Aquatics
Thank you for a great 2026 summer season, our pools are now closed!
Our swim lesson program is based on the American Red Cross Learn to Swim model.
Lessons are taught by our enthusiastic, safety-minded and caring staff and volunteers. All our instructors participate in on-going training and skills development.
- General information
- Swim Lesson Levels & Prerequisites
- Behavior Guidelines for Aquatics
- Withdrawals & Refunds
- Participants must be the proper age and skill level on the first day of class. If a student does not meet the minimum requirements for age or ability, every effort will be made to transfer the student to a class at his/her level. If space is not available a transfer to a later session or refund will be offered.
- Adult lessons begin at age 15.
- Please read the level descriptions carefully and select the appropriate level for your child based on his/her current skills.
- It is not uncommon for a child to stay in a particular level several sessions before successful completion.
- Please make sure to check the location of the class on your receipt to make sure you are signed up in the facility you have requested.
- Children not potty trained and in diapers must wear a swim diaper during class. Swim diapers may be purchased at the pool.
- Appropriate swim attire is required. To keep our pools running efficiently no street clothes are allowed in the pool at any time.
- No classes on Saturday, July 4.
Level | Ages | Description |
|---|---|---|
Aqua-Tot | 6 months – 3 years | This swim class is designed for infants and their parents or caregivers. Through a combination of fun songs, water games, and gentle movements, the class helps introduce your little one to the water in a safe and positive way. Parents will learn important skills to support their child’s water safety and comfort, including basic techniques for floating, kicking, and holding their child in the water. Each class emphasizes bonding, trust-building, and creating a fun environment while focusing on water acclimation. |
Pollywogs | 3 – 5 years | Introductory swim course for children at least 24 inches shoulder height. This course works on water adjustment and fundamentals of swimming. |
Guppies | 4 – 6 years | For children who have completed Pollywogs OR can front float, and swim 15 feet on stomach with assistance. This level continues the fundamentals with a more independent focus. |
Level 1 - Starfish | 6 – 13 years | This is an introductory swim course designed to help students feel comfortable in the water. Students will learn basic fundamentals of floating, breath control and movement in the water. |
Level 2 - Lobster | 6 – 13 years | Child must be able to demonstrate a front and back float. Students will learn to float without support and recovery as well as explore alternating arm and leg action on front and back. |
Level 3 - Seahorse | 6 – 13 years | Child must be able to demonstrate front crawl (15 ft.) and back crawl (10 ft.) unsupported and be comfortable in deep water. Students will learn to coordinate front and back crawl. Elements of side breathing, butterfly, diving, and treading water will be introduced. |
Level 4 - Seals | 6 – 14 years | Child must be able to demonstrate front and back crawl (15 yds.), jump in and change direction in deep water unassisted, and tread water for 30 seconds. Students will increase their endurance in front and back crawl, build on butterfly, breaststroke, and sidestroke. |
Level 5 - Shark | 6 – 14 years | Child must be able to demonstrate front and back crawl (25 yds.), breaststroke, butterfly, and elementary backstroke (15 yds.), tread water 1 minute, and swim underwater 3 body lengths. Students will refine their performance of all strokes and increase distances. Flip turns are also introduced. |
Adult Starter | 15 years + | This class is designed for adults with little to no swimming experience. Participants will learn basic water safety, become comfortable in the water, and develop foundational swimming skills at a relaxed pace. Instruction focuses on floating, breath control, basic kicking, and simple arm movements. Classes will take place in the small pool. |
Adult Beginner | 15 years + | This class is for adults who have some basic water comfort and are ready to build on their skills. Participants will work on improving breath control, body position, and basic swim strokes such as freestyle and backstroke. The focus is on gaining confidence, improving technique, and increasing endurance in the water. |
Behavior Guidelines
- Respect the Instructor and Peers: Listen attentively when the instructor is speaking and be polite to classmates. Keep hands feet and objects to yourself.
- Follow Directions: Pay attention to the instructor’s guidance and follow all safety rules during your swim lesson to ensure safety.
- Be Safe: Never run near the pool, and always follow the rules about jumping, diving, or entering the water. Children are to stay in their designated area during the entire lesson.
- Take Turns: Wait for your turn safely when others are practicing skills with the instructor.
Withdrawals & Refunds
- Class withdrawals with a refund, minus a $5 administration fee, will be allowed up to Thursday at 8:00pm before the first day of the class.
- The City of San Mateo may cancel or consolidate classes if enrollment does not meet minimums. Notification will be given with at least 24 hours of first class.
- Single class meetings canceled by the City of San Mateo will have a credit issued.
- Classes missed for vacation, injury, illness or any other individual reason cannot be made up and are not eligible for credits or refunds.
Recreation Fee Assistance Program
The Recreation Fee Assistance Program is designed to allow access to our programs for all residents. For city residents with financial hardships, assistance is available to help offset the costs of camps. Qualifying applicants are currently eligible for either 30% or 60% fee waivers depending upon their reported income. A current application, accompanied by required income documentation (noted on the application), is needed for program enrollment. Interested city residents are encouraged to complete the Recreation Fee Assistance Enrollment Application which is available at all community centers and City Hall. It can also be downloaded below. Applications must be submitted at least 10 business days before registration.