Pools and Aquatic Programs
Register online for swim activities in Berkeley’s public pools. Activities range from self-directed exercise such as lap swim to instructor-led classes.
Register for self-directed swim activities or for instructor-led swim classes at Berkeley’s King Pool or West Campus Pool. All aquatic programs require pre-registration online.
Self-directed aquatic programs
Register for self-directed aquatic activities at Berkeley’s King Pool or West Campus Pool. A lifeguard will be on duty during all activities. To participate in these activities, each participant will need a daily admission ticket, 10-swim pass or monthly pass. A pass is required for all participants regardless of age.
Note: Senior Exercise and Berkeley Masters will need to purchase a "Premium" daily, 10-swim or monthly pass.
Purchase daily, 10-swim, or monthly passes
Lap Swim
Practice your swim strokes during lap swim hours.
- Offered at: King Pool, West Campus Pool
- Cost: $7 Resident, $8 Non-Resident
- Ages: 16+
Independent Exercise
Practice water exercises like water jogging or walking in the dive tank or shallow pool.
- Offered at: King Pool, West Campus Pool
- Cost: $7 Resident, $8 Non-Resident
- Ages: Shallow pool is all ages; dive tank is 18+
Family Swim
Bring your little ones of any age to splash around during Family Swim in the shallow pool.
- Offered at: King Pool, West Campus Pool
- Cost: $7 Resident, $8 Non-Resident
- Ages: All ages
Community Swim
All ages are welcome to play in the entire pool during Community Swim.
- Offered at: West Campus Pool and King Pool (Summer Only)
- Cost: $7 Resident, $8 Non-Resident
- Ages: All ages
Aquatics Classes
Register for swim classes or teams at Berkeley’s King pool or West Campus pool. A lifeguard will be on duty during all activities.
American Red Cross Lifeguard Training
This course prepares participants for the job of Lifeguarding by providing the skills and knowledge to prevent, recognize, and respond to emergencies in an aquatic environment. Participants will learn lifesaving techniques, including in-water rescues, CPR, AED, and First Aid. Upon completing the course, participants will receive an American Red Cross Certifications required to work as a Lifeguard.
Learn more about our Lifeguard Training Courses and register on our Online Registration Portal.
- Offered at: King Pool
- Cost: $275
- Courses offered in February, March, Spring Break, Summer, September, and November
- Ages: Participants must be 15 years old by the last day of class.
Swim Lessons
Gain comfort in the water and learn the fundamentals of swimming. Choose a class that best matches your or your child's experience level. Register for swim lessons online.
- Offered at: King Pool and West Campus Pool
- Cost: $44 - $88
- Lessons available for a variety of ages and experience levels:
- Parent and child aquatics: 6 months - 3 years
- Preschool: 3 - 5 years
- Adults: 18+
- Learn-to-swim: 6 -18 years
Berkeley Barracudas Afterschool Swim Team
The Barracudas work with experienced coaches to build their swimming skills. The team has four levels: Beginners, Advanced Beginners, Intermediate, and Advanced.
Prospective participants must complete a try out to be eligible for registration. Tryouts are held every Friday from 3:00 - 4:00 pm at King Pool; try-outs are held on a drop-in basis and do not require pre-registration.
Participants who pass the tryout will be recommended for a level and be placed on the tryout list. Families on the tryout list will be able register for the next session as space becomes available.
- Offered at: King Pool
- Cost: $135 Resident / $162 Non-Resident per 4-week session
- Year-round program
- Ages: 6-18 years
Minimum Swimming Requirements
Beginners Level:
Must be able to swim 4 laps (25 yards each), one of each stroke: Butterfly and Backstroke (Level 3 Proficiency), Breaststroke, Freestyle (Level 5 Proficiency).
Advanced Beginners Level:
Must be able to swim 8 laps (25 yards each), two of each stroke: Butterfly, Backstroke, Breaststroke, Freestyle (Level 5 Proficiency) .
Swimmer must be able to tread water for 2 minutes.
Intermediate Level:
Must be able to swim 300 IM (12 laps, 25 yards each), three of each stroke: Butterfly, Backstroke, Breaststroke, Freestyle (Level 5 Proficiency).
Swimmer must be able to tread water for 2 minutes without using hands.
Advanced Level:
Must be able to swim 400 IM (16 laps, 25 yards each), four of each stroke: Butterfly, Backstroke, Breaststroke, Freestyle (Level 6 Proficiency).
Swimmer must be able to tread water for 2 minutes without using hands.
Berkeley Aquatic Masters
Swimmers of all abilities are welcome to join the Berkeley Master’s swim team. Learn more at their website. Purchase a premium pass for 1-day, 10-swim, or 1-month drop-ins.
- Offered at: King Pool
- Cost: $8 Resident, $10 Non-Resident
- Ages: 18+
Senior Exercise
Participate in fun aerobic exercises with other seniors 55 and older. Purchase a premium pass for 1-day, 10-swim, or 1-month drop-ins.
- Offered at: West Campus Pool
- Cost: $8 Resident, $10 Non-Resident
- Ages: 55+
