Swim Programs

Recreational & Intructional Programs
Competitive ProgramsPhoto of girl jumping into the pool with a lifejacket on


Recreational & Instructional Programs

Northwest Center community pools offer year round recreational swimming programs and instruction for all ages. Descriptions of these programs follow:

Swimming Instruction
Advanced Training Courses
Exercise Programs
Family Swim
Lap Swims
Public Swims
Pool Parties (Private or Corporate)
Underwater Sports

To determine the availability and times of these programs at a given pool, view that pool’s schedule.

Swimming InstructionPhoto of an instructor reassuring her student
Swim lessons for all abilities are available year round for students from 6 months of age through Senior Citizens. Placement tests are held free of charge to determine proper class level. Specialty classes are offered, including lifeguard training, water safety instructor, diving, pre-comp and CPR. Private and semi-private lessons are also available. We offer morning and early evening lessons. Please call or stop by for a class schedule and registration information.

  • Lesson Registration Policy—Each lesson series is open for registration, with payment, three months before the lesson series begins. Each patron may be registered in a maximum of two lesson series, including the current lesson series. Phone registration requires VISA or MasterCard. For specific enrollment information, stop by or call. When registering and paying for lessons, each student receives a practice card to attend a scheduled public, family or lap swim.
  • Free Placement Tests—Patrons who have not attended lessons in the six months prior to the start of a lesson series may be required to have a placement test prior to registering for lessons. The placement test includes an introduction to the pool and evaluates the student's readiness, responsiveness and skill knowledge. Proper class placement is vital to the student's success. Please call the pool to set up an appointment.

Advanced Training Courses Aquarobics
Become a lifeguard or train to be a swim instructor. Northwest Center Pools offer a variety of Red Cross training courses such as Lifeguard Training, First Aid and CPR.

Exercise Programs
Water Exercise is a 60-minute drop-in, shallow water exercise program designed to increase flexibility and range of motion during an aerobic workout. This is a great class for any level. Please, no children under 14.

Family Swim
This is a great time for families and kids to practice swimming together. All children 6 and older should be directly supervised by adults. For their safety and enjoyment, children under 6 should be accompanied by an adult in the water.

Lap Swims
Lane lines divide the pool for slow, medium and fast swimmers. Circle swimming will be required. Young adults and strong youths are welcome with the approval of the lifeguard.

Photo of boy swimming with a blue boardPublic Swims
Children under 6 years must have an adult in the water with them. Inflatable devices are allowed with the approval of the lifeguard. Diving board and deep-water swimming are available. This is a great time to use the lesson practice card. Public Swim provides an opportunity for family fun and exercise.

Pool Parties (Private or Corporate)
Northwest Center pools are available for private, guarded rentals. Renters receive exclusive use of the pool for the hour(s) they have reserved. Private rentals are great for birthday parties, youth groups, Scouts or any interested group. Certain restrictions apply.

Underwater Sports
Scuba diving.

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Competitive Programs

Each Northwest Center pool offers a variety of competitive swimming programs, listed below by location. To determine the availability and times of these programs at a given pool, view that pool’s schedule.

At the Mercer Island Pool:Swimmers with boards

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