Why we’re pushing for more open swim hours

Our vision is to expand access for kids and families to open swim hours and swim lessons. We're advocating for:

• More family and rec open swim hours, especially at times that work for working parents: after school, before dinner, and weekends.
• More swim lessons during the school year and summer, at times that fit around camp schedules. Many local parents have had to pay private organizations because they can't get lessons at Balboa Pool.
• Tackling the lifeguard shortage, for example with high school and City College programs.
• Warmer water, following Red Cross recommendations: at least 84°F for learn-to-swim and junior lifeguard programs, and 90°F for infant and preschool aquatics.

Fatal drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1–4 (CDC). Swim lessons save lives.

See our research on other pools and SF Kids Swim's Pool Access Report.