Aquatics Programs 

Swim SMARTS Course Descriptions 

Track A: Early Learners (Ages 6 months – 7 years)

• A1 Water Sprouts (6–18 months): Gentle submersion, floating with support. An adult much accompany each swimmer in the pool during class. 
• A2 Splash Buds (18 months–3 yrs): Kicking, arm movement, and safe pool entry/exit. An adult much accompany each swimmer in the pool during class. 
•  A3 Puddle Jumpers (3–5 yrs): Independent float, face submersion, pool safety.
• A4 Float Finders (4–6 yrs): Front/back glides, intro to strokes.
• A5 Wave Walkers (5–7 yrs): Deep water swimming, treading, freestyle.
• A6 Current Catchers (6–7+ yrs): Freestyle, backstroke, and breathing techniques.
• Note: A5 & A6 are only held in lap pools.

Track B: School Age Learners (Ages 8–17 years)

• B1 Water Smart (8–17 yrs): Water comfort, floating, pool safety basics.
• B2 Safety Seekers (8–17 yrs): Deep water readiness, stroke intro, emergency safety.
• B3 Rescue Riders (8–17 yrs): Stroke development, safe water rescues, endurance.
• Note: B2 & B3 are held in lap pools only.

Track C:  Advanced Combined Levels (Ages 8-17 years) 

• C1 Stroke Surfers: Backstroke, freestyle, rescue breathing, treading.
• C2 Lap Legends: Breaststroke, butterfly, advanced endurance & safety.
• C3 Swim Strong: Swim team readiness, CPR awareness, fitness focus.
• Note: All "C" Classes are held in lap pools only.

Track E: Private Swim Lessons (Ages 3+ years) 

• E1 Bubble Blasters (3–12 yrs): Introductory swim skills and technique help.
• E2 Aqua Boosters (13+): Customized instruction for adults, teens, or sensory-friendly needs. 

Not sure where to start? Use this guide to find the best fit based on our previous swim classes.

Previously in Water Exploration?

• If your child is just getting comfortable in the water: Register for A1 Water Sprouts (ages 6–18 months)
•  If your child is ready for kicking & arm movement: Register for A2 Splash Buds (ages 18 months–3 years
• If they’re working on independence in the water and able to follow group instructions: Register for A3 Puddle Jumpers (ages 3–5)

Previously in Water Acclimation?

• If your child is working on being comfortable in the water independently and learning to put their face in the water:
• Register for A3 Puddle Jumpers
• If your child is comfortable submerging their face and ready for basic arm and leg movements: Register for A4 Float Finders (ages 4–6)

Previously in Introduction to Swim Skills?

• If comfortable putting face in water, floating, and ready for front/back arm and kick action: Register for A4 Float Finders

Previously in Fundamental Swim Skills?

• Register for A5 Wave Walkers or A6 Current Catchers (ages 5–7)
• Note: A5 & A6 require independent swimming and are held in lap pools

Previously in Fundamental Swim Skills, but swimmer is older (8–17)?

• If still working on water comfort & floating: Register for B1 Water Smarts
• If ready to begin learning strokes: register for B2 Safety Seekers

Previously in Stroke Development, Stroke Refinement, or Intro to Competitive Swimming? Register for:

• C1 Stroke Surfers
• C2 Lap Legends
• C3 Swim Strong
• All C-level classes held in deep lap pools only

Looking for One-on-One Instruction?

Our private lesson program is now Track E:

• E1 Bubble Blasters (Ages 3–12)
• E2 Aqua Boosters (Ages 13+)

Let’s Dive In — Together!

Check out the full Swim SMARTS guide (can we link the PDF attached to “guide” and enroll today. (Link Swim SMART Chart) 

Note: These course descriptions are meant to serve as a guideline, when placing your swimmer, please choose the appropriate level based on skill level. If you are registering your swimmer for a class and their age falls outside of the parameters, please call Customer Service for assistance. 

What is Senior and Disabled Swim

A drop-in swim program for seniors and persons with disabilities designed to stretch their muscles, work their joints, and get them moving in an indoor, heated, therapeutic pool. This program is available year-around, Monday-Thursday with seasonal hours. Pool closed on major holidays. 

Location

Susan Burris Pool is located at Sonoma Elementary School - 1325 Sonoma Ave, Modesto 

General Pool Information 

Entry Fee & Swim Cards

• $2.00 per swim. 
• A swim card is required for entry, cash is not accepted at the pool. 
• Swim cards can be purchased for a maximum 20 swims per card and are available at the Parks, Recreation and Neighborhoods Department Office or the Modesto Senior Citizens Center (211 Bodem Street), open Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Pool Closures 

• December 24 through January 5, January 15th, February 12, February 19 and April 1. 

Pool Rules

• Bathing suits must be worn (t-shirts, cut-offs, athletic wear, cotton, street clothes will not be allowed).
• No running in pool or on the deck area.
• No diving.
• Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
• If a life jacket is worn, it MUST have the Coast Guard approved seal.
• The maximum number of people allowed in the pool area at one time shall not exceed the number posted: 42 people.
• No food or glass bottles allowed in the pool area.
• No drugs, alcohol, or tobacco products are allowed in the pool area or school grounds. 
• Any person with open sores, cuts or visible medical symptoms (rashes, pink eye, etc.) will not be allowed in the pool.
• Any person who has had diarrhea in the last two weeks will not be allowed in the water. 
• Participants are not allowed to play with Lifeguard equipment (chairs, backboard, tubes, etc.)
• Swim diapers are required for all persons who are not toiled trained.
• Participants must be self-sufficient. Participants needing extra assistance may bring an attendant at no additional fee. 
• Our staff is not permitted to assist with dressing; participants needing assistance are required to bring an attendant. 
• No loitering in the bathroom/changing area.
• The City of Modesto is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
• Cash/Credit Card is not accepted at the pool, pre-purchased Swim Card is required for entry into the pool.
• Conduct which endangers the safety and comfort of others will not be permitted.
• Aquatics management and lifeguards will enforce any rule(s) deemed necessary to ensure the safety of the aquatic facility for our guests.
• The facility will be locked at the end of program hours.

Lifeguard Training Certification

The purpose of the American Red Cross Lifeguarding course is to provide entry-level lifeguard participants with the knowledge and skills to prevent, recognize and respond to aquatic emergencies and to provide care for breathing and cardiac emergencies, injuries and sudden illnesses until emergency medical services (EMS) personnel take over. 

 To enroll in the Lifeguarding course, you must be at least 15 years old before the last scheduled class session. 

Prerequisite Skills

All lifeguarding participants must complete the required swimming skills prerequisite prior to taking the course. The prerequisite skills assessments include a swim-tread-swim and a timed event sequence including:

1. Swim-tread-swim sequence: swim 150 yards – tread 2 minutes using only your legs – swim 50 yards. (during swim you should continuously demonstrate breath control and rhythmic breathing. You may swim using the front crawl, breaststroke, or a combination of both but swimming on your back or side is not allowed. Swim goggles may be used during the swim.)
2. Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds.
   1. Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. Your face may be in or out of the water. Swim goggles are not allowed for this portion of the pre-test. 
   2. Surface dive, feet-first, or head-first, to a depth of 7 to 10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object. 
   3. Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on your back to return to the starting point with both hands holding the object while keeping your face at or near the surface so you are able to get a breath. Swimming underwater is not permitted. Exit the water without using a ladder or steps. 

To participate in and complete this class, all participants must pass the prerequisite skills evaluation that will occur on the first day of the course, maintain the professional standards set by the American Red Cross and successfully complete the skills listed below. 

Throughout the course, participants will learn and be evaluated on knowledge and skills related to lifeguarding, water rescues, extrications, CPR and AED and First Aid.

In addition, at the conclusion of the course, participants must successfully complete 3 final skills assessments and two final written examinations. 

• Final Skill Assessment: Rotate in-conduct surveillance – rotate out
• Final Skill Assessment: Timed Single-rescuer CPR Scenario
• Final Skill Assessment: Multiple Rescuer Response Scenario
• Final Written Exam: 50-question Lifeguard exam and score a minimum of 80% on each.  
• Final Written Exam:  75-question Title 22 exam and score a minimum of 80% on each.  

Participants who successfully complete the Lifeguarding certification course will be issued one of the following certifications depending on the Lifeguarding course completed. For example, participants that successfully complete the Lifeguarding (including Deep Water) with CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and First Aid, and First Aid for the Public Safety Personnel (Title 22) will be issued a certification valid for 2 years.

If you have a medical condition or disability that might prevent you from participating in the activities or have questions about being able to fully participate in the Lifeguarding course, please contact Aquatics Coordinator, Kelli Sargent to discuss this before the course begins. 

Course Information:

Lifeguard training classes are offered each year as the need and interest dictates. Classes are held over multiple weekends from March-July and during Modesto City School’s Spring break.  Registration is first come, first serve, and class sizes are limited. Participants, please bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, spare change of clothes, snacks, water and note taking supplies for the skills evaluation and for every class. 

First Aid for Public Safety Personnel (Title 22)

This American Red Cross course trains Lifeguards in the knowledge and skills necessary to help sustain life, reduce pain, and minimize the consequences of injury or sudden illness until more advance medical help arrive. This course meets first aid requirements of Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations. Upon successful completion, participants will receive a First Aid for Public Safety Personnel certification valid for 2 years. Participants must be 15 years of age. No pool time required for this course. This is a stand-alone course for certified Lifeguards whose certification course did not include Title 22.

Registration Information 

View Course dates, times, locations and fees for Aquatic Programs. 

Lifeguard Recertification

 This 2-day class is designed for current American Red Cross Lifeguards who need to re-certify in order to keep their Lifeguard Certification current. Participants must have current Lifeguard & Title 22 Certification.  Participants will be asked to provide verification of current certs upon registration.  To participate in the course, you must successfully complete the prerequisite skills evaluation that will occur on the first day of the course.

Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive an American Red Cross certificate for Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED and First Aid for Public Safety Personnel (Title 22), valid for 2 years. 

NOTE: This class must be completed within the 30-days of their cert expiration date. After the 30-day grace period, the full lifeguard class must be repeated. Participants must bring CPR masks with them to class each day. 

Registration Information

View Course dates, times, locations and fees for Aquatic Programs.