Water Activities

Boating

Boating in the Foster City lagoons is allowed. However, no gas or diesel powered boating is allowed. Boats may be powered only by sail, electric battery, or by person power. Boats are not required to be registered while in Foster City. All California State safe boating laws should be followed and enforced. On an electric motorboat, sailboat, or vessel that is 26 feet or less in length, all persons 11 years of age or less must wear a Type I, II, or III Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device while underway (Unless the child is restrained by a harness tethered to a sailboat or is in an enclosed cabin). Clearance under the bridges is 22' at the center for the Foster City Bridge, Shell Blvd and Bicentennial Bridge. The Rainbow Bridge clears at 15' at the center. Boats must be taken on-shore for storage overnight unless stored on private property. There are no City storage areas. Foster City has two boat ramps, but small boats may be launched anywhere. The boat ramps are located in Boat Park (Bounty Drive) and Ryan Park (670 Shell Blvd-behind Teen Center).

Boat Rentals

Fishing

Non-commercial fishing is allowed in Foster City, and a state fishing license is required. These are available at any sporting goods store. The Foster City Lagoon contains Halibut and a large population of bait-fish.

The Foster City Police Athletic League Bay Fishing Program is a class open to youth 12 - 17 years old, who are interested in learning how to fish from shore in the San Francisco Bay. All equipment, such as fishing poles, reels, tackle, and bait is provided. (It's up to you to catch the fish!). For more information regarding this program, contact Mark Donigan with the Foster City Police at (650) 294-7557.

Swimming

The Foster City lagoons are safe for swimming, which can be done in any area. Caution should be taken regarding boat traffic. The water temperature varies from season to season and is reflective of the air temperature. The County Health Department tests the water regularly especially near the beaches. If they find any contamination causing a possible health risk, signs are posted. All Foster City streets drain into the lagoons. The City flushes the entire body of water on a frequent basis. Please note that the lagoon water is salt water. There are no public swimming pools in Foster City.

Family Swim Night at the PJCC

The City of Foster City, the Parks and Recreation Department and the Peninsula Jewish Community Center are excited to bring you Friday nights at the PJCC! That’s right, every Friday night between the hours of 6pm and 11pm, Foster City residents are invited to visit the PJCC to enjoy an evening of swimming and open play basketball. 

The Preferred Foster City Friday guest fee of $10 per person provides access to:

• Heated Indoor Pool
• Heated Outdoor Pool
• Heated Kiddie Pool
• Whirlpool
• Gymnasium
• Locker Rooms/Steam and Sauna

All participants must have a signed Activities Waiver on file at the PJCC prior to the visit and all children under 14 years of age must be accompanied and supervised by an adult.  For more information, please call (650) 286-3380.

The Peninsula Jewish Community Center is located at 800 Foster City Blvd., and welcomes people of all ages, faiths and backgrounds.