The City of El Cerrito's Recreation Department is committed to providing a quality swim program at our new facility through trained and experienced instructors, low student-teacher ratios, and proven excellence of the American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim program.

Our staff lifeguards are skilled and trained to assist in making our facilities safe places to bring the family. Lifeguards, however, are not responsible for childcare. Parents are asked to watch their children and to assist in enforcing Swim Center policies for the safety and enjoyment of all patrons.

Admission: ALL individuals entering the facility will pay the daily admission fee or present their swim pass. During Learn-to-Swim sessions, admission will not be charged to class observers, who must remain in designated observation areas.

The purpose of the lifeguards and all fo the pool regulations is to allow the patron the maximum enjoyment and freedom which safety will permit (Department of Public Health and Safety Code #24100.1).

• Children 5 years and under must be accompanied by an adult. The adult must have a facility use card or pay a day-use fee, wear a swimsuit, and actively participate with the child in the water.
• Children ages 6, 7, and 8 must be accompanied by an adult or a responsible 16 year old.
• For the safety of your belongings, lockers are available.
• Animals other than Service Animals are not permitted in the Swim Center.
• No shoes or street attire on pool deck.
• No bicycles inside the Swim Center.
• Only Aquatics employees are allowed inside the Guardroom.
• Foul language is strictly prohibited.
• Smoking is prohibited in all areas of the Community Center and the Swim Center.
• Guests will refrain from displays of affection not appropriate in a public, family setting.
• No portable stereos or radios are allowed.
• No seeds or shells allowed.
  HEALTH RULES
  • Children under age 3 must wear a swim diaper--no exceptions! Swim diapers can be purchased at the El Cerrito Recreation Center office.
  • All swimmers must take a cleansing shower before entering the pool.
  • No food, drink, gum or tobacco products allowed in the pool area. Plastic water bottles are acceptable.
  • Persons under the influence of alcohol or drugs WILL NOT be allowed to use the facility.
  • Patrons known to be or suspected of being afflicted with an infectious disease, suffering from a cold virus, sores, or wearing band-aids shall be excluded from the pool.
  SLIDE RULES

  The water slide journey starts after climbing an eight foot high tower. Slide 360 of thrilling downward twists and turns to the pool below.

  *Children must be 42 inches tall to use the slide.

  *Participants must slide feet first on your back only.

  *Participants must follow the direction of the slide attendant.

  SAFETY RULES

  *Follow lifeguard instructions at all times.

  *No running on the deck.

  *Rough play, pushing, and fighting are not allowed in the facility.

  *NO DIVING except in designated areas. Feet first entries only.

  *Back dives, back jumps, flips, and splash jumps are prohibited.

  *Mask, snorkel and fins only allowed during Lap Swim.

  *Kick boards, pull buoys, paddles and lesson/class equipment are not available for use during Open Swim.

*Try to find a lane that fits your speed. The lifeguard can assist you with this.

*Before entering any lane, alert the person(s) already swimming in that lane.

*When sharing lanes, 2 swimmers split the lane and 3 or more swimmers circle swim in a counter-clockwise direction.

*Pass at the end of the lane only. Tap the toes of the person in front of you before he/she reaches the wall.

*Please be courteous, understanding and flexible with other swimmers.

*Please follow all facility rules and cooperate with the lifeguards' directions and requests.

**Updated Fall 2004
The files below are in pdf format. To download the free Adobe Acrobat Reader, click here.

Swim Center Brochure
Includes descriptions of classes and fees

Swim Center Schedule