General Rules
• Remember to shower before entering the pool.
• For your health and safety, we do not allow band-aids or open wounds in the pools.
• For safety, please dry off completely before leaving the pool deck.
• Please use the locker rooms for changing and not the pool deck.
• Members with special needs may use the elevators to access the outdoor pool at Bakar Fitness & Recreation Center.
• Flotation devices that have not been provided by UCSF lifeguards are not allowed.
• Do not hang on lane lines.
• For safety reasons, non-swimmers, as determined by the lifeguard, must stay in the shallow end.
• Glass containers are not allowed in the pool or on pool decks.
• Diving is prohibited.
• Only swim in the presence of a lifeguard.
• Swimming instruction is provided by Fitness & Recreation staff only.
• Guests under the age of three are free; guests three years old and above pay a guest fee.
• Please refrain from unnecessary conversations with the lifeguard.
• Cell phones, photo devices, and laptops are not allowed on the pool decks.
Lap Swim/Circle Swim
• For your safety, swimmers must swim counter clockwise.
• Passing is allowed only at the ends of the pool. Do not pass swimmers in the middle of the lane. Tap swimmer’s foot in front and wait until reaching the wall to pass.
• Be considerate and allow other swimmers to pass at the wall when necessary.
• Children who have passed the Youth Aquatics Level VI swim test may swim laps with parents in the pool. Lap lane rules and regulations apply.
Two Swimmers: To share a lane with one other swimmer, notify the other swimmer prior to entering the lane. If agreed upon, two swimmers may split the lane, each one swimming on one side.
Multiple Swimmers: To share a lane between three or more swimmers, follow circle swim etiquette. Circle swim counterclockwise within the lane.
Family Swim
• Children ages 14 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian in the water during family swim unless the child passes a swim test initiated by the lifeguard.
• Children ages 14 and under who pass the swim test may participate in Family Swim without the parent in the water.
• Parents who are not in the pool must remain on pool deck during Family Swim.
Pool Safety
• Read & observe the safety rules posted on the pool deck.
• No open wounds or large scabs are allowed in the pools.
• Band-aids must be removed prior to entering the pool(s).
• Running and shouting are not allowed in any areas of the facility.
• Keep children away from pool edge while waiting for classes to begin.
• Remove shoes before walking across the pool deck.
• Athletic or street shoes are not allowed in the locker room shower areas.
• For the comfort and safety of the child, please tie long hair back (swim caps are optional).
• Suitmate usage must be under adult supervision at all times.
• Children in diapers must wear a disposable diaper under tight fitting plastic pants or disposable swim diapers.
• Please follow all other rules that the lifeguard may enforce.
Child and Family Swim
Can children swim laps during lap swim?
Lap swim is designated as adult swim. However, children that are able to pass the swim test and abide by lap swim polices are allowed to swim laps during lap swim time. Please note that only children that are able to swim full lengths are allowed to swim during lap swim time. A parent or guardian must supervise their children from either the pool deck or in the water.
Can I take my child into the 2.5 foot area of the indoor pool during program time?
No. Family swim and lap swim are not allowed during designated program time.
Can I take my child into the 2.5 foot are of the indoor pool during lap swim time?
Yes, children are allowed in the 2.5 foot area of the indoor pool during lap swim times
Do parents have to be in the water for family swim or parent/toddler time?
Yes, we do require an adult to be in the water within arm’s reach of their children at all times. One adult is required for every two non-swimmers.
What is parent/toddler time?
Parent/toddler time is a designated time for members to bring their children that are five years of age or younger.
What is family swim?
Family swim is a designated time for parents to swim with their children of all ages.
Swim Lessons - Registration Policies & FAQ
- We kindly remind you that each child may only be registered for one swim lesson, per time slot, per session 8-day session to ensure all families have an opportunity to access lessons
- Class sharing is not allowed; only one swimmer may be attached to the lesson registration.
- You cannot share your 8 lessons with family, friends, or non-members.
- Members cannot register friends who are not members (we will not be able to issue a refund).
- Families with multiple children may need to complete separate transactions for each child due to system updates.
- Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.
- The price is $200 for eight 25-minute classes.
- This is a one-time payment for the 8-lesson package. There is no recurring payment at this time.
- All participants must sign a waiver before lessons begin.
- There is no changing allowed on deck, please use locker rooms or inclusive changing rooms on the second floor of the fitness center.
- Participants must check in at the second-floor desk every week, not just during the first week.
Waitlists and Availability
- There are currently no waitlists available for any classes.
- If your desired class level is not listed or labeled as “sold out”, it is fully booked.
- If you sign up for the wrong class, we will do our best to accommodate you. If the class is full, you will be issued a refund.
- Refunds will only be provided if the cancellation is due to facility issues, pool closures, or emergency evacuations under UCSF's responsibility.
- At least one parent must be a member of either UCSF Bakar or Millberry Fitness Centers in order to sign up for lessons. In the future children will be required to become members.
Masters Swim Team
Where do I get the forms to join the Masters Team?
Forms are available from the coaches or at the 2nd floor service desk at Mission Bay.
How do I join the Masters Swim Team?
Our Masters team is only available to UCSF Students and Fitness & Recreation Center members.
You need to be a registered member of USMS ($70/year) to participate on our team and complete the automatic credit card billing form with Member Services for the $35 monthly dues. This form is available from the coaches or at the 2nd floor service desk at Mission Bay.
Do I have to stick with a set workout schedule for the Masters Swim Team?
No, you can drop in to any of the workouts you want once you are a member. Please be aware we do have limited lanes, so be prepared to share.
What are the baseline skills required to be a team member?
Should be proficient in all 4 strokes. Should be able to complete 200 yards in any stroke. Should be familiar with circle swimming and swimming on intervals.
Am I required to participate in USMS competitions?
No, but participation in competitions is strongly encouraged. Participation in UCSF master's team social events is also encouraged.
General Questions
Do you have lifeguards?
Yes, all of our pools have American Red Cross certified lifeguards on duty during all operating hours.
What is the drop-in fee?
Non-members may use the pool by purchasing a $25 day pass.
How many laps in a mile?
There are approximately 36 laps or 72 lengths in one mile for both pools at Mission Bay. At Parnassus, it is approximately 45 laps or 90 lengths.
What are the depths of the pools?
The indoor pool at Mission Bay is 2.5-4.5 feet in depth. The outdoor pool is 4-5 feet in depth.
What is the temperature of the pools?
The indoor pool at Mission Bay is maintained at 83 degrees. The outdoor pool is maintained between 76-78 degrees.
What are the lengths of the pools?
The length of the Mission Bay outdoor pool is 25 yards. The two lanes of the indoor pool at Mission Bay are also 25 yards.
Do you have pool parties available?
Sorry, pool parties are no longer available.
Where are the water exercise classes held?
Water exercise classes are held at both pools. Please refer to the pool schedule or the catalog for the location of the class you are interested in.
Can I bring my own swim instructor into the gym?
No. For safety and liability reasons, only UCSF Fitness and Recreation staff may teach swim lessons at our facilities.
Contact
aquatics@ucsf.edu
