All lessons must be cancelled 24 hours in advance of the lesson start time to qualify for the make-up lesson. If less than 24 hours notice is given, you will be ineligible to book the makeup lesson. Makeup lessons can only be booked through the office after the date of the missed lesson has passed. There is absolutely no rescheduling of make-up lessons. There are no exceptions. Clients are eligible for one make-up every month. Each make-up lesson is valid for one calendar month from the date of the cancellation as long as the student is currently enrolled. Make-ups do not roll over from month to month.
Termination Policy:
30 days advance notice is required to terminate a student’s lessons by sending an email to adaptedswim@jccgb.org. There are no exceptions. We do not refund or prorate months for unused lessons for any reason.
Billing Policy:
Bank accounts or credit cards will automatically be charged a set monthly fee for all lessons that a child is enrolled in during the billing month. Charges will be made on the 1st of the month (or the first business day thereafter) for the following month. If a family signs up for the monthly billing after the first of the month, their initial payment will include a prorated amount for the current month plus the balance for next month.
Adaptive Swim
| Monday–Thursday | 3:30–6pm |
| Saturday–Sunday | 9am–2pm |
Indoor Pool
📍 Lower Level
✅ JCC Members, Master’s Swim, & Swim Lessons Participants
For the most up-to-date Indoor Pool hours, please consult our schedule below:
Coming This Summer: Sensory Swim Hour
We are excited to offer Sensory Swim Accommodations for individuals and their families who register for our Saturday Autism Welcoming Sensory Swim Hour! This specialized program creates a comfortable and supportive environment, allowing participants to enjoy a relaxing swim experience tailored to their unique sensory needs.
What to Expect:
- Preregistration with a confirmation email will provide important information about the facility.
- A video preview will show the path through the JCC to the locker rooms and pool area.
- Visual "STOP" signs are posted on doors to help participants easily identify areas to avoid.
- There will be designated time and space for sensory swim activities every Saturday from 3 to 4 PM.
- Signage at the pool will indicate that an Autism Welcoming Sensory Swim is taking place.
- Lifeguards, Aquatics Managers, and Desk Staff will wear Autism-Friendly badges for easy identification.
- Approved water toys for the sensory swim are clearly labeled and available poolside.
- Autism Welcoming pool approved water toys include:
- Fidgets
- Water-resistant headphones
- Therapy noodles
- Kickboards
- Small balls, rubber ducks, dive toys
Stay tuned for more information on this program as it becomes available.
Meet the Team
Senior Aquatics Director
Adrian Negenborn
Senior Aquatics Director
Adrian, originally from Cleveland, OH, has a lifelong passion for swimming. He began his competitive swimming career with the Lake Erie Silver Dolphins as an age group swimmer, later continuing at Hawken School and Skidmore College. With over 20 years of experience in the aquatics industry, Adrian has held various roles, including swim instructor, Masters Swim Coach, and Aquatics Director. He is dedicated to making a positive impact in his community through his work in aquatics, fostering a love for swimming and teaching this vital life skill.
Beyond his work in the water, Adrian also has a strong background in art. He holds a Master of Fine Arts degree from the Massachusetts College of Art and Design and enjoys painting when he’s not on the pool deck.
Head Coach, Karishim Swim Club / Director, Swim Camp
Lauren Gale
Head Coach, Karishim Swim Club / Director, Swim Camp
Lauren is a graduate of Bridgewater State University, where she excelled in swimming, teaching the Swim for America program and serving as head lifeguard and captain of the swim team for three years. She also has experience in coaching swimming at the South Shore YMCA. In addition to her passion for swimming, Lauren holds a degree in nutrition & wellness, which has led her to focus on the connection between a healthy lifestyle and positive long-term outcomes for children.
Ready to Dive In?
We’re committed to helping every swimmer discover the joy and empowerment of swimming.
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