Aquatics

Warren Hawkins Aquatic Center

Come feel the sun on your face and enjoy the beauty of our outdoor space. The Warren Hawkins Aquatic Center located in Gaines Park is a full-service facility where everyone from kids to adults can come to swim, splash, and learn. Find the program perfect for you, whether you're learning how to swim, taking a water exercise class, or becoming a certified lifeguard.

General Aquatic Center Information

Lead Lifeguard: Evan Kaufmann
Main Line: (561) 804-4961
Address: 1501 N. Australian Ave. West Palm Beach, FL 33401

The Warren Hawkins Aquatic Center located in Gaines Park is an 8-lane, 25 meter facility with two deep water slides, a wading pool, and a splash pad that is accessible from the pool deck and the park. The facility provides shaded areas and places for families to gather and take a break from their swimming. The facility is fully accessible and offers programming for all ages and abilities. Some programs include: Learn to Swim, Water Fitness, Water Safety Instructor, and American Red Cross Classes.

The City of West Palm Beach also partners with the Drowning Prevention Coalition of Palm Beach County. The Drowning Prevention Coalition provides vouchers for free or reduced-cost swim lessons for qualified children ages 2 to 12. For more information call Drowning Prevention Coalition at (561) 616-7068 or visit their website.

Classes

Open and Lap Swim

Open and lap swimming is offered at the Warren Hawkins Aquatic Center for kids, adults, and families to enjoy. Pool hours may change based on demand.

Admission Fees

Resident Fees:

  • $1 for 15 years old and under
  • $2 for 16 years old and older

Non-resident Fees:

  • $1 for 15 years old and under
  • $2.50 for 16 years old and older

Spring Schedule

Pool Open April 1 through November 26, 2025.

Beginning April 1, 2025:

  • Monday and Wednesday: 3:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.
  • Saturday: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday: Closed

Learn to Swim Program

The best thing anyone can do to stay safe in and around water is to learn to swim. Drowning remains the second-leading cause of injury-related death for children ages 1 to 12 years old. The courses listed below are based on a combination of age, skills, and completion of prerequisites. If you are unsure of the proper level, please contact us at (561) 804-4961 to schedule a free assessment of your child's skills.

Spring & Summer Learn to Swim

2 Day Per Week Courses  
Day(s): Mondays & Wednesdays  
Dates: April 14 - May 7, 2025 Registration Deadline: April 12 
Times: 5:30 p.m. - 6 p.m.  
            6:10 p.m. - 6:40 p.m.       
            6:50 p.m. - 7:20 p.m.  
 Fees: $45 Residents/8-day session  
           $55 Non-resident/8-day session  
Min./Max. 4/6

 

4 Day Per Week Courses
Day(s): Monday through Thursday
Session 1: June 2 - June 12, 2025 Registration Deadline: May 28
Session 2:June 23 - July 3, 2025 Registration Deadline: June 18
Times: 5:30 p.m. - 6 p.m.
           6:10 p.m. - 6:40 p.m.
           6:50 p.m. - 7:20 p.m.
Fees: $45 Resident/ 8-day session
          $55 Non-resident/ 8-day session
Min/Max: 4/6

 

Weekend Courses
Day(s): Saturdays
Session 1: April 12 - May 31, 2025 Registration Deadline: April 9
Session 2: June 7 - July 26, 2025 Registration Deadline: June 5
Times: 10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
            10:40 a.m. - 11:10 a.m.
            11:20 a.m. - 11:50 a.m.
            12 p.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Fees: $45 Resident/8-day session
$55 Non-resident/8-day session
Min/Max: 4/6

Drowning Prevention Programs

Drowning remains the second-leading cause of injury-related death for children ages 1 to 14 years. The City of West Palm Beach has proudly partnered with the Palm Beach County Drowning Prevention Coalition to educate about water safety, prevent drowning, and provide swim lessons free of charge, to qualified candidates, in the form of a voucher. To see if you qualify for the Drowning Prevention Coalition Voucher, please visit http://www.pbcgov.com/dpc.                                

 

PARENT AND CHILD COURSE

The parent and child classes are designed for children 6 months through 3 years. Instructors will teach you the skills to use play as a form of learning to provide a fun environment for your child.

WebTrac #: 244120

PRESCHOOL COURSES

The preschool program is designed for children 4 – 5 years of age.  Children 3 years old are welcome to participate after a brief assessment from staff.

Preschool – Level 1

Skills taught  include water entry and exiting, submerging mouth, nose, and eyes, and gliding on the front and back.

WebTrac #:   274156

Preschool – Level 2

Skills taught include bobbing, demonstrating front-and-back glides independently for 15 seconds, changing direction while swimming, and demonstrating all the skills from the previous levels without assistance.

WebTrac #:   274157

Preschool – Level 3

For children who have learned basic skills but are not yet ready to swim alone. Skills taught include floating, opening eyes underwater and retrieving an object, treading water, and combining arm and leg actions.

WebTrac #:   274158

 

YOUTH COURSES

Research shows that learning lifetime fitness skills, including swimming, reduces the risk of obesity, diabetes, and depression. All levels will also learn water safety skills.

Level 1 – Introduction to Water Skills

Children will increase their comfort level in the water.

WebTrac #: 214102

Level 2 – Fundamental Aquatic Skills

Children will learn to float without support and begin arm and leg actions in this class.

WebTrac #: 214105

Level 3 – Stroke Development

Kids will learn to coordinate the front and back crawl. 

WebTrac #: 214108  

Level 4 – Stroke Improvement

Breaststroke, butterfly, and elementary backstroke are introduced during this course.  

WebTrac #: 214111

Level 5 – Stroke Refinement

Coordination and refinement of strokes are the primary focus of this course.

WebTrac #: 214114

Adult Level 1 or Level 2

Swimming is a lifelong sport and can be learned at any age. Learning  to swim can be intimidating, but  easier than you think. Let our professional staff teach you how to feel confident in and around the water: learn at your own pace, develop your strokes, or train for specific events. Do not let low confidence stand in your way. Learn to swim and feel confident about boating, kayaking, snorkeling and just going to the beach or pool to enjoy the sun and water.

WebTrac #: 224126

 

Private Swim Lessons

Private swim lessons provide the greatest flexibility for swimmers of any age. From the beginner who is hesitant to enter the water to the competitive athlete looking to become more efficient in the water, you will have one-on-one attention. Sessions consist of 8/20-minute lessons. After the initial session, additional lessons may be purchased individually at a 25% discounted rate. Semi-private lessons are also available. Call for details.

Ages: 6 months - Adult

Days/Times: To be scheduled with the instructor

Fees:  $120 Resident / $150 Non-Resident (Discounted rate for an additional class is $11.25 Resident and $14.00 Non-Resident).   

Min/Max:       1/1

WebTrac #:   244143

 

Lifeguard Courses

At the Warren Hawkins Aquatic Center, we offer lifeguarding and water safety courses from trained professionals who will help you gain the skills and confidence necessary for providing care and instructions when it's needed most. Become certified or earn your recertification by registering for one of the courses below.

Lifeguarding Course - Blended Learning

Not sure about where to work this summer? Lifeguarding is a rewarding and fun summer job that also teaches communication skills and leadership to prepare you for college and beyond. You will also learn the skills and knowledge needed to prevent and respond to aquatic emergencies.

A portion of this course must be completed online prior to the first day of class.

Prerequisites:

  • Must be 15 years old or older.
  • Swim 300 yards continuously demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing using the front crawl and breaststroke.
  • Tread water for 2 minutes using only the legs.
  • Complete the following in 1 minute and 40 seconds: surface dive, feet-first or head-first, to a depth of 7 to 10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object without the aid of swim goggles.

Length:

This course takes approximately 26 hours to complete.

Age:
15 year old and older
Fees:
$250 for Residents

$305 for Non-residents
WebTrac #:
124140
Min. / Max. Enrollment:
6 / 12
Time: 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Session 1: Saturdays, September 14 - 28, 2024
Registration Deadline: September 3
For registration, contact (561) 804-4961 (TTY: 800-955-8771).

 

Lifeguard Instructor Courses

Lifeguarding Instructor Course

Upon completing this class, you will be certified as an American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor. As an LGI you can teach the base ARC Lifeguarding class, CPR, and other classes.

Prerequisites: Must be 17 or older, hold an ARC Lifeguarding certification, and successfully pass all the skills associated with lifeguard training certification. The course length is approximately 22 hours. The course requires an online session to be completed before attending the course.

Ages: 17 and over

Days: Monday - Thursdays

Dates: March 3 - 6

Times: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Fees: $300 Resident/ Non-resident            

Min/Max: 6/12

Lifeguarding Instructor/Instructor Trainer Recertification Course

This class is the required class for lifeguard Instructor/ Instructor Trainers to recertify. This course is approximately 8 hours. This class includes in-water/land skills and classroom time. The base lifeguard certification test out is included in this course.

Dates: February 7, 2025

Time: 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Fees: $150 Resident/ $200 Non-resident      

Min/Max: 4/12 

WebTrac #: 224142

 

 

Water Safety Today

This course presents information regarding various hazards of specific aquatic environments and how to avoid and respond to emergencies in and around water. Home and community pool safety education is also discussed. This course satisfies the Florida Statute requirement for foster families and individuals adopting a child.

Ages: All ages

Dates: Call (561) 804-4961 (TTY: 800-955-8771) for an appointment.

Fees*:

  • $15 for Residents
  • $18.75 for Non-residents

CPR/AED/First Aid Courses

70% of drownings happen in the home! Hands-only CPR is not best in a case of a drowning because the person's primary problem is lack of oxygen. Full CPR with compressions and breaths saves lives. Statistics show that the earlier CPR/AED is initiated, the greater the chances of survival. In fact, over 100,000 to 200,000 lives of adults and children could be saved each year if CPR were performed early enough.

Ages: 12 and older

Dates: Call (561) 804-4961 (TTY: 800-955-8771) to make an appointment.

Fees:

  • $50 for Resident CPR/AED
  • $60 for Non-resident CPR/AED
  • $60 for Resident CPR/AED/First Aid
  • $75 for Non-resident CPR/AED/First-Aid

Enrollment capacity: 5 (min.) / 20 (max.)

Drowning Prevention Coalition of Palm Beach County American Red Cross Centennial Campaign USA Swimming Foundation