Fall, Winter and Spring Programs
Employment and Lifeguard Training
American Red Cross Parent-Child and Learn-to-Swim Programs
City of Tucson Parks and Recreation offers a variety of swimming programs at 10 pool locations from May to August. Nine heated pools remain open all year, and the Amphitheater Pool is open from May to November.
General admission is $1 for children and $2 for adults. Seasonal (summer) programs include swimming lessons for children and adults, competitive swim teams, synchronized swimming, diving classes, an Aquathlon series, innertube water polo and a variety of fitness classes for adults.
Year-round pools offer lap swimming and fitness classes for adults and children all year in addition to summer programs. Year-round pools are also used by high school swim teams as well as other community groups.
Parks and Recreation offers Junior Lifeguard/Water Safety Aid, Lifeguard Training, and Water Safety Aid classes and employs nearly 100 lifeguards, instructors and pool supervisors each year.
The Edith Ball Adaptive Recreation Center (791-5643) offers adaptive aquatics classes for all ages and disabilities. People with disabilities will be accommodated at all City pools. For accessibility information, call the pool nearest you.
For general information, call 791-4245 or 791-5352.
Four sites at the Edith Ball Adaptive Recreation Center, Catalina Pool, Clements Pool and Sunnyside Pool will remain open to offer year-round swimming and lap swimming opportunities.
Summer pools are: Amphi, Archer, Catalina, Clements, Edith Ball Adaptive, El Pueblo, Ft. Lowell, Quincie Douglas, Sunnyside, and Udall.
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Amphitheater Pool (Extended Season: Late May – Early November)
The Amphitheater Pool is located on the campus of Amphitheater High School, 125 W. Yavapai Rd. (near North Stone and Yavapai). 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. Contact: 791- 4359.
Adaptive Recreation Center
Edith Ball Pool (Year-round)
Located in Reid Park across from the Zoo at 3455 E. Zoo Court, 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. Contact: 791-5643.
Therapy Pool Hours: (June 1-Aug. 15)
Therapy Pool Open Swim
Mon. - Fri.
Mon. - Fri.
Tues. & Thurs.
Sat.7:00-9:00 am
2-4:45 pm
6:00-8:00 pm
Noon-4:00 pm
Archer Pool (Extended Season: April – Early November)
Archer Pool is located on the Archer Neighborhood Recreation Center site at 1665 S. La Cholla Blvd. (south of “A” Mountain and Cholla High School).
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. Contact: 791-5388.
Catalina Pool (Year-round)
Catalina Pool is located on the Catalina High School campus, 2004 N. Dodge Boulevard, just north of the school. 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. Contact: 791-4245.
Clements Pool (Year-round) Pool will be closed from Dec. 19-Jan. 17
Clements Pool is located on the grounds of the Clements Recreation Center, 8155 E. Poinciana Dr. (between the East Campus of Pima Community College and Lincoln Park). 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. Contact: 791-5785.
El Pueblo Pool (Extended Season: April 1 – Nov. 15)
El Pueblo Pool and El Pueblo Activity/Neighborhood Center are located 5100 S. Missiondale, southwest of the Rodeo Grounds on the corner of South Sixth Avenue and Irvington Road. 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. Contact: 791-4176.
Ft. Lowell Pool (Extended Season: April 1 – Nov. 15)
Located in historic Ft. Lowell Park on North Craycroft, between Ft. Lowell and Glenn Roads, 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.
The surrounding park features picnic areas with ramadas, playground equipment, historical museum, exercise courses and nature trail. Contact: 791-2585.
Quincie Douglas (Extended Season: April 1 – Nov. 15)
Located at 1563 E. 36th St., next to the Quincie Douglas Center, 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. Contact: 791-5941.
Sunnyside Pool (Year-round)
Sunnyside Pool is located at 1725 E. Bilby Rd., across from the Sunnyside High School campus. 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. Contact: 791-5167.
Udall Pool (Extended Season: April 1– Nov. 15)
Udall Pool is located in Udall Park, next to the Morris K. Udall Regional Center at 7200 E. Tanque Verde Rd. 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.
Udall Park includes picnic areas, ramadas and playing fields. Contact: 791-4004.
Seasonal pools and year-round pools offer a variety of programs during the summer season, which extends from mid-May 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 available on-line at www.tucsonaz.gov/parksandrec and www.ezeereg.com.
Children’s Swimming Lessons
American Red Cross swimming lessons are offered at all City of Tucson pools. Lessons are typically offered in four two-week sessions on weekday mornings 9-11 a.m., and evenings 5-6 p.m., with schedules varying 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 lottery.
Competitive Swim Team
An introductory competitive swimming program is offered at designated pools for swimmers ages 4 through 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 lottery at the swimming pool hosting the swim team.
Synchronized Swimming
A competitive synchronized swim team program is offered at designated pools for beginning and intermediate level synchronized swimmers. 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.
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.
Adaptive Swim Lessons
Beginning through advanced swimming lessons are available at specified pools for individuals with special needs. A physician's prescription describing the disability, physical limitations (if any), and rehabilitative goals for each participant is required.
Registration for Adaptive Swim Lessons is conducted at the swimming pools hosting the program. The Edith Ball Adaptive Recreation Center (791-5643) conducts a year-round program of adaptive aquatics for all ages and disabilities.
Adult Swim Lessons
Beginning swim lessons for adults are held at selected pools. Registration is through Registration Services, with details listed in the City of Tucson Parks and Recreation Program Guide & Class Catalog available on-line at www.tucsonaz.gov/parksandrec and www.ezeereg.com.
Innertube Water Polo
Recreational inner tube water polo for children, adults and families provides friendly competition at selected pools. 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.
Summer Aquathlon Series
Friendly competition consisting of an 800-yard swim and a 3-mile run, held at the Randolph Pool 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.
Registration for the Summer Aquathlon Series is held at the pool one hour prior to the competition.
Aquatic Sports Adventure
Innertube water polo, boating skills, water safety and an introduction to scuba diving are just a few of the activities available to children ages 10-12.
Registration is through City of Tucson Parks and Recreation Registration Services.
Junior Lifeguarding
Children ages 10-12 gain knowledge of water safety, emergency recognition and basic rescue skills, while improving swimming skills and overviewing CPR skills.
Registration is through City of Tucson Parks and Recreation Class Registration (791-4877).
Fitness Classes
During the summer season, a variety of shallow and deep-water fitness classes designed to improve strength, stamina and stability are led by certified instructors at year-round pools.
Offerings are listed in the City of Tucson Parks and Recreation Program Guide & Class Catalog available on-line at www.tucsonaz.gov/parksandrec and www.ezeereg.com. Lap swimming is available at all year-round pools at scheduled times.
Four heated pools remain open on a year-round basis, offering a variety of classes. Details of these offerings are presented in the fall, winter, and spring issues of the City of Tucson Parks and Recreation Program Guide & Class Catalog available on-line at www.tucsonaz.gov/parksandrec and www.ezeereg.com. Enrollment is through City of Tucson Parks and Recreation Class Registration (791-4877), as detailed in the Program Guide.
Fitness Classes
Year-round pools offer a variety of fitness classes for adults and children at selected sites. 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.
Lap Swimming
Lap swimming is offered on a daily basis at all year-round pools during scheduled times.
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.
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.
Tucson Parks and Recreation Aquatics employs approximately 120 lifeguards, Water Safety Instructors, and Pool Supervisors each year to work at our 27 swimming pools located throughout Tucson. 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 elsewhere. For questions about training or employment, call 791-4245 or 791-5352.
Pay Rates
Lifeguard - $9.03
Water Safety Instructor - $9.53
Pool Supervisor - $10.26
Required Certifications:
CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer and First Aid Basics. Contact the American Red Cross for information about these classes (www.redcrossarizona.org).
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
• Stroke proficiency demonstration at first class
• Front crawl (freestyle)
• Back crawl (competitive backstroke)
• Sidestroke
• Elementary backstroke
• Breaststroke
• Butterfly
All classes are scheduled through the American Red Cross (www.redcrossarizona.org or 318-6740 Ext. 100, 112 or 129).
Classes Held at City of Tucson Pools 2011:
Lifeguard Training Information/Schedule
Cost: $53. Swim test administered at first class. Trainee must be at least 15 years old before first class. Must possess current American Red Cross CPR for the Professional Rescuer Certification and First Aid Basics before the first class.
Weekday classes: March 1-25 from 7-10 p.m. at Catalina High School Pool – Mon./Tues./Thurs.; at Clements and Sunnyside Pools – Mon./Wed./Thurs.
Weekend classes: April 3, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, and 25 from 8 a.m.-12 p.m., plus one afternoon class TBA. Held at Clements, Udall, Sunnyside, and Ft. Lowell Pools.
Water Safety Instructor (W.S.I.) Training/Schedule
Cost: $87. Stroke-skills test administered at first and second classes. Trainee must be at least 16 years old before first class. March 29-April 22, 2010, from 7-10 p.m. at Catalina High School Pool - Mon./Tues./Thurs.
• Please visit the website in order to register for Lifeguard, CPR, First Aid, and Water Safety Instructor (W.S.I.) classes: www.redcrossarizona.org.
• For questions regarding registration, call the American Red Cross at 318-6740.
• For questions regarding the courses, qualifications, content, etc., please call 791-4245.
Requirements for Employment with City of Tucson Aquatics
• 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 - (Wed., December 22, 2010, at 3 p.m.; Sat., March 5, 2011, at 9 a.m.; Sat., April 2, 2011, at 9 a.m.; Sat., May 7, 2011, at 9 a.m.). Bring swimsuit, towel and required certificates. Certificates must be current at the time of the screening.
• Complete on-line application at www.tucsonaz.gov.
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 nearly 4 who complete Parent-Child Lessons may advance to Preschool Lessons with instructor recommendation.
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 (www.pimahealth.org) 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.
Phone: (520) 791-4873
Class Registration: (520) 791-4877
Fax: (520) 791-4008
