COMING IN APRIL

APRIL EVENTS

Check out all of these great ways to swim this April!

• $1 First Saturday Swims: Saturday, April 4, 11:30am-2:30pm
• Easter Holiday: Pool closed all day
• No School Swim Days, Mon-Fri, April 6-10, 11:45am-2:30pm, $4.25/swimmer
• Community Lifeguard Program: Starts April 14 (thru May 14), Tue & Thu, 3-4pm, FREE
• April Pool's Day:  Saturday, April 25, 1-3pm FREE (see below for more information)

Visit our schedule page at www.mtrainierpool.com for more information.

FREE LIFEGUARD CERTIFICATIONS

All certification classes are FREE this Spring and Summer thanks to King County Parks.

• Lifeguard Certification (Blended): April 6-9, Call for exact times
• Lifeguard Recertification: April 19, Call for exact times
• Water Safety (Swim Lesson) Instructor: No classes at this time. Call or email Emmitt Sevores, Interim Aquatics Manager at Emmitt.sevores@desmoinespool.org or call him at 206.824.4722.

We will also offer Lifeguard Instructor Certifications and other certifications annually. If you are interested in any other certifications, please contact us.

COMMUNITY LIFEGUARD PREPAREDNESS CLASS 

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.

Remaining Upcoming Sessions:

• April 14 – May 14(spots open)
• 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.

APRIL  IS WATER SAFETY AND READINESS MONTH

At Mount Rainier Pool, April is dedicated to building the skills, confidence, and readiness our community needs to stay safe in and around the water. As we head into the warmer months, we’re expanding access to lifesaving training and affordable swim opportunities for all ages.

🌊 Featured Event: FREE April Pool’s Day – 1:00–3:00 PM
Join us for a fun and educational afternoon with free safety stations and family swim—a perfect way for families to learn, practice, and enjoy the water together in a safe environment.

We’re also proud to offer:
    •    Free Lifeguard Preparedness classes to help teens build swimming strength and readiness for certification
    •    Free Lifeguard Certification and Recertification courses, creating a pathway to employment while strengthening community water safety

Plus, enjoy reduced-fee swim opportunities all month long:
    •    $1 First Saturday Swim – April 4, 1-3pm
    •    Schools Day Out Swim – April 6–10, 11:45–2:30

Whether you’re preparing for a job, improving your swimming skills, or just enjoying time in the water, April is the perfect time to get involved. Together, we’re building a safer, stronger, and more water-ready community.

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