Aquatics

     Young boy swimming                         



The Community Services Department offers affordable, year-round aquatic programs at two locations, the Richmond Plunge and the Richmond Swim Center. We offer a wide variety of programs. All programs are  led by professional, enthusiastic, American Red Cross certified pool staff. Swimmers of all ages and abilities will discover that the benefits of aquatic instruction, recreation and fitness are endless. 

POOLS ARE OPEN
for Lap Swim, Water Exercise and Family Recreation Swim by reservation only

 

NOTICE: 
Effective 8/1, there will be two swimmers per lane in most lanes for Lap Swim/Water Exercise
All patrons and staff are still required to be masked unless in the pool or shower.  

If you would like to receive email updates about City of Richmond pools, please email your first and last name toRichmond_Plunge@ci.richmond.ca.us 

Pool Rules & Special Information


Please read and become familiar with the pool rules before you visit to be sure you are prepared.
If you have any questions, please ask the Aquatics staff.
  • Main Guidelines for Post-Covid Swimming - all swimmers who reserve lane time will be responsible for knowing and abiding by these new guidelines and procedures. Information will be updated, as restrictions are relaxed. 
  • Pool Rules - City of Richmond pool rules. Unless otherwise stated in the updated Covid guidelines, these rules still apply
  • Operations Guidelines & Procedures for Swim Patrons - a manual explaining our new procedures  
  • FAQs - answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about post-Covid pool operations
POOL SCHEDULES & PROGRAMS


REGISTER FOR POOL USE

All patrons must register for lane time in advance. There is no in-person registration at the pool.


Registration Schedule

Lane Reservation  Dates  Registration Opens Richmond Residents Registration Opens
Non-Residents 
1st- 15th of the month
 25th* of prior month: 8:30am 25th* of prior month: 1:00pm
16th- end of the month 10th* of the month: 8:30am 10th* of the month: 1:00pm

*or previous weekday if the first day of registration falls on weekend/holiday

7/23 Registration opens for 8/1-15


Instructions for Reserving Times Online

  1. Create an Active Net account. Use the link or type the following into the URL https://apm.activecommunities.com/richmond (Family members can be added into the same account.)
  2. Under “Activities” select “Aquatics”
  3. Select the appropriate Program (A. Plunge Lap Swim/Water Exercise; B. Swim Center Lap Swim/Water Exercise; or one of the "Family Rec Swims that are listed by pool, date, time)
  4. Be sure to read the Lane descriptions under Description and the new pool guidelines (click “Read More” in Blue)
  5. Click the green “Enroll Now” button off to the right, then select which participant (if there’s more than one in your account)
  6. In the appropriate TIME and *LANE/SECTION, click “Select Dates”. Once the calendar appears select the dates you are interested in. Selecting dates will add them to your cart.  Black means available, gray means not available. Do not click "Add to Cart" unless you are ready to check out. If the Select Dates button is not there, it means that it’s no longer available for the remainder of the registration dates.
  7. After selecting all the dates and times/lanes, click green “Add to Cart” button.
  8. Toward the bottom of the page, initial that you’ve read and agree to all the guidelines and check mark the box for the waiver, then click Check out
  9. Add your payment information, then pay.

Note: The receipts are not helpful to find the right dates/times you are registered. Please use the following instructions for “Finding Your Registered Days and Times”

REFUNDS/CREDITS


You can request a refund for Lap Swim/Water Exercise only. No refunds will be given for Family Rec Swim.
Please read our REFUND POLICY for Lane Reservations 
Please do not leave your lane empty. If you can't make it to your swim, here are some options

If you cannot register online or if you need assistance with the process, call the Registration office at (510)620-6793.
Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:00pm

We hire Lifeguards year-round

 


Certified Lifeguards can Apply online now

LIFEGUARD CLASS - next dates TBA

The American Red Cross Lifeguard course provides certification to participants who pass the written and practical portions of the course. Lifeguard Training is offered periodically throughout the year, with our main goal of training new Lifeguards who can apply to work at our pools. Please email Paula_cooper-tipton@ci.richmond.ca.us if you would like more information, or if you would like to be alerted when the next course is scheduled.   

SWIM LESSONS 

We do not know yet when we will be able to resume swim lessons. 

Please check for updates in Fall 2021

Our normal swim lesson calendar includes
  • Saturday sessions at Richmond Swim Center (January-October)
  • Weekday evening sessions (Mon-Thur) at Richmond Plunge (June-August).  
Little Splashers
Class Description:
 Join the fun and learning with this in-water Parent/Child class.This class is specifically for tots who are 6 months-4 years old. Advanced registration required. Please check for updates in August 2021.

To Register for ANY Aquatic Class/Program: 

Call the Recreation Complex Registration office
510-620-6793
Mon-Fri from 8:30am-4:00pm
or Register online

In-person registration now available:
3230 Macdonald Ave
Richmond, CA 94804
 

Admission & Supervision Requirements for Children
For safety reasons, all children 8 & under must be attended by and supervised at arms distance in the water and deck area at all times by an adult, with a limit of two children per adult. Children 9-13 may swim with an adult supervising in the facility. We understand that some children who are under 9 may be excellent swimmers, but we enforce this policy for all drop-in swimmers, regardless of skill level. Please do not ask staff to bend the rules. 

Swim Wear Required

For safety and pool maintenance reasons, all swimmers are expected to wear appropriate swim attire (swim suits). Rash guards & swim shirts may be worn, but no cotton t-shirts/tanks, street clothes, etc.  
All babies and toddlers 4 & under must wear a swim diaper (no regular diapers). 

   

City Holidays

New Year’s Day                            January 1, 2021
Martin L. King Jr. Day                 January 18 2021
Presidents' Day                           February 15, 2021
Memorial Day                             May 31, 2021
Independence Day                     July 5, 2021
Labor Day                                    September 6, 2021
Admissions Day                          September 9, 2021
Indigenous Peoples Day           October 11, 2021
Veteran's Day                             November 11, 2021
Thanksgiving Day                       November 25 and 26, 2021
Christmas Day                            December 25, 2021   

For more information, please call Community Services Department at (510) 620-6793.