Get in Shape
Swimming is one of the best forms of exercise—low impact and joint-friendly while building flexible strength. A well-executed stroke stretches and strengthens your body and can even help correct muscular imbalances. A smooth crawl can work wonders for a healthy spine.
Boost Heart and Lung Health
Swimming strengthens your cardiovascular system and improves your heart health while reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke. It also trains your body to use oxygen more efficiently, supporting overall wellness.
Sharpen Your Brain
Intentional practice of any skill strengthens brain connections. Swimming coordinates body and mind, offering a meditative rhythm that relieves stress and enhances mental clarity. Staying focused on technique keeps your brain flexible and engaged.
Save a Life
Drowning is the leading cause of death for children under five and second for those under sixteen. Learning to swim can prevent tragedy—for yourself or someone else. Children with autism are especially at risk, and programs like the Nashville Dolphins provide excellent resources for special needs swimmers. Consider lifeguard training—The J even covers the cost if you commit to a few shifts a week.
The Planet Is Mostly Water
Over 70% of Earth is covered in water—and so are you! Comfort in the water opens up more of the world to explore. Oceans are vital ecosystems and essential to our global health. Feeling at home in the water helps us connect more deeply with our environment.
Adventure Awaits
From snorkeling and surfing to scuba diving and freediving, water sports become more fun and accessible as your swimming comfort grows. Whether you're planning a vacation or just want to meet new people, swimming is a great way to prepare and connect.
Career Readiness
Swimming skills open doors. The Coast Guard, Navy, and EMS services all need strong swimmers. Dive professionals, rescue divers, and underwater technicians are in demand. Even here at The J, we’re hiring swimmers to teach and support our aquatics programs.
Challenge Yourself
Swimming can be as competitive or personal as you make it. Join a swim team, train for a triathlon, or simply commit to your own practice. There’s great satisfaction in setting goals, tracking progress, and pushing yourself toward improvement.
Teach Others
The Gordon JCC’s Starfish programs can equip you to teach kids or adults how to swim. It’s a powerful way to give back to your community. You can also support swim teams like the Tiger Sharks or the Nashville Dolphins. We’re always looking for passionate people to join our team.
Just Have Fun
There’s nothing more refreshing on a hot day than jumping into cool water. Floating, swimming, and playing in the water is a joyful, freeing experience at any age.
About the Author:
Amy Schwartz has been swimming at The Gordon JCC for 11 years and teaching here since 2023. You’ll find her poolside most days, coordinating swim lessons and promoting water safety. Want to get her talking? Just ask about scuba diving.
The Jewish Observer is published by The Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville and made possible by funds raised in the Jewish Federation Annual Campaign. Become a supporter today.
Learn more about our swim program at nashvillejcc.org/swimlessons
