About
Jim Booth Swim School offers Little Otters (Parent/Baby Class) for ages 4 months to 3 years, Sea Otters for ages 3+, and skill-based classes including Seahorses, Seals, and Swordfish. The school also offers the Dolphins Swim Team for skilled swimmers, plus Adults Learn to swim & Fitness and Open Swim, birthday swim parties, and pool rentals.
Programs
- Little Otters (Parent/Baby Class) — Ages 4 months–3 years · 1:6 teacher-to-student ratio. Early swim movements. Confidence-building experience. For parents and infants starting at four months old.
- Sea Otters — Ages 3+ · 1:4 teacher-to-student ratio. For complete beginners. Fundamental skill building.
- Seahorses — Skill-based placement · 1:4 teacher-to-student ratio. For students who can float on their front. Developing arm stroke.
- Seals — Skill-based placement · 1:4 teacher-to-student ratio. For students who can swim a short distance. Working on building strength and endurance.
- Swordfish — Skill-based placement · 1:4 teacher-to-student ratio. For students who can swim freestyle independently with unassisted side breaths. Improving freestyle and backstroke.
- Dolphins Swim Team — Skilled swimmers · Monday and Wednesday · Non-competitive swim team designed to build endurance and confidence in all strokes and lap swimming.
- Adults Learn to swim & Fitness — Adults · For fearful or new swimmers and adults who need some stroke work.
At a glance
- Ages: 0–18 years old
- General schedule: Classes are offered from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm, Monday through Thursday, year round for all ages. Friday, Saturday & Sunday classes are available. Two day a week lessons are Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday. One day a week lessons are Friday, Saturday or Sunday. Four-week sessions each and every month.
- Facility hours: Office hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 12:00pm; Sunday, 4:00pm to 8:00pm
About the provider
The program started 50 years ago and is the longest running swim school in Santa Cruz County. It says it has taught multiple generations of locals to swim and be confident in the water.
- Open Swim — Every Saturday · Available at Duncan Holbert Pool in Watsonville.
- Birthday swim parties — Birthday or private party offering.
- Pool rentals — The pool is available to rent for parties.
No online registration; call for information and registration. Office hours listed. Year-round lessons. Two day a week lessons are 30 minutes. One day a week lessons are 30 minutes. Swim Team workouts are 30-45 minutes. Registration fee is $22 per student per calendar year. Payment required upon signing up. Payment may be made by credit/debit card, cash, or check in person before lessons begin.
What families say
“My daughter has been taking swim classes at the Santa Cruz location since she was 5 months old (she is currently 11 months) and she loves it!” — Rita S.
“My son has been in lessons at Jim Booth Swim School for the past 3 years and I feel very blessed to have found them. I would highly recommend this school to anyone who is considering lessons.” — Michael K.
“This whole experience has been amazing, my son loves it and loves his teacher. He's so comfortable and has made great progress.” — Joseph M.
Last updated October 9, 2026.
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