Which cities offer the best public pool access in Fresno County?

With temperatures soaring in the Central Valley, it may be tempting to plunge into local rivers and streams, but officials suggest residents instead find safer alternatives to cool off.

Water being released from the Friant Dam can create unpredictable currents and fluctuating water temperatures in the San Joaquin River, according to a video shared by the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office on social media. 

“The water is moving fast. It’s very cold and it can be very deceiving,” Sgt. Scott Weishaar said in the video while urging people to use life jackets and to be extra cautious on and near the river.

Safer options include the many seasonal swimming pools and splash pads across Fresno County for swimmers of all skill levels and ages. 

Swim Lessons

Along with recreational swimming, the City of Fresno’s parks department offers swimming lessons for different skill levels. The lessons, for ages 3 and older, are free for Fresno Unified students and Fresno residents of all ages. To register, visit www.fresno.gov/swimlessons or call 559-621-7529. 

The lessons are held at pools at the following Fresno Unified School District locations: Edison, Roosevelt, Fresno, Hoover and McLane. Residents from outside of Fresno could also participate for a fee of $50. 

Starting on July 23, free swimming lessons for people meeting the same requirements listed above will be held at the following public parks: Frank H. Ball, Mosqueda, Einstein and Romain.

Community Pools in the Area

Outside of the City of Fresno, community pools can also be found in the cities of Clovis, Coalinga-Huron, Fowler, Kerman, Kingsburg, Reedley, Sanger.

Central Unified School District

Until Aug. 3, the Aquatics Complex at Central East High School is open Tuesday through Friday from noon to 6 p.m., and on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission price: $6 per person. Location: 535 N Cornelia Ave., Fresno. 

Clovis

Until July 24, the Clovis West High School pool is open every Wednesday. Admission: $4 per adult; $2 per child ages 12 and under. Children must be supervised by an adult at all times. Location: 1070 E Teague Ave., Fresno. 

Coalinga-Huron

Under the Coalinga-Huron School District (CHUSD), Coalinga-Huron “anticipates opening the week of June 24 for lessons and public swim.” In a recent update, the district states that opening of family night swims will be delayed.. Swimming fees, public swim and other updates are to be announced on the CHUSD-Aquatics Facebook page. Location: Chestnut Park at 16501 Palmer St., Huron.

Fowler

Until Aug. 9, Fowler High School will remain open to the public on Mondays through Saturdays between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. Admission price: $1 per swimmer. The pool will be closed on June 27. Location: 117 Vista Ave, Fowler, CA 93625.

Kerman

Until July 19, Kerman High School is open Tuesday through Friday between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. On Saturdays, it is open from noon to 4 p.m. From July 23 through Aug. 9, the pool hours on Tuesday through Friday are from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday’s hours of operation will remain the same. Admission price: $2 per child (17 and under); $2.50 per adult and $1 for non-swimmers. Location: 205 S. First St. in Kerman.

Kingsburg

Until Aug. 9, the Crandell Swim Complex is open Monday through Friday between noon and 4 p.m. Admission: $2.50 per child; $3 per adult. Location: 1900 18th Ave in Kingsburg.

Reedley

Reedley High School is hosting family swim events along with movie showings on June 21, July 12, and July 26 from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Admission price: $4 per person. The city currently offers free swimming lessons for qualifying families through the Reedley Community Center. Location: 740 W North Ave, Reedley, CA 93654 

Sanger

Until Aug. 9, Sanger’s community pool is open to the public for recreational swimming. Tuesday through Friday from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Admission price varies: $1 to $4 for adults; $1 to $3 for youth. Families may rent the pool for private events on the weekends for a fee. Location: 730 Recreation Ave. Sanger, CA 93657

Recreational Swimming Pools in Fresno

Pool sites are open daily through Aug. 11. Hours may change due to maintenance, so check Fresno Parks & Recreation (PARCS)’s Facebook page for updates.

• Frank H. Ball – 760 Mayor Ave, Fresno, CA 93706
• Mary Ella Brown – 1350 E Annadale Ave, Fresno, CA 93706
• Mosqueda – 4670 E Butler Ave, Fresno, CA 93702
• Einstein Park – 3566 E Dakota Ave, Fresno, CA 93726
• Quigley – 808 W Dakota Ave, Fresno, CA 93705
• Romain – 745 N First St, Fresno, CA 93702
• Lafayette – 1516 E Princeton Ave, Fresno, CA 93704
• Sunset – 1345 W Eden Ave, Fresno, CA 93706

splash pad photos

Splash Pads in Fresno 

Children and families can cool off at Fresno’s water-play through Labor Day. The locations are open daily from 10 a.m.to 8 p.m.

• Dickey Playground – 50 N. Calaveras St., Fresno, CA 93721
• Figarden Loop Park – 4265 W. Figarden Dr., Fresno, CA 93722
• Inspiration Park – 5770 W. Gettysburg Ave., Fresno, CA 93722
• Martin Ray Reilly Park – 750 N. Chestnut Ave., Fresno, CA 93727 
• Melody Park – 5935 E Shields Ave., Fresno, CA 93727
• Mosqueda Community Center – 4670 E. Butler Ave., Fresno CA 93702
• Todd Beamer Park – 1890 E. Plymouth Way, Fresno, CA 93720
• Vinland Park – 4695 E. Gettysburg Ave., Fresno, CA 93710

Swimming Lessons in Fresno

A total of eight sessions are available from June 15 to July 26 and residents may sign up at participating high schools: Bullard, Sunnyside, Edison, Roosevelt, Hoover, McLane and Fresno. The pools at Fresno, Hoover, McLane and Roosevelt are open to the general public and non-learners on Saturdays and Sundays between noon and 5 p.m. 

• Edison High School – 540 E California Ave, Fresno, CA 93706
• McLane High School – 2727 N Cedar Ave, Fresno, CA 93703
• Hoover High School – 5550 N First St, Fresno, CA 93710
• Roosevelt High School – 4250 E Tulare Ave, Fresno, CA 93702
• Fresno High School – 1839 N Echo Ave, Fresno, CA 93704
• Bullard High School – 5445 N Palm Ave, Fresno, CA 93704
• Sunnyside High School – 1019 S Peach Ave, Fresno, CA 93727

To register for swimming lessons, you can sign up directly on the City of Fresno’s  website.