Swimming

To find detailed information on Fees and the Lifeguard Service Schedule, please visit the Swim Facilities page.

There are plenty of swimming opportunities for you with six open-water lakefront beaches, three chlorinated lagoons, two pools, and two bay shoreline beaches. Before visiting any swim facilities, review the official swimming Visitor Rules and Regulations. [PDF]

Park Rules and Regulations

• Ordinance 38 (Section 401)

Parks with Swimming Facilities

• Information regarding Group Swimming Procedures

Swimming Lessons

For more information about swimming lessons, junior lifeguards and other aquatic programs please visit the East Bay Lifeguards website.

Accessibility

Beach wheelchairs are available at Contra Loma in Antioch, Del Valle in Livermore, Don Castro in Castro Valley, Quarry Lakes in Fremont, Shadow Cliffs in Pleasanton, Lake Temescal in Oakland and Crown Memorial State Beach in Alameda and Tilden's Lake Anza in Berkeley. To arrange for use of a chair, call the park office prior to visiting. The outdoor pool at Roberts Regional Recreation Area in the Oakland hills and Castle Rock Recreation Area in Walnut Creek is heated and is disabled accessible.

If you are interested in Adaptive Swim Lessons, please call (510) 690-6625 for more information.

No lifeguard service is provided at bay beaches.

Swimming at your own risk is allowed in designated areas and when lifeguards are off-duty at some parks. These include Del Valle, Shadow Cliffs, Lake Anza, Quarry Lakes, and Lake Temescal. Swim lessons for children are offered at Contra Loma and Roberts Pool. A Junior Lifeguard program is also offered at several lakes. For information, browse our Aquatic Programs at http://www.EBParks.org/Register or call 1-888-EBPARKS (1-888-327-2757).

Swimmers must follow all Posted Regulations [PDF]

Alcohol, glass containers, fires, and dogs are prohibited at ALL swimming areas.

Special Safety Notices

Children 12 years old and under are not permitted in the swimming area unless accompanied by a responsible, actively supervising, individual 16 years old or older.

A pilot program is being implemented that requires swimmers who are past chest deep water to wear an identifying wrist band, issued by the lifeguards, that indicates they have passed a swim test. This applies at Contra Loma, Cull Canyon, Roberts Pool, Castle Rock pool, Don Castro, Lake Temescal, Lake Anza, and Quarry Lakes.

Swim diapers are required at chlorinated swim facilities: Contra Loma, Cull Canyon, Castle Rock, Don Castro, Roberts.