Aquatics
UCLA Recreation manages six aquatic facilities throughout the campus and strives to meet the needs of all its participants by offering a variety of programs and services. Such services include swim lessons for youth and adults, Master's swimming, leisure swimming and a variety of innovative aquatic fitness classes that cater to all ability levels. Employment opportunities and safety certification courses are also available. Whether participants are looking for new activities such as aquatic club sports or simply want to exercise in our lap pools UCLA Recreation meets those needs. Join us and explore all that the aquatics program at UCLA Recreation has to offer!
An aquatic lift is available at all pools for swimmers who may need additional assistance entering and exiting the pools.
Facilities and Programs
Facilities & Swim Calendar
Check out the Swimming Pools page and individual pool pages for more information on the facility, policies, and hours.
Safety Classes
UCLA Recreation offers American Red Cross courses on safety and prevention. We provide individuals or groups with the skills to care for injuries and emergencies until more advanced medical care arrives. All of our instructors are certified through the American Red Cross. Courses include:
- CPR for the Community (Adult/Child/Infant)
- CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer
- AED Training
- Basic First Aid
- Lifeguarding
- Water Safety Instructor
- Lifeguard Instructor
Full courses are offered for those receiving the certification for the first time or those that have let their certification expire beyond 12 months.
Challenge courses provide testing for participants who wish to be recertified in one of the courses offered. Participants must successfully complete all of the skills tests and pass the written test(s) with a minimum score of 80 percent. A participant who does not pass the challenge will be referred back to the appropriate course.
Register for Classes:
The quickest way to browse and register for our classes is Register Online.
Inclement Weather Policy
All outdoor aquatics classes including swim lessons and water exercise classes will be cancelled immediately in the event of inclement weather. Inclement weather is defined as such:
- Moderate to heavy rain, thunder, or lightning which occurs during a class.
- Moderate to heavy rain, thunder, or lighting which occurs one hour or less before a class. (We make cancelation decisions one hour before class’s scheduled start time in order to provide the participant and staff adequate time to adjust their schedules as needed).
Note: A class will remain cancelled even if the weather clears up during or in time for the class.
This policy is in place in part to protect instructor and participant safety. Every effort will be made to offer a make-up class, time and space permitting.
UCLA Lifeguard School
Check back for details on upcoming Lifeguard School.
Looking for a summer job? UCLA Recreation is looking for highly motivated individuals to participate in our lifeguard school.
Throughout the Lifeguard school, participants will have the opportunity to obtain the following certifications: Lifeguarding, CPR/AED, First Aid, First Aid for Public Safety Personnel (Title 22), and Administering Emergency Oxygen. The lifeguard school will also offer UCLA/OHSA Bloodborne Pathogens training and swimming skills sessions.
Participants enrolled in the class will receive an American Red Cross certificate for each examination they pass. Upon successful completion of all requirements, participants will receive a UCLA Lifeguard School Graduation Certificate and a job with UCLA Recreation.
The UCLA Lifeguard School is being offered at a promotional price. This promotion may not be offered again, so take advantage of this deal. Attendance at all class sessions is mandatory.
Contact Siobhan Goodwell at sgoodwell@recreation.ucla.edu with any questions.