COMING IN MARCH

SCHEDULE UPDATE

We are expanding our schedule!

On Sunday, March 8, the Mount Rainier Pool will be expanding its schedule to include:

• Opening at 6am on all weekdays
• NEW Tuesday/Thursday morning water exercise class
• Brining Back No School Swim Days
• Extending Open Swim from 1 hour to 1.5 hours
• Expanded weekend hours

Staff have worked to expand our staff to cover more programming with a foundation of safety and service.

We will announce more next week.

SWIM LESSON REGISTRATION

We are growing our staff to offer more lessons!

Join our swim lessons taught by certified American Red Cross swim instructors. 

• Current Student Registration: Tue, March 17 @ 4:30pm
• New Student Registration: Thu, March 19
  • Residents @ 5pm
  • All others @ 6:30pm
• Scholarship Deadline: Tue, March 10 (more info)
• Extending Open Swim Days
• Expanded weekend hours

Want more information, click here to visit our swim lesson page, and please read our swim lesson handbook for detailed information. (Now available in 10 languages).

COMMUNITY LIFEGUARD PREPAREDNESS CLASS 

SPOTS STILL OPEN!

Mount Rainier Pool Expands Grant-Funded Aquatic Workforce Pathway through New Community Lifeguard Preparedness Class and Free Lifeguard Certification Programs

DES MOINES, WA — The Mount Rainier Pool, operated by the Des Moines Pool Metropolitan Park District, is expanding its Aquatic Workforce Pathway with its new Community Lifeguard Training Program, providing free, grant-funded training opportunities for youth and young adults while strengthening the regional aquatic workforce.

Both the Community Lifeguard Preparedness Program and American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification programs are fully funded through a King County Parks grant, removing financial barriers to participation and increasing access to lifeguard, swim instructor, and aquatic career pathways.

The Community Lifeguard Preparedness Program is a six-week foundational program designed specifically for non-traditional swimmers—individuals who may not have grown up with consistent access to swim lessons or who do not yet meet lifeguard pre-test requirements. The program emphasizes confidence, safety, and progressive skill development rather than competitive swimming experience.

“This program is about meeting people where they are,” said District General Manager Scott Deschenes. “By removing cost barriers and providing structured, supportive instruction, we are helping young people build the skills and confidence needed to pursue lifeguarding, first-responder and aquatic careers, while also supporting water safety throughout our community.”

Aquatic Workforce Pathway – Program Schedule

Each session runs for six weeks, meeting Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:00–4:00 p.m.

Upcoming Sessions:

• February 24 – April 1 (spots open)
• April 14 – May 14
• May 19 – June 25

Participants may repeat sessions, pause between sessions, or advance based on readiness. Instruction focuses on swimming endurance, deep-water comfort, treading skills, and foundational water safety knowledge. Participants who meet benchmarks may be recommended to advance into certification-level training.

Additional details on the pathway structure, expectations, and outcomes are outlined in the Community Lifeguard Training Program overview, which accompanies this release.

Free Certification-Level Training Opportunities

In addition to the workforce pathway, Mount Rainier Pool offers free certification-level training, also covered by King County Parks grant funding. Available programs include:

• American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification
• Lifeguard Recertification
• Swim Instructor Training (WSI)
• Lifeguard Instructor Training (LGI)

Certification courses are scheduled throughout the year and are often aligned with school breaks, including Winter Break, Spring Break, and Summer sessions. Dates and times are dependent on instructor availability and facility schedules.

Information on upcoming certification courses and notification sign-ups is available at:

👉 https://mtrainierpool.com/employment/

Participation in these programs does not require employment with the Des Moines Pool Metropolitan Park District. Graduates are encouraged to seek employment opportunities with local pools, parks and recreation agencies, nonprofits, and waterfront programs throughout South King County and the surrounding region.

By investing in accessible training and workforce development, the Mount Rainier Pool aims to address lifeguard shortages, expand career opportunities for youth and young adults, and enhance water safety for the broader community.

For more information, visit www.mtrainierpool.com or contact Mount Rainier Pool at (206) 824-4722.

MARCH IS LIFEGUARD, INSTRUCTOR AND AQUATIC WORKFORCE MONTH

March is dedicated to celebrating and growing our aquatic workforce. At the Mount Rainier Pool, lifeguarding and swim instruction are more than part-time jobs — they are leadership pathways that prepare young people for future careers as first responders, medical professionals, military service members, educators, scientists, and leaders in many other fields. Aquatic employment builds critical thinking, teamwork, communication skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure — qualities that translate directly into lifelong success.

We are proud to support a healthy balance between work, school, and extracurricular activities. Our scheduling model is designed to help students succeed academically while gaining real-world experience, professional certifications, and mentorship from experienced aquatic leaders.

Throughout March, we highlight the opportunities available through:
    •    Community Lifeguard Preparedness Training (Free Lifeguard Prep Course)
    •    Free lifeguard certification opportunities for qualified participants
    •    Ongoing mentoring and leadership development
    •    Pathways to Lifeguard Instructor (LGI), Water Safety Instructor (WSI), and advanced aquatic roles

Our goal is to remove barriers, create career pathways, and develop the next generation of aquatic professionals who serve our community today — and lead in many professions tomorrow.

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$2 SWIM WITH YOUR KIDS

Great news for families with young kids! Our $2 Swim With Your Kids program has been extended through 2026, effective immediately.

Instead of watching from the stands, jump in the water and swim alongside your kids for just $2 per adult during:
• Family Swim
• Open Swim
• Lap Swim

Kids pay the regular daily admission.

Swimming together helps young swimmers feel more confident, builds trust and water safety skills, and turns swim time into meaningful family time. It’s a fun, active way to model healthy habits, reduce fear of the water, and create positive memories — all while staying close and engaged with your child.

💦 Bring the kids, swim together, and make the pool part of your weekly family routine.
👉 View schedules and plan your visit: mtrainierpool.com