Before visiting any swim facility, review:
Water Safety Tips
Parks Rules & Regulations - Swimming
Swimming Visitor Rules and Regulations (PDF)
Latest updates on: All Alerts & Closures | Water Quality | Blue-Green Algae
In case of Emergency/Incident in Progress, call 911 or (510) 881-1121 from a cell.
For Non-Emergencies, call (510) 881-1833, or submit a Park Watch Report online.
Parks with Reservable Swimming Facilities
Information regarding Group Swimming Procedures, Baptisms, and Pool/Lagoon Rentals
Swimming Lessons
A Junior Lifeguard program is also offered at several lakes. For information about swimming lessons, junior lifeguards, and other aquatic programs please visit the East Bay Lifeguards website, browse programs at EBParks.org/Register or call 1-888-EBPARKS (1-888-327-2757).
Accessibility
Beach wheelchairs are available at:
- Contra Loma in Antioch
- Crown Beach in Alameda
- Del Valle in Livermore
- Don Castro in Castro Valley
- Lake Anza at Tilden in Berkeley
- Lake Temescal in Oakland
- Quarry Lakes in Fremont
- Shadow Cliffs in Pleasanton
To arrange for use of a Beach wheelchair, call the park office prior to visiting.
The outdoor pools at Roberts in the Oakland hills and Castle Rock in Walnut Creek are heated and disabled accessible.
If you are interested in Adaptive Swim Lessons, please call (510) 690-6625 for more information.
Water Safety Notices
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, Lake Anza, Lake Temescal, Quarry Lakes, and Shadow Cliffs,
PLEASE NOTE: All lifeguard service operates depending on weather, water level, water quality, staffing availability, and visitation. When lifeguards are not on duty, swimming is permitted only in a designated area, and at a swimmer's own risk. Children must be supervised by a responsible adult.
Lifeguards initiate a 15 minute swim break at 1:00pm, 3:00pm and 5:00pm each day. Children 15 years and younger must completely exit the water during this time. This is a good time for children to rest, re-warm and use the restroom. Groups should review the Group Swim Procedures page before planning a visit.
Alcoholic beverages, dogs, glass containers, fishing, or barbecues are prohibited at ALL swimming areas. Incontinent individuals are prohibited from water contact activities in non-chlorinated swimming areas. (Ordinance 38). This applies to the swimming areas of Del Valle, Crown Beach, Miller/Knox, Quarry Lakes, Shadow Cliffs, Temescal, and Tilden.
Swimmers must follow all Posted Regulations [PDF]
Special Water Safety Notices for Children
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. Water Safety Information.
Swimmers at Contra Loma, Cull Canyon, Roberts Pool, Castle Rock pool, Don Castro, Lake Temescal, Lake Anza, and Quarry Lakes who wish to enter chest deep water, are required to wear an identifying wrist band, issued by the lifeguards. This band indicates you have passed a swim test.
Swim diapers are required at chlorinated swim facilities: Contra Loma, Cull Canyon, Castle Rock, Don Castro, and Roberts.
Learn more about Water Safety at the official website of the United States Lifesaving Association: USLA.org
Swimming Facilities Map
This map shows locations of all Park District swim facilities.