About
Public swimming venue offering a kids' pool, a diving board, and lap swimming, plus lessons.
The pools at the James Lemos Swim Center are heated to ensure a comfortable experience for swimmers participating in recreational activities, lap swimming, and lessons. Specific temperatures are typically maintained within a comfortable range suitable for public aquatic programs, though exact daily temperatures may vary.
What are people saying (AI review summary)? The aquatic complex holds deep nostalgic value for many, particularly for those who learned to swim there in their childhood, participated in Red Cross courses, and joined swim teams like the Benicia Blue Dolphins. Reviewers recall specific positive experiences with dedicated teachers and cherish 'chlorinated memories.' The facility is praised for its excellent maintenance and upgrades by the City of Benicia, and continues to be appreciated by those who still love to swim. Current users commend the very good, helpful, and accommodating staff, the great environment, and the pool itself. It's considered an excellent place for lap swimming, especially in the mornings when lanes are often available. During recent times, it has operated with COVID procedures, requiring reservations for lap swimming and lifeguard training, maintaining a less crowded environment.
Location
Gallery
Amenities
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Good for Children
Reviews
Listing Reviews
August 1st, 2025Ryan Hall
Happy memories of my childhood and early teen years, (circa 1983 to 1992). This was the aquatic complex where I learned to swim and participated in every Red Cross swim course from "Turtles" all the way through "Advanced Beginner" and, (once I had completed that final course), obtained my Red Cross swim instruction completion card way back in 1987, when I was 9 years old. I was so excited! It was like it had somehow been decided that it was actually safe for me to be in the water. Woohoo! Among my swim teachers were Sally and Anita. Sally as it turns out was a good friend of my fourth grade teacher, Mary Jones, and I ran into Anita years later at the library as I was doing volunteer hours for a class I was attending as a high schooler at SPSV. (I never had the nerve to tell her that she had been my swim teacher because at that point I had become an embarrassed teenager). Funny story: when we had finished the "Advanced Beginner" course, she threw us a "graduation party." We sat poolside and munched on every flavor of "Pepperidge Farm" goldfish crackers that were "currently" in production in the year 1987: cheddar, parmesan & original. I swam there with the Benicia Blue Dolphins for two years, as well, as this was Anita's next recommendation. I also remember when my elementary school, Saint Dominic School, used to march us to the pool in the springtime afternoons. We were lucky enough to have the wonderful Mrs. Ethelree Saraiva with us in those days and I remember her instructing several classes, (year after year of little people), in the "baby pool." She really worked hard to share her enthusiasm for all things "water related" with us and I wouldn't trade those beautiful chlorinated memories for anything in this world. I haven't been there now since 1992, (as I was exceptionally near-sighted before having had laser surgery in 1998), but seeing the beautiful Google Maps images brings back a flood of happiness as though I were re-living my childhood. (I confess I even shed a tear or two). So many nice memories of good times and kind people. It looks like the City of Benicia has done an exceptional job of maintaining it and making the necessary upgrades. Good job! I still, (at age 47), love to swim, by the way... ;-)
September 9th, 2024Fonky Rob
We are so grateful that we could get our daughter in class for swimming lessons. A very good staff, nicest people that you ever want to meet. Super helpful and accommodating!
June 5th, 2023Alan Menezes
Very good pool and great environment
April 10th, 2021K a r a d a n B r a n w y n
Pool has reopened with COVID procedures. Reservations required, not crowded, lap swimming & lifeguard training only at this time.
June 24th, 2024Rachel E. Rosen
It's a great place to do lap swim! If you go in the morning (done by 12:30), there's a good chance of getting a lane to yourself.
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Opening Hours
| Sunday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Monday | 3:30 – 7:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 3:30 – 7:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 3:30 – 7:00 PM |
| Thursday | 3:30 – 7:00 PM |
| Friday | 3:30 – 7:00 PM |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
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