As the weather warms up in the Pacific Northwest, thoughts turn to peeling off the layers and taking a plunge in the pool. In the Seattle area, there are many indoor and outdoor kids' swim lesson options open to the public, in a variety of price ranges and approaches. Listed below are a few we've gathered with you and your little tadpoles in mind:
Public Pools
City of Seattle Parks and Recreation offers group and private swim lessons as an inexpensive option and there are several facilities to choose from. One of the more popular indoor pools is Meadowbrook, in northeast Seattle. The instruction program includes tots lessons for 6 months to 4 years of age, as well as kinder, youth and competitive stroke lessons. It’s located at 10515 35th Ave. NE, Seattle. Call 206-684-4979.
If you want to be outdoors, Seattle’s two public outdoor pools also offer swim lessons in the summer. Colman in West Seattle (8603 Fauntleroy Way SW./206-684-7494) and Mounger Pool (2535 32nd Ave W./206-684-4708) have age-based lessons for tots, three year olds, kinder kids, and beginning youth. Mounger also has the “Little Pool," which is a great place to introduce little ones to the water.
TIP: If you decide to go with a Seattle Parks and Recreation swim lesson program, it’s important that you keep track of class changes because of budget cuts.
If you are out in the suburbs or are willing to drive, there are great inexpensive group lesson options outside Seattle. Many parents are willing to take the trip up north to take part in the award-winning aquatics program at the City of Mountlake Terrace Indoor Pool. There are classes offered for swimmers from 9 months old to 12 years old. This is more than a swim pool and quite a family-friendly facility that’s warm and updated with slides, a splash area with water toys, and a “lazy river” current pool area. For more information call 425-776-9173.
The Bellevue Aquatic Center also offers lessons. To enroll, call 425-452-4444 for class times. Classes meet Mondays/Wednesdays, Tuesdays/Thursdays, or Saturdays. Sunday morning and afternoon classes are also available.
Private Options
Safe N Sound offers 15-minute one-on-one lessons. Loyal parents say this intense, approach makes a big difference. There are two Safe N Sound locations to choose from in Seattle (2040 Westlake Ave N./206-285-9279), and in Bothell (12225 NE 160th St./425-486-7233).
Water Babies is one of the largest programs in the northwest. It offers infant, preschool, and youth classes and has three eastside locations in Bellevue, Sammamish and Mill Creek. For more information call 425-643-3533.
There are also a handful of private clubs that open their doors to non-members during the summer for swim lessons, including Wedgwood Swim Club (206-523-8211) and View Ridge Swim and Tennis Club (206-524-3500).
NOTE: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that you don't start formal swimming lessons until kids are 4 years old. This is the age children are thought to be developmentally ready for swim lessons. Starting kids very young, though, can be a fun activity as the weather warms up.
—Sabrina Kang
