Swim Lessons
The East Bay Regional Park District Swim Program offers inclusive programming with an American Red Cross course format for persons of all abilities.
If you are interested in teaching your child how to swim, looking to increase your child’s ability and comfort level in a pool, or wanting to learn to swim yourself, Lifeguard Services has the swim lesson program perfectly suited to fit your needs.
Classes are four to six students per instructor. All instruction is conducted with emphasis on personal safety and fun. Refer to the lesson descriptions to determine placement. If the participant requires disabled accommodations, please contact Nellie Cazares at (510) 690-6621, or ncazares@ebparks.org, about specific accommodations needed.
Swim Lesson Descriptions
Classes are organized by both age and ability. Advancing levels are rewarded upon the student’s successful mastery of the requisite skills.
Parent Tot: (Adults with Children: 6 months-3years)
This is a fantastic opportunity for children to enjoy the water while being accompanied by a parent/adult. Instructors will guide parents in teaching their children. This class is designed to help children become comfortable in the water and acclimate them to the swim lesson environment and instructors in preparation for joining our “Super Tots” program.
Super Tots: (Children: 3-5 years)
This is a great opportunity for “super tots” to have fun and learn new skills without parents. Skills range from entry level to advanced. All students will be assessed at
the beginning of the session and placed in groups according to skill level and class size. This class is designed to help students prepare for our “Learn-to-Swim” program. No previous swimming experience is necessary.
Learn-to-Swim: (Children: 5-13 years)
Level I-IV participants do not need to select a specific class level when registering. On the first day of each session, all participants will be assessed to ensure appropriate class placement. Swimmers will be assigned to a class with other students at similar skill levels. Lessons will have a 6:1 student to-teacher ratio and will be tailored to meet each student’s needs. Level 5 and 6 Learn-to-Swim are offered on a more limited basis.
Teen/Adult: (Ages 14 +)
If you are afraid of the water or if you’ve just never learned to swim, this is the class for you! If you have some swimming skills but wish to advance, this class will also meet your needs. Participants will be guided through water adjustment, buoyancy drills, and stroke technique in a low-pressure, supportive environment.
Adaptive Lessons
Adaptive lessons are available in any level. Please sign up for group lessons at your desired time and location and contact either the Contra Loma Lifeguard Staff at (510) 690-6626 or the Roberts Pool Lifeguard Staff at (510) 544-3157 regarding your swimming goals and specific needs.
Program Information
Location: Roberts Regional Recreation Area, Oakland
Schedule: Each session has a total of eight classes. The class will meet Monday – Thursday for two consecutive weeks. Each class is 25 minutes long.
Note: Learn-to-Swim Level 5 and 6 is a 45-minute class.
Morning Lessons are typically offered at 9 a.m. and 9:30 a.m.
Evening Lessons are typically offered at 5 p.m.,5:30 p.m., and 6 p.m.
Financial Aid: The Regional Parks Foundation provides financial assistance to families in need. View Campership Financial Aid info.
2024 Registration Information will be available in February 2024. Registration is required for all lessons.
Additional Information
There are several ways to register:
1) Phone: 1-888-327-2757; select option 2
2) On-line: https://apm.activecommunities.com/ebparks/ Search for "Swim." Make sure you sign up for the correct location.
Registering by phone and on-line closes the Thursday prior to the first day of each session.
Note to Waitlisted Participants: If spaces become available, our reservations department will contact the waitlisted participants and get them into the class. If you are still on the waitlist after the Friday prior to lessons and have not been contacted by our reservations department, DO NOT show up to the first day. You will not be able to get a space in lessons at that time.
NOTE: If registered participants fail to appear on the first day of each session without giving notice, their space may be forfeited. Participants should call the facility’s lifeguard station to request that their space be saved.
IMPORTANT: Participant’s waiver must be completed and submitted to the Lifeguard Staff on the first day of participation during check-in. A valid (dated and signed) waiver is required for each session. Please go to the “Forms” tab to print a waiver.
Adaptive lessons can only be scheduled by signing up for the group lesson at the desired time and calling the Contra Loma lifeguard station at 510-690-6626 to discuss swimming goals and specific needs.
Contacts
Nellie Cazares
Lifeguard Services Assistant
(510) 690-6621
ncazares@ebparks.org
Roberts Pool Lifeguard Station
510-544-3157
Contra Loma Swim Lagoon Lifeguard Station
510-690-6626