Swim Lessons & Classes

Olympic-size outdoor swimming pool with marked lanes and clear blue water

The Victor E. Benstead Plunge has been serving the community since 1956 and is proud to offer a variety of classes, swim lessons, and special events for all ages. Conveniently located at 3331 Torrance Boulevard, on the corner of Madrona Avenue and Torrance Boulevard, “The Plunge” features a heated, Olympic-sized 50 x 20-meter outdoor pool that is open year-round.

Our pool is divided into two courses—one 25-yard course and one 26-meter course—and is maintained at a comfortable temperature of 80°–81° throughout the year.

Registration Dates & Information

  • Torrance residents: Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 8:00 AM
  • Non-residents: Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at 8:00 AM
  • Classes fill up quickly, register early!
  • No refunds, credits, or transfers for signing up in the wrong level.

Youth Swim Lessons

We offer a comprehensive Red Cross learn to swim program for all ability levels for youth and teens. Participants register for swim lessons according to their age and level (see the next page a description of levels). Please come 10 minutes early to check in for the first class. Requests for refunds, credits and transfers must be made at least one week before class begins.

Requests for refunds, credits, or transfers must be made at least one week before the first class.


Saturday Sessions | 5 Weeks

Session 1: June 20 –July 15
Session 2: July 25 – August 15


Swim Level Assessments (Ages 4–12) 

For families unsure of their child’s swim level, a level assessment will be offered prior to the next session. Our aquatic staff will evaluate each child and recommend the appropriate level.

Assessment Details

Date: Sunday, May 3, 2026 at 1:15 - 2:00 p.m.

Location: Back gate of the pool
Latest Arrival Time: 1:45 p.m. (Late arrivals may not be assessed)
Assessment Length: Up to 5 minutes in the water
Departure: Please exit promptly after your assessment to allow space for the next family

What to Bring: Towel, Swim cap and goggles (optional) 


If You Cannot Attend the Assessment

If you are unable to attend the assessment, please register your child for the level you feel best matches their abilities based on the Swim Level Descriptions.

Important:  Students registered in the incorrect level will be removed from class and will not be eligible for a refund, credit, or transfer. Participation in the assessment does not guarantee enrollment.

Register for Youth Swim Lessons

Torrance Torpedoes

Dive into a fun and engaging program while learning all four competitive swim strokes:

  • Freestyle
  • Backstroke
  • Breaststroke
  • Butterfly

Program Focus

  • Stroke technique
  • Starts and turns
  • Body position
  • Interval training to build strength, endurance, and confidence

Swimmers are encouraged to support each other, set goals, and celebrate progress.


Prerequisite Skills

Participants must be able to:

  • Swim 100 yards of continuous front crawl
  • Swim 50 yards of backstroke
  • Swim 50 yards of breaststroke
  • Demonstrate proper form in all strokes

Assessment Recommendation:
We recommend attending a swim assessment prior to registration to ensure your child meets the skill requirements.

  • Date: Sunday, May 3
  • Time: 1:15 PM – 2:00 PM

Program Details

  • Days: Tuesdays and Saturdays
  • Session Length: 5 weeks
  • Times: Tuesday from 6:45–8:00 PM and Saturday: 11:00 AM–12:45 PM

Session Dates

  • Session 1: June 16–July 18 (No class July 4)
  • Session 2: July 21–August 22

Registration & Refund Policy

Requests for refunds, credits, or transfers must be submitted at least one week prior to the start of the class. 

   

Adult Swim Lessons

On the first day, our instructors will evaluate students and divide them into classes based on their swimming ability. Please come 10 minutes early to check in for the first class. 

Register for Adult Swim Lessons

 

Private Swim Lessons All Ages

Private Swim Lessons

This class is ideal for individuals seeking one-on-one instruction to learn how to swim or improve their swim technique.

All skill levels are welcome.  


Session Dates

  • Session 1: June 21 – July 12
  • Session 2: July 19 – August 9

Registration & Refund Policy

Requests for refunds, credits, or transfers must be submitted at least one week prior to the start of the class.

 

Register for Private Swim Lessons

Adaptive Swim Lessons

Adaptive swim lessons are designed for participants with special needs. After registering, participants must contact the Aquatics Department to discuss individual needs and any accommodations required.

A parent or personal care assistant (PCA) is required to be in the water with the participant.


Registration & Refund Policy

Requests for refunds, credits, or transfers must be submitted at least one (1) week prior to the start of the class.


Register for Adaptive Swim Lessons

Pool Rules

  • Lap Swim is for ages 15 and up. Lap Swim is limited to 6 participants per lane. Circle swimming is required when 3 participants are in a lane.
  • Children under 50 inches tall must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older in the water and be within arms-reach at all times. The adult to child ratio must be 1 to 1.
  • Lifejackets are not permitted.
  • Aquatics equipment and or toys are not permitted during recreational swimming.
  • Private instruction or coaching is not permitted.
  • No running at any time.
  • No diving in shallow water under 9 feet.
  • Bathing suits or appropriate swim attire must be worn at all times while in the pool. Brazilian and/or thong style swim wear, cut-off jeans, athletic attire, jerseys, jeans, skirts, shorts, sports bras, leotards, leggings, dri-fit wear, compression shorts and/or compression shirts are prohibited. Underwear and undergarments are not allowed to be worn under swimsuits.
  • Hanging on ropes or lane lines is not permitted.
  • Horseplay (shoving, dunking, sitting on shoulders, etc.) is not permitted in the pool facility.
  • Possession of alcohol, tobacco, weapons and/or illegal/controlled substances in the pool facility is prohibited.
  • Individuals suspected to be under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs shall not be permitted onto City property.
  • No food, drinks, chairs, bicycles, skateboards, and/or strollers are allowed in the pool facility.
  • Changing clothes on the pool deck is not permitted.
  • Swim diapers must be worn in the pool by babies/toddlers who are not toilet trained.
  • No breath holding for any distance or time to prevent “shallow water blackout.”
  • No glass allowed in the pool facility.

Any person who fails or refuses to comply with any of the pool rules may be required to leave the pool facility, may be subject to the suspension of their visitation privileges, and/or reported to the Torrance Police Department.  

We are not responsible for lost or stolen articles. Only bring what is necessary. Do not bring valuables. 

Lightning Protocol

Lightning Protocol Safety is our number one priority for our community and staff. On occasion the pool may close unexpectedly and without notice due to lightning.

If lightning is sighted, please follow instruction from staff immediately. Everyone must exit the pool entirely and immediately. At the first sighting of lightning, the lap swim program will be interrupted for a minimum of 30 minutes provided there are no subsequent lightning sightings. In the event that subsequent lightning sightings do occur, the 30-minute minimum clock restarts.

For example: if lightning is sighted at 12:00pm and there are no more lightning sightings, the program will resume at 12:30pm. If lightning is sighted at 12:00pm and once again at 12:10pm, the program will resume at 12:40pm, 30 minutes after the most recent lightning sighting.

Special Event - Swim in Movies Nights

Swim-In Movie Nights at the Plunge

Enjoy a “Flick & Float” experience at the Plunge.


Pool Rules

Recreation swim rules apply. Please note the following:

  • No flotation furniture is allowed on the pool deck
  • Outside food and drinks are not permitted on the pool deck
  • Chairs are permitted

Registration Information

Space is limited, and registration is required.


Event Dates & Registration Opens

  • Friday, June 19
    Registration opens: June 2
  • Friday, July 24
    Registration opens: July 7