GET SWIMMING THIS SUMMER!

$3 Youth Summer Swim Rate

And More Great Low-Cost Options to Swim...

Dear Families,

Make a splash this summer at Mount Rainier Pool! Swimming together is one of the best ways for families to stay active, build confidence, and help kids practice important water safety skills. This summer, we’re making it easier and more affordable with $3 Summer Youth Passes⁠, a $2 Swim with Your Kids rate⁠ for parents and caregivers, youth and adult swim lessons⁠, and free lifeguard and water safety classes⁠. Join us at the pool and make this a summer of fun, fitness, family time, and safer swimming.

$3 SUMMER YOUTH PASSES

From June 22 through September 6, youth can swim for just $3 per visit during all Family Swim and Open Swim times at Mount Rainier Pool. The $3 Youth Swim Summer Pass is an affordable way for kids to stay active, cool off, spend time with friends and family, build confidence in the water, and practice important water safety skills all summer long. 

$2 SWIM WITH YOUR KIDS

Swimming with your kids is one of the best ways to help them build confidence, practice water safety skills, and create positive memories in the pool. This summer, Mount Rainier Pool’s $2 Swim with Your Kids rate makes it easier for parents and caregivers to get in the water with their children during Family Swim and Open Swim times. For just $2 per participating adult, families can enjoy affordable, active time together while helping kids become safer and more comfortable around water.

KIDS UNDER 3 - FREE

Just a reminder that all kids under 3 are free! This is good for all swims.

SWIM LESSONS FOR All AGES (6-MONTHS THRU ADULT)

July swim lesson registration information is now available at Mount Rainier Pool! Help kids build confidence, water safety skills, and a lifelong love of swimming through affordable, high-quality lessons taught by American Red Cross-trained instructors. July lesson options include weekday mornings and evenings, though Friday evening and Saturday morning classes are already full. Scholarships are available for Des Moines and Normandy Park residents, with applications due June 23. 

Click here for more information on certification classes.

FREE LIFEGUARD AND SWIM LESSON INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATIONS

To reduce barriers, the Mount Rainier Pool is offering free Lifeguard and Swim Instructor certification classes this summer, thanks to support from King County Parks! These trainings help participants build job skills, leadership, confidence, teamwork, and real-world experience while serving the community. Free class options include Swim Lesson Instructor training from June 22–26, Lifeguard Certification from June 29–July 3, and Lifeguard Recertification on July 12. To learn more, join the Lifeguard Certification Interest Lists, or ask questions, contact Emmitt Sevores, Aquatics Manager, at Emmitt.Sevores@DesMoinesPool.org or 206.824.4722. This program is supported by a King County Youth & Amateur Sports Grant.

Click here for more information on certification classes.

These are great opportunities to get your children and families in to swim and develop swimming into a lifelong skill.

WHY THIS MATTERS

These low rates, programs and grants/scholarships allow youth and families to utilize services with reduced barriers.

​​​​​​1. Increased Water Safety

• Early swim exposure reduces drowning risk, especially for children in low-income and underserved households.

• More youth gained access to essential water safety education, aligning with national best practices and public health goals.

2. Improved Health & Fitness

• Swimming promotes cardiovascular health, flexibility, and muscle development.

• Encouraged active lifestyles during out-of-school hours, reducing screen time and sedentary behavior.

3. Equity in Access

• Removed financial barriers for families that might not otherwise afford pool access.

• Supported social equity and inclusion, especially for BIPOC, immigrant, and low-income communities.

• The Mount Rainier Pool offers translated scholarship program, registration portal and website.

• Scholarships for 90% off classes are available to residents.

4. Youth Development & Engagement

• Gave kids a safe, supervised space to socialize and build confidence.

• May have encouraged older youth to explore swim lessons, water safety programs, or lifeguard certification — helping develop future job skills.

• Thanks to a grant from King County, all lifeguard certification courses and prep trainings are free now through the end of 2026 (or until funds run out).

• Youth that have worked at the Mount Rainier Pool have gone on to successful careers as first-responders, medical and other fields.

5. Family Engagement & Community Building

• Families may have come together at the pool, reinforcing it as a trusted “third place” in the community.

• Increased awareness of other programs and services the pool offers.