Aquatics Operation

Front Entrance to Gandy Pool at Kelly Recreation Complex

Front Entrance to Simpson Park Pool at Simpson Park Community Center

Simpson Park Pool concession stand is now open!

Serving hotdogs, burgers, nachos, chips and ice-cream!
Thank you to our food vendor, Mary's Bagel Cafe
Hours of Operation: Saturday - Thursday 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM 
Come see us at Simpson Park Pool!

• Gandy Pool

  Gandy Pool

  404 Imperial Boulevard
  Lakeland, FL 33803
  Ph: 863.834.3157
  Email: Aquatics@lakelandgov.net

  Customer Survey

  Gandy Pool features a 10-lane, 25-yard short course heated pool with a one-meter diving board and a 3-4 foot deep recreation pool. A handicap ramp at 0 depth and a hydraulic lift chair are provided.

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  Hours of Operation
  

  Lap Swim
  Monday - Friday 5:30 AM - 7:00 PM
  Saturday and Sunday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

  Open Swim
  Monday - Friday 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
  Saturday and Sunday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

  Closings & Adjusted Hours
  Limited lap lane availability Monday-Friday after 3:30pm
  Beginning  August 18th, Lap Swim and Open Swim will close at 3pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays for High School Swim Meets
  Closed November 11th for Veterans Day
  Closed November 26th & 27th for Thanksgiving Holiday
  Closed December 24th & 25th for Christmas Holiday

  Holiday Hours
  Labor Day - Monday, September 7th - Open 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

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  Amenities

  • Vending machines (Food and drink permitted in pavilion areas only.)
  • Lockers for personal belongings
  • Lap lanes (Time clocks available)
  • Bleacher seating
  • Shower/changing rooms
  • Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs) are available for checkout.
    
    Sorry, no refunds due to inclement weather.

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  Fees

  • $5 per visit/guest*
  • $60 per 20-visit/guest pass* (passes are assigned to 1 guest, sharing passes no longer applicable)
  • ACTIVITY PASS (Semi-Annual or Annual Pass) Covers Weight rooms, Cardio Rooms, Open Swim, Lap Swim, Open Tennis, and any Health and Fitness Class  in front of the class

    Ages 14-59 (Individual) $150/$300

    Ages 60 and up (individual) $120/$240

    Family (Two adults up to the age of 59 living in same household plus any legal dependents) $400/$740

    *Anyone going onto the pool deck counts as a guest with the per-visit fee applicable.

   

• Simpson Park Pool

  Simpson Park Pool

  1725 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue
  Lakeland, FL 33805
  Ph: 863.834.2286
  Email: Aquatics@lakelandgov.net 

  Customer Survey

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  Simpson Pool is unheated and open seasonally during summer (opening Memorial Day weekend). Reach out to the Aquatics team for information on summer programming and pool access Aquatics@lakelandgov.net.

  Hours of Operation - Closing Labor Day
  

  Lap Swim
  Monday-Friday 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
  Sunday and Saturday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

  Open Swim
  Monday - Friday 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
  Saturday and Sunday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

  Holiday Hours
  Labor Day - Monday, September 7th - Open 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

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  Fees

  • $5 per visit/guest*
  • $60 per 20-visit/guest pass* (passes are assigned to 1 guest, sharing passes no longer applicable)
  • ACTIVITY PASS (Semi-Annual or Annual Pass) Covers Weight rooms, Cardio Rooms, Open Swim, Lap Swim, Open Tennis and any Health and Fitness Class with the  in front of the class

    Ages 14-59 (Individual) $150/$300

    Ages 60 and up (individual) $120/$240

    Family (Two adults up to the age of 59 living in same household plus any legal dependents) $400/$740

    *Anyone going onto the pool deck counts as a guest with the per visit fee applicable.

  
  17 & under - inquire about dollar days.

• Programs and Fitness Classes

  Interested in teaching at one of our facilities? Fill out our online call for instructors form.

  Gandy Pool 

  $5 per person per class unless noted otherwise. Most fitness classes are Silver Sneakers/Healthy Contributions applicable.

  ADULT LAP SWIM WORKOUT
  This class for adults 18 and older will take place in the lap lanes of Gandy Pool with a certified swim coach. For one hour, participants will swim in an organized group workout to improve fitness, train for specific goals, support a healthy lifestyle, build community, and learn proper stroke techniques. (Formerly known as Master's Swim Team)
  Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays: 5:30 AM – 6:30 AM

  AQUA SPIN 
  Come enjoy a spin class in the pool. Hop on our Hydrorider spin bikes that are submerged in waist-deep water.
  Monday - Friday: 6:30 AM
  Wednesdays: 6:00 PM
  Saturdays: 8:00 AM 

  AQUA YOGA 
  Come enjoy a yoga class in the pool. This low-impact exercise can help relieve pain and stiffness, improve flexibility and strength, and promote relaxation. 
  Mondays and Fridays: 10:00 AM

  SPLASHERSIZE 
  Join this low-impact water aerobic workout geared for everyone. Shape up using our water weights and enjoy the water at Gandy Pool.
  Monday - Friday: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  $2.50

• Lifeguard Classes

  Participants must be 15 or older.
  Pre-requisite swim test includes:

  • 150-yard swim > 2 minute tread > 50 yard swim
  • Timed brick retrieval within 1min. and 40seconds.

   $200 Class Fee

  Upcoming Class Dates & Times:
  No classes scheduled at this time, please continue to check the website for upcoming classes.

  For more information, call us at Gandy Pool at 863-834-3157 or aquatics@lakelandgov.net

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  Now Hiring Lifeguards for the Summer
  Make a difference. Keep our community safe. Work poolside this summer!

   

  Requirements:
  - Must be at least 16 years old
  - American Red Cross Lifeguarding Certification (CPR / First Aid / AED required - training available)
  - Must pass a pre-employment swim test & interview
  - Open availability throughout the summer
  - Ability to attend all in-service trainings
  - Reliable transportation for multiple work sites

  Responsibilities:
  - Maintain a safe, healthy aquatic environment
  - Perform lifeguarding, surveillance and rescues
  - Provide excellent customer service
  - Assist with swim lessons, programs, and special events
  - Enforce facility rules professionally and politely
  - Support pool maintenance and daily operations

  Click here for more information and to apply

   

• Swim Lessons

  

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  Summer 2026 Schedule

  Monday-Thursday
  30 Minutes | $50 per session
  Session 1: June 1-11
  Session 2: June 15-25
  Session 3: July 6-16
  Session 4: July 20-30

  Saturdays (at Gandy Pool)
  45 Minutes | $50 per session
  Session 1: May 9th, May16th, May 23rd, May 30th
  Session 2: June 6th, June 13th, June 20th, June 27th
  Session 3: July 11th, July 18th, July 25th, August 1st
  Session 4: August 8th, August 15th, August 22nd, August 29th

  Register for lessons at Aquafest or in person at either pool location
  8 lessons due at registration or on first day of lesson
  PreSchool, Youth Learn to Swim 1-5, and Adult Lessons offered. 

  Contact us for info on private lessons or any of your swim lesson questions (call 863.834.3157 or email Aquatics@Lakelandgov.net ).

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  Swim Lesson Level Descriptions & Times

  • Adult Beginner

    

    Participants will be introduced to basic aquatic skills and swimming strokes, including the front crawl, breaststroke, and elementary backstroke. Participants will also learn the skills and concepts needed to stay safe around water. Limit 5 participants per class—45-minute classes.

    When: Saturdays at 9:00 A.M. (Starting May 9th)
    Where: Gandy Pool
    
    

  • Parent-Child Aquatics (Ages 6 months - 2.5 years)

    

    A parent or guardian will be in the water with the child. Skills that will be learned include different holding and support techniques, safely entering and exiting the pool, buoyancy on the front and back, and rolling on the front and back.

    The instructor will help participants begin to develop positive attitudes and safe practices around water. Swim diapers are required under a bathing suit. 30-Minute classes

    When: Monday - Thursday at 11:15 A.M. (Starting June 1st)
    Where: Gandy Pool

  • Preschool Swimming (Ages 3 - 5)

    

    This Beginner class is designed to be the first class without parents. 

    Skills that will be taught include safely entering and exiting the pool, breath control and submersion, floating on front and back, and changing direction in the water by gliding and swimming. 30-minute classes

    When: Saturdays at 9:00 A.M. (Starting May 9th) & Monday - Thursday at 10:30 A.M. & 11:15 A.M (Starting June 1st)
    Where: Gandy Pool

    When: Monday - Thursday at 9:00 A.M. (Starting June 1st)
    Where: Simpson Pool

  • Youth Learn to Swim (Levels 1-3 / Ages 6 - 12) 

    

    Beginner to intermediate class with participants learning fundamental aquatic skills such as floating, gliding, and simultaneous arms and leg motions all while doing this independently of an instructor’s support. 30-Minute classes

    When: Monday - Thursday at 8:15 A.M., 9:00 A.M., & 9:45 A.M. (Starting June 1st)
    Where: Gandy Pool

    When: Monday - Thursday at 8:15 A.M. (Starting June 1st)
    Where: Simpson Pool

  • Youth Learn to Swim Level (Levels 4&5 / Ages 6 - 12) 

    

    Advanced class with participants improving their aquatic skills and increasing their endurance using the following swim strokes: front crawl, back crawl, and breaststroke. 30-Minute classes

    When: Monday - Thursday at 8:15 A.M. (Starting June 1st)
    Where: Gandy Pool

• Swim Team

  Gandy & Simpson Pools are the home to Riptide Aquatics. Riptide Aquatics is a year-round competitive swim team providing high-quality professional coaching and technique instruction for all ages and abilities. The goal of our team is to provide every member an opportunity to improve swimming skills and achieve success at his or her level of ability from novice, state, national and international competitors. Train with some of the best swimmers in the country and work with talented and experienced coaches. Find out more on their website.

• Pool Rules

  City of Lakeland, Aquatics Operation

  Pool Rules

  Enforced at all City of Lakeland aquatics facilities
  Gandy Pool & Simpson Park Pool

  Please email the Aquatics team( Aquatics@Lakelandgov.net)  with any questions.

  1. Patrons are required to abide by any safety requirements or request as instructed by the lifeguards or City of Lakeland staff  
  2. Swimmers swim at their own risk
  3. Parents/Guardians are responsible for the activity/behavior themselves and their dependents. Unruly/disrespectful behavior is not permitted.
  4. Parents/Guardians should remain an arm’s length from toddlers and children who cannot swim.
  5. Water wings are prohibited. USCG personal flotation devices are available for use.
  6. No glass containers in pool or on pool deck
  7. Extended breath holding discouraged
  8. Alcoholic beverages, drugs, tobacco including vaping and smoking are strictly prohibited
  9. Running and rough play is prohibited
  10. No pets/animals are allowed in the pool or on the pool deck area. Service animals are permitted on pool deck only.
  11. Proper swim wear is required. Cutoffs, sweats, jeans, athletic shorts, undergarments, boxers, briefs, thongs/t-backs, transparent suits are not permitted. Appropriate coverings for body image and religious beliefs are permitted
  12. Aquatic staff have the right to disallow floating rafts, balls, frisbees and throwing objects.
  13. Non-potty trained children must wear waterproof diapers with plastic swim pants.
  14. Do not hang on lane lines, lifeguard stands, life lines, diving board, and hand rails
  15. Diving block use permitted for swim team and City of Lakeland staff only
  16. Do not enter pool if you are experiencing diarrhea or have open deep cuts, wounds, sores, or gashes.
  17. Do not drink pool water
• Weather Policy

  When Aquatics staff observes or hears lightning, or the lightning detection system alerts, the pool deck will be cleared and closed for a minimum of 30 minutes.
  If lightning or thunder continues, the clock will restart each time thunder or lightning is detected.  
  If a lifeguard is unable to see the bottom of the pool due to poor visibility from rain, fog, or other weather conditions, they will clear the pool but can remain on the pool deck until visibility is restored.

As a convenience and for informational purposes only, the City of Lakeland provides external hyperlinks on its website, directing website users towards certain outside sites; links to these websites do not constitute the City of Lakeland’s endorsement or approval of linked websites, or the information, products or services contained therein. All links the City of Lakeland Provides are consistent with the mission of its website. However, the City of Lakeland exercises no editorial control over the information website users may find on external websites. The City of Lakeland also cannot attest to the accuracy or appropriateness of information provided by external websites and organizations.