Swim Center
THE SWIM CENTER WILL be opening for regularly scheduled programs today, 9/21/23.
swim center updates:
- The ADA Lift into the Emery G. Weed III Competition pool is temporarily out of service. We are working on getting it fixed and will update this page as soon as we have more information.
- The Splash Park will be closed Monday 9/18 and Tuesday 9/19 for maintenance.
Community Center office hours:
Mon-Thu 9am-5pm, Fridays by appointment
Registration for all programs available online at www.el-cerrito.org/onlinereg. If you are having issues registering or have questions, we highly encourage you to call (510) 559-7000 or email recreation@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us.
Air Quality: The Swim Center monitors the Air Quality through purpleair.com. The Swim Center will remain open until the Air Quality reaches 150 (Unhealthy) for an average of one hour.
- Programs include Masters, Water Aerobics, Fitness Swim, Swim Lessons, Family Swim and Splash Park. Please see each page for information on times, pricing, and capacities.
- Check-in will be at the Main Swim Window.
- Locker rooms will be available for full use. Face masks are highly encouraged in the locker rooms for those who are unvaccinated.
- The Swim Center will not require face coverings to be worn, however we HIGHLY encourage unvaccinated individuals to continue wear their face coverings and become vaccinated.
- If you have any symptoms of COVID-19 (a fever of 100.4 degrees or more in the last 24 hours, a cough or shortness of breath in the last 24 hours, and/or been in contact with anyone that has tested positive for COVID-19 within the last 2 weeks) you must stay home.
Swim Center Fees
Beginning September 1, 2023, the City Council adopted fees for the 2023-2024 Fiscal Year will be implemented at the Swim Center. You can see the fees on the Swim Center Fees 23-24 document.
The Swim Center is excited about a big change to the Annual Passes (Fitness, Masters and Masters+). All Annual Passes are now valid on City Holidays! Previously, no passes were allowed to be used on Holidays and instead every swimmer pays a $10 Resident or $12 Non-Resident fee. Starting 9/1/23, as an additional benefit to the Annual Pass, you can use it for City Holidays including Labor Day, Veteran's Day, the day after Thanksgiving, and many more. Purchase yours today by visiting www.el-cerrito.org/onlinereg, click on "Aquatic Passes" and purchase the Annual Swim Pass 23-24.
Swim Center Programs
Fitness Swim (click for more information) - For ages 14 years and older, get in shape in our heated pool! Swimming is a great workout that improves cardiovascular health, tones muscle and helps maintain a healthy weight.
Water Aerobics (click for more information) - The El Cerrito Swim Center is excited to offer Water Aerobics - a fun way to improve fitness while enjoying the pool. With new strategies and protocols in place to keep participants as safe as possible during the pandemic, classes will maintain focus on aerobic endurance, resistance training, and creating an enjoyable atmosphere amongst community. Independent Exercise is offered at times when an instructor is not available. Space is available for everyone to come and do their own work out. Because there is no instructor, the Fitness Swim fee is charged during Independent Exercise times.
Family Swim (click for more information) - The Swim Center will be open with no reservations or COVID-19 capacity limits - Regular pool capacity limits still apply. Family Swim starts Saturday 4/23/22.
Masters Swim Team (click for more information) - El Cerrito Aquatic Masters (ECAM) is for adults ages 19+ interested in swimming competitively or just getting in shape. Coached workouts focus on endurance, techniques and overall fitness. Competitive swimming is not required. Talk to the coach regarding minimum swimming ability. See current schedule for practice days and times. Swimmers participating in ECAMS must register with United States Masters Swimming (USMS).
Gators Swim Team (click for more information) - The Gator’s Swim Club is a USA Swimming team that has a history spanning over 40 years. Gator’s are dedicated to providing a fun and challenging program for young people 7-18 years old that will enable swimmers to improve their ability and excel in the sport. Questions? Please email Gators at gswim@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us..
Swim Lessons (click for more information) - For ages 6 months and older, learn-to-swim in a safe and fun environment! Our instructors are trained to teach lessons to achieve the best learning experience. We offer group lessons, along with Private Lessons for Youth and Adults. Semi-Privates available for participants with similar swimming ability.
Splash Park (click for more information) - For ages 7 and under (with Parent/Caregiver), enjoy family fun at the Splash Park! It is a great way to get wet and have fun playing in the water. An assortment of spray features will create hours of fun. This is a non-lifeguarded area with no pool access.
Please note:
High-Use Facility: This is a high-use facility with multiple programs happening at a time. During your reservation or program time, other programs may be occurring that have loud music or amplified sound and take up portions of the pool.
Verification of Residency: Proof of household address may be requested at any time to verify residency. This may be in the form of a utility bill or rental lease.
Swim Lesson Cancellation Policy: Make-up classes are not available. Request for transfers will be approved only if initiated no later than 10 business days prior to the first day of class. All refunds/transfers will be charged a processing fee of $24 per class. Cancellations can be processed on your online account www.el-cerrito.org/onlinereg 10 business days prior to first day of class. Refunds will not be granted after the first class meeting except in the case of medical emergency and must be submitted within 48 hours to the recreation department by emailing recreation@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us. Cancellations, transfers, and schedule changes will not be granted for non-attendance. We reserve the right to cancel any sessions due to low enrollment.
POOL FAQ - (CLICK FOR MORE INFO)
Currently, the Swim Center is NOT able to offer the following programs: Parties at the Pool or Pool Rentals.
Any changes that are made, including any updates to times or health orders, will be updated on this website.
Emery G. Weed III Lap Pool
On August 18, 2015, in response to an application from El Cerrito Residents and Swim Center Patrons, the El Cerrito City Council voted to rename the Competition Pool the Emery G. Weed III Lap Pool.
Emery Weed was a much loved swim instructor, lifeguard, swim coach, and mentor to thousands of people during his 25 year tenure at the El Cerrito Swim Center. His life, passions, spirit, and philosophy of "Good Health, Love, Peace, Happiness and Prosperity" enriched the lives of so many in El Cerrito and beyond. "Keep coming back, it works!" is the advice Emery gave for a healthy life upon his retirement in 2013. The renaming of the El Cerrito Swim Center’s Competition Pool in Emery’s honor will help ensure that his legacy lives on for years to come and will continue to inspire future generations