The City of Irvine operates year-round municipal programs in unique aquatic facilities. The world renowned William Woollett Jr. Aquatics Center provides a “world class” venue for local, regional, and national competitive events and features two 50 meter pools and a 25 yard instruction pool. The Northwood Aquatics Center features a 50 meter pool. Aquatics activities include a combination of instructional, educational, recreational, and competitive programs offered by the City and a number of local nonprofit aquatic organizations.

The City’s Learn To Swim program is one of the largest municipal swimming programs in Southern California.

Safe Swims Start Here –– Join the Floatie Exchange

To help protect young children around water, the City of Irvine is launching the Floatie Exchange Program — a new initiative offering free U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets in exchange for non-approved flotation devices for children ages 6 and younger. This effort supports California Assembly Bill 2146, which phases out unsafe gear and promotes better water safety practices.

The Floatie Exchange begins Saturday, May 17, from 8 a.m. to noon at the William Woollett Jr. Aquatics Center. Families can bring in non–Coast Guard-approved floaties and receive a properly fitted, Coast Guard-approved life jacket at no cost. To receive a jacket, a parent or guardian must watch a brief safety video, complete a waiver, and participate in a fitting with trained staff or volunteers.

Life jackets will also be available — while supplies last — at the following upcoming City events:

• Studio Arts Festival – June 7, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Heritage Community Park
• Irvine Nights – Swift Nation Concert – June 7, 6–10 p.m., Great Park Live
• Super Swim Lesson – June 27, 5:30 p.m., William Woollett Jr. Aquatics Center
• Mid-Autumn Festival – September 26, 5–9:30 p.m., Great Park
• Irvine Global Village Festival – October 11, 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Great Park

For more information, call 949-724-6717.