Commission narrows free lap‑lane reservations at San Clemente Aquatic Center to weekdays before 3 p.m.

The San Clemente Beaches, Parks and Recreation Commission on April 14 adopted a modification to the Aquatic Center’s reserved‑lane practice, limiting free reservations to weekdays from 5:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. and eliminating free reservations after 3 p.m. on weekdays.

Parks and Recreation Director Samantha Wiley Beach told commissioners the facility had been holding two to three reservable lanes and that reserving lanes during peak hours can leave empty lanes when the reserving party does not show, creating frustration for drop‑in swimmers. "The staff recommendation this evening is to dial the reservations back to end at 3PM on the weekdays," she said.

Public commenters and commissioners described reservations as a COVID‑era accommodation that can be inefficient and produce conflicts; others urged accommodation for elderly or ADA‑related needs. Commissioners discussed alternatives such as designating lanes by speed/skill and using specific lanes when organized programs are not in session.

Following discussion the commission moved to adopt the staff recommendation with an amendment clarifying that up to three lanes may be reserved Monday–Friday 5:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m., and that reservations will be eliminated after 3 p.m. on weekdays. The amendment was accepted and the motion passed unanimously.

Staff said the change preserves public lap swim while recognizing that certain users (including ADA or medical‑need swimmers) can still arrange to rent a lane if they require exclusive access. Staff also noted the rental option remains available at a higher fee for exclusive lane use.