Tucson Parks and Recreation offers a wide variety of aquatic programming for children and adults year round such as recreational swimming, water fitness classes, arthritis classes, swim and diving lessons, competitive and synchronized swim leagues.  Parks and Recreation offers Junior Lifeguard/Water Safety Aid, Lifeguard Training, and Water Safety Aid classes.  For general information, call 791-4245.

Tucson Police Department Sponsors Learn-to-swim Lessons

Recognizing the community's enthusiasm for the Summer Splash program, Tucson's Chief of Police, Roberto Villaseñor has sponsored this summer's Learn-to-Swim Lesson programs with a grant from resources seized from criminal intent.  Offering free swim lessons (with a $2.00 registration fee) is seen as a great opportunity to teach children the lifesaving skills of swimming and the lifelong value of quality recreation time.

Lesson Registration begins on Saturday, April 21 online at www.ezeereg.com 
Swim registration instructions

View Tucson Parks & Recreation - Pools in a larger map

Amphitheater Pool
Amphitheater High School, 125 W. Yavapai Rd.
Located near North Stone and Yavapai
520-791-4359

The Amphitheater Pool is located on the campus of Amphitheater High School.  Its season extends from mid-May to early November.  Amphitheater Pool is a competitive 50-meter pool featuring 25-yard courses at each end, a diving bay with 1- and 3-meter boards in the middle and shade structures.

Adaptive Recreation Center (Year-round)
3455 E. Zoo Court
Located in Reid Park across from the Zoo
520-791-5643

The Edith Ball Adaptive Recreation Center features a fully accessible outdoor covered recreational pool with a beach entry, play features, lap lanes, a walking channel with a current, and a heated deck.  The indoor therapy pool is heated to approximately 92 degrees and has a bench with jets, handrails, two types of lifts to allow for total accessibility and depths from 2.5-6 feet.

Archer Pool
(Extended Season: April 1– Nov. 15)
1665 S. La Cholla Blvd
Located south of “A” Mountain and Cholla High School
520-791-5388

The pool is 25 yards by 25 meters with a 1-meter diving board, water slide, shade structure and separate wading pool. Archer Pool is a competitive pool, and the shallowest water is 4 feet deep in the main pool.

Catalina Pool
(Year-round)
2004 N. Dodge Boulevard
Located just north of Catalina High School
520-791-4245

It is a 25-yard by 25-meter competitive pool with 1- and 3-meter diving boards and depths ranging from 4-13.5 feet.  The pool has a shade structure, grassy area and is immediately south of a children's area with playground equipment and picnic tables.

Clements Pool
(Year-round)
8155 E. Poinciana Dr
Located between the East Campus of Pima Community College and Lincoln Park
520-791-5785

It features a beach entry, 25-yard competitive course with 7 lanes, diving area with a 1-meter board, water slide, shade structure and grassy area. 

El Pueblo Pool
(Extended Season: April 1 – Nov. 15)
5100 S. Missiondale
Located on the corner of South Sixth Avenue and Irvington Road
520-791-4176

El Pueblo Pool features a water slide, 25-yard course for lap swimming, shallow water area with a 2.5-foot depth and shade structure. The deepest water is 6 feet. 

The Ft. Lowell Pool features a diving bay with 1- and 3-meter diving boards, lap lanes in the 25-yard area and separate wading pool. Pool depth in the 50-meter pool ranges from 3.5-12 feet.

This 25-yard pool features a 1-meter diving board, depths from 3.5-11 feet, accessible stairs and grassy area with ramadas.  A separate wading pool has a beach entry. 

Jacobs Pool is a single-pool facility with depths ranging from 0-4 feet.  The pool features a beach-style entry, two water cannons that spray into the pool and a water spray area off the pool.

Mansfield Pool is a three-pool complex.  It features a diving bay with 1 and 3-meter boards, wading pool, 25-meter central pool with a water slide, depths ranging from 3-5 feet, and a shaded area.

Menlo Pool
(May 30 - Aug. 1)
1100 W. Fresno
Located east of Menlo Elementary School
520-791-4356

The main pool ranges from 3.5-12 feet in depth and features a water slide.  The separate wading pool is 2 feet deep.

This three-pool complex features a 25-meter main pool with depths ranging from 3-5 feet, a diving pool with 1 and 3-meter boards and a 1.5-foot deep wading pool.  It has a shade structure near the main pool.

Purple Heart Pool has a stair entry leading to a shallow water area.  The depth gradually increases to 6 feet in the 25-yard lap swim area.  The pool features a grassy area and shade structure.

Quincie Douglas
(Extended Season: April 1 – Nov. 15)
1563 E. 36th St.
Located at next to the Quincie Douglas Center
520-791-5941

Quincie Douglas pool features a water slide, spray and splash features, a 25-yard competitive course, beach entry, separate splash pad and shaded grassy area.

Sunnyside Pool
(Year-round)
1725 E. Bilby Rd.
Located across from Sunnyside High School
520-791-5167

The pool is 25 yards by 25 meters and has 1- and 3-meter diving boards. Depth ranges from 4-13.5 feet. A ramada is located next to the pool.

Udall Pool
(Extended Season: April 1– Nov. 15)
7200 E. Tanque Verde Rd.
Located in Udall Park
520-791-4004

The pool, with depths ranging from 4-13.5 feet, has a portable ramp entry. A diving area has 1- and 3-meter diving boards. The lap swimming course is 25 yards.

Seasonal pools and year-round pools offer a variety of programs during the summer season, which extends from June to mid-August, coinciding with the summer break of the Tucson Unified School District. Further information about summer programs is published in the summer issue of the City of Tucson Parks and Recreation Program Guide & Class Catalog. 

Children’s Swimming Lessons

American Red Cross swimming lessons are offered at all City of Tucson pools. Lessons are offered in four two-week sessions during June and July.  Schedules vary from pool to pool. Classes are scheduled in response to demand, with an emphasis on classes for the youngest children. Registration is conducted at each pool by a selection process.  Register online.

Competitive Swim Team

An introductory competitive swimming program is offered at designated pools for swimmers ages 4-17. Swimmers learn competitive strokes and techniques in daily practices and participate in a series of evening swim meets, culminating in a championship meet in July. Because the program is introductory, it is available to swimmers who have not participated in more advanced programs such as SAAA and USA Swimming. Swimmers must, however, be able to swim 25 yards of a recognizable stroke without stopping on the first day of practice.

Registration for the summer swim team is conducted by selection process at the swimming pool hosting the swim team.

Diving Lessons

Basic techniques of competitive springboard diving are taught at designated pools to children age 12 and older. Children learn the basic diving positions and the safe use of the diving board.

Registration for summer springboard diving is conducted at the swimming pools hosting the program.

Innertube Water Polo

Recreational inner tube water polo for children, adults and families provides friendly competition at Ft. Lowell pool. To participate, children should be at least 4 feet 10 inches tall, and some swimming skills are required.

Registration for Innertube Water Polo is conducted at the pool on the days the competitions are held.

Special Olympic Swim Team

Call the Edith Ball Adaptive Recreation Center at 791-5643 for more information.

Summer Aquathlon Series 2011

This is a series designed for beginners wanting to try a multi-sport event as well as seasoned athletes looking for a challenging speed workout. Friendly competition consisting of an 800-yard swim and a 3-mile run, held in the evenings. All ability levels are welcome. Available for ages 12 and up. A championship competition is held at the end of the season in July. For further information and summer schedule, please check out: www.swimandrun.com

Registration for the Summer Aquathlon Series is held at the pool (to be announced) one hour prior to the competition.

Synchronized Swimming

A competitive synchronized swim team program is offered at designated pools for beginning and intermediate level synchronized swimmers for ages 6-17. Swimmers learn synchronized swimming skills in daily practices and prepare a routine for competition in a citywide meet in July. Participants must have basic water skills such as basic swimming strokes and breath control.

Registration for the summer synchronized swim team is conducted at the swimming pool hosting the team.

The heated pools at Amphitheater, ARC Edith Ball, Catalina, Clements and Sunnyside remain open on a year-round basis, offering a variety of classes. Details of these offerings are presented in the fall and spring issues of the City of Tucson Parks and Recreation Program Guide & Class Catalog.

Fitness Classes

Year-round pools offer a variety of fitness classes for adults and children. Offerings include shallow and deep-water fitness classes designed to improve strength, stamina and stability led by certified instructors for ages 17 and up; fitness classes for children; and classes to teach the basics of lap swimming. In addition, the Edith Ball Adaptive Recreation Center (791-5643) conducts a year-round program of adaptive aquatics of all ages and disabilities.  Register online.

Junior Lifeguard / Water Safety Aid

Taught over a period of four weeks in the spring, this course for ages 13 to 15 teaches swimming, water safety and emergency skills, along with basic rescue and leadership skills. Graduates become eligible to participate in the summer Jr. Lifeguard / Water Safety Aide Volunteer Program.  Register online.

Junior Lifeguard / Water Safety Aide Volunteers

This program provides volunteer opportunities for teens ages 13-15 at city-wide pools. Participants gain valuable work experience and leadership skills. The volunteer’s schedule is determined by the site’s needs. All volunteers must have completed the Junior Lifeguard (13 to 15) course. Returning Junior Lifeguards need not repeat the course.  Register online.

Lap Swimming

Lap swimming is offered on a daily basis at all year-round pools during scheduled times.

Recreational Swimming

Recreational swimming is offered on a daily basis at all year-round pools during scheduled times.

Lifeguard Training and Water Safety Instructor classes conducted at selected City of Tucson pools certify many of these lifeguards and instructors as well as lifeguards and instructors seeking employment. For questions about training or employment, call 791-4245 or 791-5352.

Required Certifications:

CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer and First Aid Basics. Contact the American Red Cross for information about these classes.
 

Lifeguard Training

Prerequisites:

• American Red Cross CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer certification
• First Aid Basics certification
• 15 years of age (16 to work for City of Tucson Aquatics)
• Swim 300 yards with at least 100 yards of breaststroke and front crawl
• Swim 20 yards and retrieve a 10-pound. brick from 7 to 10 feet of water

Water Safety Instructor (to teach swimming lessons)

Prerequisites:

• 16 years of age before first class
• Stroke proficiency demonstration at first and second class
• Front crawl (freestyle)
• Back crawl (competitive backstroke)
• Sidestroke
• Elementary backstroke
• Breaststroke
• Butterfly

All classes are scheduled through the American Red Cross at 318-6740.

Employment with City of Tucson Aquatics

Prerequisites: 

• 16 years of age
• Current American Red Cross Certification in CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer and First Aid Basics, and Lifeguard Training (Water Safety Instructor to teach swimming lessons)
• Attend one of three City of Tucson lifeguard screenings at the Catalina High School Pool - (Sat., April 2, 2011, at 9:00 am; Sat., May 7, 2011, at 9:00 am). Bring swimsuit, towel and required certificates. Certificates must be current at the time of the screening
• Screening consists of rescue skills, swimming, first aid and CPR in practical and oral interviews
• Complete on-line application

Parent and Child Classes: For ages 6 Months to 3 Years

Parents are taught to safely work with their children in the water as they learn the skills to help prepare them to learn how to swim. In-water participation by parent or other care-giving adult is required for each child. Children almost 4 years old who complete Parent-Child Lessons may advance to Preschool Lessons with instructor recommendation.

Preschool Classes: For ages about 4 or 5 Years

Classes of approximately 6 children work with an instructor as they learn to safely enter and exit the water, make progress through the water using arms and legs, and float and recover. All skills are performed with instructor support. Parents observe from an area away from poolside. Children who are nearly 6 and complete Preschool Lessons may advance to Learn-to-Swim Level 2 or 3 Classes with instructor recommendation.

Level 1: Introduction to Water Skills

Children who have not completed Preschool Classes learn to safely enter and exit the water, make progress through the water using arms and legs, and float and recover. All skills are performed with instructor support.

Level 2: Fundamental Aquatic Skills

Children perform Level 1 skills, swimming several body lengths without instructor support.

Level 3: Stroke Development

Children learn the front crawl and elementary backstroke, swimming each 15 yards, and are introduced to the scissors and dolphin kicks and treading water.

Level 4: Stroke Improvement

Swimmers practice front crawl and elementary backstroke and are introduced to sidestroke, back crawl, breaststroke, butterfly, and turning at the wall.

Level 5: Stroke Refinement

Swimmers practice front crawl, back crawl, butterfly, breaststroke, elementary backstroke, and sidestroke over increasing distances and are introduced to flip turns.

Level 6: Advanced Classes

Specialty classes in Swimming and Skill Proficiency, Personal Water Safety, Fundamentals of Diving, or Fitness. Area of focus determined by Pool Supervisor.

Safety is the prime concern at City of Tucson Parks and Recreation swimming pools. Safety, of course, is just as important when in or around private pools or any open water.

The American Red Cross and Tucson Parks and Recreation offer these suggestions to promote water safety:

• Always swim near a lifeguard
• Learn to swim – and be sure everyone in your household knows how to swim. Lessons are offered by Tucson Parks and Recreation, Pima County Parks and Recreation, YMCA branches and private instructors
• Never leave unattended a child who may gain access to any water
• Even a small amount of water in a bucket can be dangerous to a child
• Adult supervision is essential at all times
• Do not rely on inflatables to support children in the water
• Never swim alone
• Observe posted rules – especially those regarding diving
• When pool fences and self-latching gates are required by code, do not dismantle or alter them. Keep outside doors and windows leading to swimming pools locked
• Read and follow the guidelines of the Pima County Health Department regarding pool sanitation and the storage of pool chemicals
• At parties, hire a certified lifeguard, or be sure an adult has been assigned the specific responsibility of watching the children
• Do not serve alcoholic drinks to guests who will be participating in water activities
• Plan in case of emergency. Have simple rescue equipment such as a reaching pole available, provide quick access to a telephone and take a class in CPR
• Remember our environment. Wear sunscreen, drink plenty of water and go inside when lightning threatens
• If a child is missing, check the swimming pool first

Special concerns for open water:

• Everyone on a boat should wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket
• Don't dive into water if you can't see into it to tell how deep it is
• Children under 14 should not operate boats or personal watercraft
• Instruct children about tides, rip currents and debris
• Keep children in sight and within earshot