Aquatics

Simpkins Family Swim Center

979 17th Avenue Santa Cruz, CA 95062
(831) 454-7960

Whether you’re looking for a place to swim laps, take a class, or just swim for fun, we have you covered. Simpkins Family Swim Center is an outdoor community aquatics complex with a 50-meter pool, a warm water zero depth entry pool, and a spray zone play area!
Our Pools

SFSC 50-meter Lap Swim Pool 

  • 17 lanes, 25 yards in length.
  • 78°F pool temperature.
  • Pool depth is 3.5 to 8 feet deep.
  • 4 of the 17 lap swim lanes are 3.5 to 4 feet deep.

SFSC Warm Water Pool

  • 18 x 10 yards in size
  • Heated to 88°F year-round
  • Spray zone
  • Zero depth entry with a ramp, slopes to a depth of 4 feet
Amenities & Features
  • Indoor locker rooms
  • Showers
  • Restrooms
  • Pull buoys and kickboards
  • Towel service is not available

On the Deck 

  • Sunny deck space with lounge chairs
  • Food court area with picnic tables and a small lawn
  • Reservable covered picnic area
Location & Contact Info

979 17th Avenue, Santa Cruz

(831) 454-7960

swimcenter@scparks.com

@simpkinsfamilyswimcenter

Accessibility & Inclusion

A water wheel chair is available at the swim center and the Warm Water Pool features a zero-depth entry ramp for access. Each pool has stationary, ADA-compliant lifts as well as a mobile lift for entry into any area of the pools. A gender-inclusive bathroom is available with an ADA shower, changing bed, locker, and toilet. In addition, the Simpkins Family Swim Center offers low stimulation hours weekly.

Learn more about Accessibility & Inclusion at Santa Cruz County Parks

Programs at Simpkins Family Swim Center

Lap Swim

Simpkins Family Swim Center offers year-round lap swimming in the outdoor 50-meter pool. The 50-meter pool is set up with 17 lanes that are each 25 yards in length ("short course").  The lap pool temperature is maintained at 78°F year-round, but may vary with warmer weather. The water depth varies from three and a half to eight feet deep. Four of the 17 lanes are "shallow lanes" with depth between 3.5-4.5 feet deep.  

Open & Recreation Swim

Simpkins Family Swim Center offers both recreation and open swim times year-round in the Warm Water Pool. Open swim times allow for unstructured use of our warm water pool, and are perfect for families looking to bring children to swim as well as adults looking to exercise, relax, or participate in self-guided water therapy. Recreation Swim is offered seasonally and is ideal for folks of all ages looking to enjoy some fun in the pool. Rec Swim includes the Warm Water Pool and Splash/Spray zone and expands to include portions of the 50m pool during the Spring and Summer months.

 

Swim Lessons

Simpkins Family Swim Center offers year-round group, private, and semi-private swim lessons for students of all ages and abilities! Staff & private instructors work with each student to personalize lessons and develop proper swim technique!

Aquatics Camps

Simpkins Family Swim Centers offers many opportunities for kids ages 5 to 16 to participate in a variety of aquatic camps including Junior Lifeguards and Little Guards! Our goal is to provide programming that is safe, high-quality, and FUN!

Aquatic Fitness

Interested in taking a class, developing your swim technique, drop-in water polo or exploring new aquatic activities? Simpkins Family Swim Center offers various programs for swimmers of all ages and abilities!

Adult Fitness (Coached Lap Swim/Masters)

Participate in an organized lap swim workout aimed at increasing muscular strength, aerobic endurance, stroke technique and build overall fitness! Qualified coaches offer in-depth analysis and feedback on your stroke and help direct you to a lane with swimmers of similar ability and experience. Workouts are scheduled to be 90 minutes long, but may be modified based on your experience and fitness goals!

Water Aerobics

Water aerobics classes provide high intensity workouts and are an excellent way to meet your fitness goals with less impact on your joints! Classes are designed to appeal to all levels of ability including prenatal, seniors, and rehabilitation or cross-training enthusiasts.

Drop-in Co-ed Adult Water Polo

Join other adult water polo players for pick-up games at Simpkins Family Swim Center! To participate, you must be a USA Water Polo member. Use your Simpkins Family Swim Center pass or pay cash for admission to the pool. This program is not offered at this time.

Pool Parties & Rentals

Whether you’re looking to book a private pool party for a child's birthday or to celebrate with family, we have you covered. Simpkins Family Swim Center is available for your special use! You can reserve a portion, or all of the swim center pools for exclusive use!

Lifeguard Training

The Red Cross Lifeguarding course provides entry-level lifeguard participants with the knowledge and skills to prevent, recognize and respond to aquatic emergencies and to provide professional-level care for breathing and cardiac emergencies, injuries, and sudden illnesses until more advanced personnel take over. Participants will receive 2-year certification in (pool-only) Lifeguarding, First Aid, CPR/AED for professional rescuers.

Employment at Simpkins Family Swim Center

Join our team of certified Lifeguards and Head Lifeguards!

Contact Us

Phone:

(831) 454-7960

Monday – Friday 6:00 AM to 7:45 PM, except holidays

Our physical office is open, but staff availability is limited.