Aquatics

The City of Winter Haven Aquatics Unit offers two pools and a splash pad for community enjoyment.

“Rowdy” Gaines Olympic Pool

The “Rowdy” Gaines Olympic Pool (RGOP) has an Olympic size (25 yards x 50 meters) competitive pool, which is 4 feet deep on each end and 6 1/2 feet in the middle. Equipped with competitive starting blocks, it is used for competitive swimming, swim instruction, and recreational use. In addition, there is a separate diving well with (2) 1 meter and (2) 3-meter springboards. This pool is heated and open year-round.

Summer Hours (March 13 – June 4)

• Morning Lap Swim (Long Course):
  10:00 a.m. –  12:00 p.m. (Mon. – Fri.)
• Evening Lap Swim (Short Course):
  12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. (Mon. – Fri.)
• Recreational / Open Swim:
  1:00 p.m. –  5:00 p.m. (Mon. – Sun.)
• Evening Lap Swim:
  5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. (Mon. – Thurs.)

Winter Hours (September 6 – March 12)

• Morning Adult Lap Swim (Long Course):
  10:00 a.m. –  12:00 p.m. (Mon. – Fri.)
• Evening Adult Lap Swim (Short Course):
  12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. (Mon. – Thurs.)
• Recreational / Open Swim:
  12:00 p.m. –  2:00 p.m. (Mon. – Fri.)

Aquatic Passes

• 10 Punch Pass
  $18 Resident / $27 Non-resident
• 20 Punch Pass
  $30 Resident / $45 Non-resident
• 60 Punch Pass
  $80 Resident / $111 Non-resident

Pool Fees

• Residents – $2
• Non-residents – $3
• Life Jackets – $1

Summer Swim Lessons

More information about Summer Swim lessons, please visit our Swim Lessons Page.

Summer Swim Lessons

Lifeguard and Water Safety Training Classes

Lifeguard: This course is three weeks long. The purpose of this course is to provide participants with the knowledge and skills to prevent, recognize and respond to aquatic emergencies.

•  Prerequisites: Before the first night of class, you must complete a 300 yard continuous swim, tread water for 2 minutes, and a timed event. Must be 15 years on or before the final scheduled session of the course.
• Dates: 2024 Schedule TBA
• Days, Times: Monday, Wednesday, & Thursday. 5:00pm – 8:00pm.
• Fees: $150 – Resident and $188 – Nonresident

Water Safety Instructor (WSI): This training is four weeks long. It is designed to equip instructors with the tools and skills needed to teach and effectively promote water safety in, on and around water.

• Prerequisites: Before the first night of class you must complete, 25 yards of Freestyle, Backstroke, Elementary Backstroke and Sidestroke. Also, 15 yards of Butterfly. Must be 16 years old on or before the final scheduled session of the course. Must be Lifeguard certified.
• Dates: 2024 Schedule TBA
• Days, Times: Monday, Wednesday, & Thursday. 5:00pm – 8:00pm.
• Fees: $175 – Resident and $218 – Non-resident

Flyer 2022

Team

• Location: “Rowdy” Gaines Olympic Pool
• Contact Name: Coach Patrick Piper
• Contact Number: (941) 228-9777
• Contact Email: CoachPatrick@PipelineSwimming.com
•  Website Page

Winter Haven Recreational & Cultural Center Pool

The Winter Haven Recreational & Cultural Center (WHRCC) pool is an “L” shaped pool measuring 25 yards x 25 meters. The pool is used for swim instruction and recreational use from mid-May through August.

WHRCC Pool Hours:

• WHRCC Pool will be CLOSED until Summer 2023.
• Opens: June 1st, 2023
• Days: Monday – Sunday
• Times: 1:00 – 5:00 pm

Free Swim Lessons

2023 Dates Coming Soon!

Splash Pad at Trailhead Park

The Splash Pad at Trailhead Park is a new amenity for families to enjoy together. This space has two first-come-first-serve shaded picnic table areas, an on-site bathroom and is open year-round.

• Days: Monday – Sunday
• Time: 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
• Ages: All
• Fees: Free