No Running, but Plenty of Fun!

No Running, but Plenty of Fun!

Welcoming Premier Aquatics to the Alpert JCC

With the reopening of the Mary Alpert Pool & Hillinger Family Pool Deck just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to introduce our community to the faces of our aquatics programs. Jewish Long Beach is proud to announce our partnership with Premier Aquatics, whose team will thoroughly manage all of the new and returning aquatic programs that we have deeply missed over the last eight months, including instructing swim lessons, coaching the Bluefin Swim Team, and more!

Premier Aquatics, a division of The Safer Swimmer, is a trusted provider of pool management, lifeguard training, and water safety education Serving communities across Southern California, Arizona, and Utah, they specialize in maintaining safe, professionally managed aquatic facilities while fostering confidence, safety, and skill development for swimmers of all ages Premier Aquatics lifeguards earn StarGuard Elite Lifeguard Certifications and undergo in-house training led by their executive staff Beyond the state-required certifications, they mandate in-service training during every scheduled shift This ensures their team is always prepared to respond swiftly and effectively to emergencies, including water-related incidents, sudden illnesses, and basic first aid situations.

Join Jewish Long Beach in giving our new aquatics team a warm welcome! See you at the pool this summer!

Meet Your Aquatics Team

Bryce Sammons

Aquatics Manager

I've been working in aquatics for over ten years, with experience ranging from swim instruction and lifeguarding to facility management and program development Before joining the Alpert JCC, I led swim programs at both public pools and private clubs, focusing on safety, inclusivity, and fun. I’ve also coached both high school swim and water polo teams winning CIF championships for both men’s and women’s water polo and taking swimmers all the way to the CIF State Championships.

Why is swimming meaningful to you?

Swimming is my escape, it’s a way to let go of the day to day and just focus on one thing: the rhythm of the water. It’s grounding, freeing, and always resets my perspective.

Flip flops or slides? Slides!

4th of July or Labor Day? 4th of July nothing beats fireworks by the water

Jason Arocha

Aquatics & Operations Coordinator

I have been lucky enough to be working here at the Alpert JCC since 2013. Lifeguarding, teaching swim lessons, as well as providing first aid around the whole center, not just at the pool. The familiar & friendly faces from the members and staff have made the whole experience an enjoyable one.

What’s on your summer playlist?

I've got a big mix of songs in my collection, however "Japanese City Pop" brings out a vibe like no other when summer hits It's genre that emerged in Japan during the 70s and 80s, characterized by a blend of Western pop influences (funk, disco, AOR, soft rock) with a unique Japanese sound.

Free swim or aqua aerobics?

This may be a bit biased, but I gotta go with the aqua aerobics crew; so many special moments and friends made through them!

Ice cream or popsicles? Ice cream for sure

Ryan Larson

Premier Aquatics COO

Ryan has been a swimmer since he was four years old. He moved from Rancho Cucamonga to swim in college in 2008 and received his Bachelor's in Communications and a Master's in Business Administration from Concordia University. Ryan has worked with Premier since 2012. He is married to his wife Haley and has two kids, Scottie and John Ryan’s favorite hobbies are camping and golfing.

What advice do you have for adults, parents or children who may be anxious to swim for the first time?

Learning to swim is a process, it cannot be learned in one day. Be patient and keep practicing

Sun visor or bucket hat? Sun visor

Iced tea or lemonade? Both, Arnold Palmer