Seattle Parks and Recreation offers safe, lifeguarded beaches at nine beaches around the city: Green Lake, Madison Park, Madrona, Magnuson Park, Matthews Beach, Mount Baker Park Beach, Pritchard Island Beach, and Seward Park Beach. It is strongly recommended that you swim only where and when lifeguards are present.
2022 update (May 31, 2022): Seattle Parks is planning to operate safe, lifeguarded beaches this summer – and strongly recommend swimming only where lifeguards are present. Due to difficulties in hiring lifeguards, they are currently working to determine the schedule for lifeguarded beaches. Once available, they will update the summer beach schedule.
Do’s and don’ts:
- Do read Seattle park rules, open water swimming, best practices, health and safety regulations
- Do check swimming beach bacteria, algal toxin levels, and water temperature
- Dogs are not allowed in these locations: at beaches, children’s play areas, or organized athletic fields in Seattle parks (per the Seattle Municipal Code).
- Where dogs are welcome: on leash everywhere else in the park system or off-leash in designated areas.
Seattle lakes and beaches offer lots of summer swimming fun – photo by Goami via iStock by Getty Images
Seattle Parks free swim lessons
FREE swim lessons* are offered at Seattle Parks swimming beaches to youths age 6-16. Daytime and evening swimming lessons are available. Each session lasts about 2 weeks*. While the lessons are free, space is limited, so register early. To Register for free swim lessons: Call (206)684-4078 or email: parksaquatics@seattle.gov. You can also register in person starting June 20 at the beach of your choice.
*Free swim lessons are conditional on weather. Lessons may be cancelled due to beach closure, inclement weather, or may also be cancelled on extremely busy days if the priority for staff must focus on lifeguarding.
Seattle Parks swimming lessons for a fee
Swimming lessons for a fee are also offered at Seattle Parks pools. In addition, there are aquatic exercise classes, plus public swim events, lap swims, and other activities. For a list of pools, classes, events, costs, and other information, visit: http://www.seattle.gov/parks/find/swimming-lessons-and-classes
About Seattle Parks aquatic activities
About 11% of Seattle’s total land area is committed to public use, including 4,600 acres developed land and 1,600 acres undeveloped land, and 954 acres of submerged land.
Park features include amphitheaters, boating and sailing centers, boat ramps, Community centers, concession facilities, historic buildings, museums, off-leash areas for dogs, outdoor tennis courts, performing and visual arts facilities, picnic shelters, plant nurseries/greenhouses, swimming pools, wading pools, and Sprayparks.
More info: Seattle Parks and Seattle Parks and Recreation Summer 2022 Aquatic Programming
Seattle Parks numerous swimming pools offer lessons, classes, and other fun events in the water for all ages. Photo by Paha_L – DepositPhotos.com
