Swim Lessons

Group Swim Lessons 

All registrations will be by phone or in-person, there will be no online registration.

The Mount Rainier Pool provides a fun and creative atmosphere to help children develop swimming skills. We believe in the value of swimming as a lifelong skill and as a healthy recreational activity, and are committed to the importance of water safety and training, for our staff as well as our community.

SWIM LEVELS

The Mount Rainier Pool offers lessons for children six month all the way through adult lessons. Please scroll down page to see more exact levels of swimming.

REGISTRATION

All classes are based on ability (not age level). This requires us to only take registrations by phone or in-person. This is why we do not have online registration. Please see exact registration dates and times below. To register over the phone, please call us at (206) 824-4722. (All phone registrations will use a phone que, effective August 22, 2021.)

FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVE

All registrations are first-come, first-serve and there are limited spots for classes. If you cannot get into a class, please ask to be added to a waiting list.

WAITING LISTS

All registrants that are unable to get into a class can be elected to be placed onto a waiting list. If spots become available, participants will be contacted. (Note-If you are not contacted, there was not an open spot.)

FLYER

Click here to download a Fall 2021 Swim Lesson Flyer.

COVID-19 CHANGES

If conditions change due to the Covid-19 pandemic, notifications will be put out with our email notification system, on this page and current students will be notified.

Saturdays, 8:30-11:00am

Class Dates

Current Student Registration**

New Student Registration**
June 5-July 31 (No July 3) Saturday, May 22 (Starting at 9am) Tuesday, May 25 (Starting at 4pm)
September 11-October 23* Saturday, July 31 (Starting at 8am) Tuesday, August 3 (Starting at 4pm)
October 30-December 18 (No Nov. 27)* Saturday, October 23 (Starting at 8am) Tuesday, October 26 (Starting at 4pm)

 *Seven (7) class session. **All registrations will be by phone or in-person, there will be no online registration.

Monday Evenings, 5:00-7:00pm*

1

Class Dates

Current Student Registration*

New Student Registration*
October 4-November 15 Monday, September 27 (Starting at 4pm) Wednesday, September 29 (Starting at 4pm)
To Be Determined Monday, November 15 (Starting at 4pm) Wednesday, November 17 (Starting at 4pm)

*All registrations will be by phone or in-person, there will be no online registration.

Tuesday & Thursday Mornings (Parent & Child Only!), 9:15-9:45am

Class Dates

Current Student Registration**

New Student Registration**
October 5 – 28 Coming Soon Coming Soon
November 2 – December 2 (No 11/23, 11/25) Coming Soon Coming Soon

 *All registrations will be by phone or in-person, there will be no online registration.

Adult Swim Lessons! Mondays & Wednesdays, 7:00-8:00pm*

Class Dates

Current Student Registration**

New Student Registration**
October 4-27 Monday, September 27 (Starting at 4pm) Wednesday, September 29 (Starting at 4pm)
November 1-December 1 (No 11/22, 11/24) Monday, October 25 (Starting at 4pm) Wednesday, October 27 (Starting at 4pm)

* Class is from 7:00-7:30pm and practice (on your own) time from 7:30-8:00pm.

**All registrations will be by phone or in-person, there will be no online registration.

New Student & First-Time Students at Mount Rainier Pool - NEW!

NEW SWIMMER: Students that have not taken a swimming class or want to signup for the classes before can sign up for the first-level of swim lessons without having to take a swim test.

  • Parent/Tot Swim  (6 months to 3 years)
  • Preschool Level 1 (4-6 years)
  • Level 1 (7-14 years)
  • Adult Lessons (15+ years)

TRANSFER SWIMMER: Swimmers transferring from another swim program are required to have a swim test before participating. See available times for testing. Testing will start the week of June 21, 2021.

  • Before July 1: Please attend an Open Swim (Tuesday & Thursday, 1:00-3:00pm) & Saturdays (11:00am-1:00pm).
  • July 1 and After: Please attend a Family or Open Swim. Please notify desk when you arrive.

WHY SWIM TESTS?

Our goal is to give participants the best experience in our swim lessons! The most important part is ensuring participants are in the right level. This not only helps the individual, but also ensures other participants get the most of their lesson time.

Class Pricing

Class Dates

Parent & Child

All Other Classes
8-session Class $47 ($60 NR) $64 ($78 NR)
*7-session Class $41 ($53 NR) $56 ($68 NR)

NR = Non-Resident. Residents of Des Moines and Normandy Park receive discount for helping subsidize pool operations.

Scholarships

Scholarships are available for all swim lessons. Scholarships must be completed and approved before you register for swim lessons. For more information on scholarships, click here.

Future Classes

Our next set of classes will be public posted the week before the end of the previous session. For updates, please sign-up for our email notification system at www.mtrainierpool.com.

Private & Semi-Private Lessons

NEW PROCESS TAKES EFFECT AUGUST 30th! Read below for more information.

The Mount Rainier Pool will update its Private Swim Lessons on Monday, August 30, 2021! The goal of the updated process is to give working families more options to take lessons around their busy schedules.

TWO-STEP PROCESS

Scheduling private lessons at the Mount Rainier Pool involves a two-step process, first registering onto the Private Swim Lesson Interest List, and then registering and paying for your lessons. See more information below.

STEP 1: PRIVATE SWIM LESSON INTEREST LIST/ROSTER?

Please follow the steps below to be placed on the “Private Swim Lesson Interest List.”

  1. Call or stop by the Mount Rainier Pool to register.
  2. Please be prepared to answer the following questions during your registration.
    • Preferred Days of Week –
    • Preferred Time of Day –
    • Preferred Instructor (if applicable) –
    • Any Other Pertinent Information – Please provide any information that could help us better serve you.
    • How Many Participants – Are you looking at one, two or three participants?
      1. Note- If you need to update or change your information, please call or email us and staff will update the information.
      2. Note – We suggest that you provide an email address, for us to send your information to ensure we have the proper contact information.

Be aware that all requests are first-come, first-serve, but preferences may affect scheduling. Please be aware that instructors will contact people from the list on a first-come, first-serve, but if they are not available during preferred times, they will go to the next person on the list.

STEP 2: BOOKING YOUR LESSON

Please follow the steps below.

  1. An instructor will call you to setup your lesson. Each lesson will be 30-minutes. (There are no exceptions.)
    1. If you do not return the call within 48-hours, the instructor may move onto the next person on the list.
  2. The instructor and you will work out an agreed private lesson curriculum. At this time you have three options, you can sign up for per visit, or buy a five or ten visit punch card. (See pricing below.)
    1. You must pay 24-hours before your first scheduled swim lesson.
  3. To pay for your lesson, call the front desk during business hours at (206) 824-4722 or stopping by the Mount Rainier Pool.
    1. When registering, you will need to provide the name of your instructor.
    2. For individual lessons only, you will need to also provide the date and time of your lesson.
  4. A receipt for the transaction will be emailed to you.

OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

PRIVATE SWIM LESSON PACKAGES

Below is a summary of the rates for single, five-visit and 10-visit punchcards.

For more information,  please call Lauryne Bartlett, Aquatics Coordinator at: 206.824.4722, stop by the pool!

Private (One Participant) Lesson Fees:

# of Lessons Resident* Non-Resident
Single $30 $37.50
Five-Visit $140 $177.50
Ten-Visit $270 $345.00

Semi-Private Lesson Fees** (max- 3 participants):

# of Lessons Resident* Non-Resident
Single $40 $50
Five-Visit $185 $235
Ten-Visit $360 $460

*Residents of Des Moines and Normandy Park receive a discount.

**Semi-private lessons will be shared between the participants taking the class.

NON-TRANSFERABLE

There will be no payment plan, pro-rationing of lessons or negotiation on the financials terms that are listed above. Private swim payments are not transferrable to other services provided at the Mount Rainier Pool. Before registering, please be fully committed to attend all lessons.

REFUNDS

Refunds are only available in extreme situations due to medical conditions or relocation. Documentation may be required. Please contact us, if you have a financial issue.

SHOWING UP FOR YOUR LESSON

Please show up five minutes early, check in at the front desk and wait in the lobby until your instructor. Please be aware that “No shows are non-refundable*”, and families that do not pay for their lesson not be able to sign up for another lesson until their balance is paid.

FLYER

Click here to download a flyer.

MORE INFORMATION

For more information, call us at (206) 824-4722.

7 + 2 =

Swim Levels 
Parent & Child: Ages 6 m - 3 years
For each of our Parent & Child classes, our instructors follow a plan to introduce new swimming and water safety skills that are developmentally appropriate for infants and young children. It is important to understand that Parent and Child Aquatics is not designed to teach children to become good swimmers or even to survive in the water on their own. In Parent and Child Aquatics, great experiences and fun activities are provided to teach infants and young children to:

  • Enter and exit the water safety
  • Feel comfortable in the water
  • Submerge and explore breath control
  •  Explore floating on the back and front
  • Change body position in the water
  • Play safely in the water
  • Experience wearing a life jacket

Parents, you also learn!:

  • How to hold and support your child in the water
  • How to select and fit a life jacket for your child
  •  Valuable water safety information to make your family safe in and around the water

Once infants or young children are able to comfortably perform the skills in Level 1, they should progress to Parent & Child Aquatics Level 2. It is common for infants or young children to participate in several sessions of Level 1 before moving on to Level 2. That is okay! It is not important how quickly they move through a level, but that they acquire each skill. 

Preschool Aquatics Level 1: Ages 4 - 6 years
What happens in Preschool Aquatics Level 1? For each level of Preschool Aquatics, our instructors follow a plan to introduce new swimming and water safety skills that are developmentally appropriate for young children. Preschool Aquatics puts the “fun” in fundamentals. Each class is loaded with enjoyable, engaging and challenging activities that motivate children to want to perform and learn to swim. In Preschool Aquatics Level1, your child is introduced to basic skills. These skills lay the foundation for future skilldevelopment of swimming strokes. Certain milestones are necessary for successful completion of Level 1, including: 

  • Entering the water independently using the ladder, steps, or side and travel at least 5 yards.
  • Submerging mouth and blowing bubbles for at least 3 seconds.
  • Exiting the water safely.
  • Gliding on front for at least 2 body lengths.
  • Rolling to back and floating for 3 seconds.
  • Recovering to a vertical position.

It is quite common for children to participate in several sessions of Level 1 before they are able to successfully demonstrate all the skills. That’s okay! It is not important how quickly they move through a level, but that they acquire each skill.

Preschool Aquatics Level 2: Ages 4 -6 years
In Preschool Aquatics Level 2, our instructors follow a plan to introduce new swimming and water safety skills that are developmentally appropriate for young children. Preschool Aquatics puts the “fun” in fundamentals. Each class is loaded with enjoyable, engaging and challenging activities that motivate children to want to perform and learn to swim.

Some of the milestones in Level 2 include:

  •  Gliding on front at least 2 body lengths.
  • Rolling to back, floating on back for 15 seconds then recovering to a vertical position.
  • Gliding on back for at least 2 body lengths.
  •  Rolling to front, floating for 5 seconds then recovering to a vertical position.
  • Swimming using combined arm and leg actions on front for 3 body lengths.
  • Rolling to back, floating for 15 seconds, rolling to front then continuing to swim on front for 3 body lengths.

It is quite common for children to participate in several sessions of Preschool Aquatics
Level 2 before they are able to successfully demonstrate all the skills. That’s okay! It is
not important how quickly they move through a level, but that they acquire each skill.

Preschool Aquatics level 3: Ages 4 - 6 years
In Preschool Aquatics Level 3, our instructors follow a plan to introduce new swimming and water safety skills that are developmentally appropriate for young children. Preschool Aquatics puts the “fun” in fundamentals. Each class is loaded with enjoyable, engaging and challenging activities that motivate children to want to perform and learn to swim. Some of the milestones in Level 3 include:

  • Stepping from the side into chest-deep water.
  • Moving into a front float for 15 seconds, swimming on front and/or back for 5 body lengths.
  • Moving into a back float for 15 seconds, rolling to front then recovering to a vertical position.
  • Pushing off and swimming using combined arm and leg actions on front and/or back for 5 body lengths.
  • Rolling to back, floating for 15 seconds, rolling to front then continuing to swim for 5 body lengths.

It is quite common for children to participate in several sessions of Level 3 before they are able to successfully demonstrate all the skills. That’s okay! It is not important how quickly they move through a level, but that they acquire each skill.

Learn-to-Swim Level 1: Ages 7-14 years
For every level of Learn-to-Swim, our instructors follow a plan to introduce new swimming and water safety skills and build on previously learned skills. Each class is loaded with fun, engaging and challenging activities that motivate children to want to perform and learn to swim.

In Learn to Swim Level 1 – Introduction to Water Skills, your child is introduced to basic skills as the foundation for future skills. Certain milestones are necessary for successful completion of Learn to Swim Level 1, including:

  • Entering the water independently using ladder, steps, or side
  • Traveling at least 5 yards, bobbing 5 times, then safely exiting the water
  • Gliding on front supported at least 2 body lengths
  • Rolling to a back float for 5 seconds with support
  • Recovering to a vertical position with support

It is common for children to participate in several sessions of Learn to Swim Level 1 before they successfully demonstrate each skill. That is okay! It is not important how quickly they move through a level, but that they acquire each skill.

Learn-to-Swim Level 2: Ages 7 - 14 years
In Learn-to-Swim Level 2 – Aquatic Skills builds on skills learned in Level 1. Our instructors follow a plan to introduce new swimming and water safety skills and build on previously learned skills. Each class is loaded with fun, engaging and challenging activities that motivate children to want to perform and learn to swim. Some of the milestones that are necessary for successful completion of Level 2 include:

  • Stepping from the side into chest-deep water.
  • Moving into a front float for 15 seconds, swimming on front and/or back for 5 body lengths, then safely exiting the water.
  • Moving into a back float for 15 seconds, rolling to front then recovering to a vertical position.
  • Pushing off and swimming using combined arm and leg actions on front for 5 body lengths, rolling to back and float for 15 seconds, then roll to the front then continue swimming for 5 body lengths.

It is common for children to participate in several sessions of Learn to Swim Level 2 before they successfully demonstrate each skill. That is okay! It is not important how quickly they move through a level, but that they acquire each skill.

Learn-to-Swim Level 3: Ages 7 - 14 years
In Learn-to-Swim Level 3 – Stroke Development, our instructors follow a plan to introduce new swimming and water safety skills and build on previously learned skills. Each class is loaded with fun, engaging and challenging activities that motivate children to want to perform and learn to swim. Some of the milestones in Learn to Swim Level 3 include:

  • Jumping into deep water from the side.
  • Swimming the front crawl and/or elementary backstroke for 25 yards.
  • Maintaining position by treading or floating for 1 minute.
  • Swimming front crawl for 15 yards and swimming elementary backstroke for 15 yards.

It is common for children to participate in several sessions of Learn to Swim Level 3 before they successfully demonstrate each skill. That is okay! It is not important how quickly they move through a level, but that they acquire each skill.

Learn-to-Swim Level 4: Ages 7-14 years
In Learn-to-Swim Level 4 – Stroke Improvement, our instructors follow a plan to introduce new swimming and water safety skills and build on previously learned skills. Each class is loaded with fun, engaging and challenging activities that motivate children to want to perform and learn to swim. Some of the milestones in Level 4 include:

  • Swimming the front crawl for 25 yards.
  • Swimming the elementary backstroke for 25 yards.
  • Swimming the breaststroke for 15 yards.
  • Swimming the back crawl for 15 yards.
  • Swimming 3-5 body lengths underwater without hyperventilating.
  • Open turns on the front and back.

It is common for children to participate in several sessions of Learn to Swim Level 4 before they successfully demonstrate each skill. That is okay! It is not important how quickly they move through a level, but that they acquire each skill.

Learn-to-Swim Level 5: Ages 7-14 years
In Learn-to-Swim Level 5 – Stroke Refinement, our instructors follow a plan to introduce new swimming and water safety skills and to build on ones previously learned. The expectations are higher for participants now in regards to distance and quality. Each class is loaded with engaging and challenging activities and drills to build endurance and improve technique. Some of the milestones in Learn to Swim Level 5 include:

  • Performing a shallow-angle dive into deep water.
  • Swimming the front crawl for 50 yards.
  • Swimming elementary backstroke for 50 yards.
  • Swimming the breaststroke for 25 yards.
  • Swimming the back crawl for 25 yards.

It is common for students to participate in several sessions of Learn to Swim Level 5 before they successfully demonstrate each skill. That is okay! It is not important how quickly they move through a level, but that they acquire each skill.

Learn-to-Swim Level 6: Ages 7 - 14 years
As in all the other levels, in Learn-to-Swim Level 6 – Personal Water Safety and Fitness Swimmer, our instructors follow a plan to refine swimming and water safety skills that were taught throughout the levels. The expectations are quite high in regards to distance and quality. Additionally, in Level 6, you learn more complex safety skills that may help you survive in an emergency. Some of the skills include:

  • Swimming 500 yards continuously using any 3 strokes of choice, swimming at least 50 yards of each stroke.
  • Jumping into deep water and performing a survival float for 5 minutes and a back float for 5 minutes.
  • Performing a surface dive, retrieving an object from the bottom of the pool at a depth of 7-10 feet, returning to the surface and returning to the starting point.

It is common for children to participate in several sessions of Learn to Swim Level 6 before they successfully demonstrate each skill. That is okay! It is not important how quickly they move through a level, but that they acquire each skill. Once participant complete Learn-to-Swim Level 6 they may want to continue with Learn to Swim Level 6 to further refine their strokes or are eligible to participate in our Competitive Swimming class. Participants that are 11-14 years of age are also eligible to participate in our Aquatic Volunteer Academy, which is the first step to becoming a volunteer junior lifeguard and swim lesson instructor aide.

Adult Swim Lessons: Ages 15 +
Adult Swim Training is offered as a two-part course for beginners and intermediate swimmers. This is a course specifically designed for adults who wish to learn and improve swimming technique and proficiency.

Beginner Swimmers will learn fundamental swimming techniques and how to be comfortable in water. They will use kickboards and other equipment to augment skills as they progress, and for practicing skills, such as alternating kicking and stroke-work. Instructor-led drills and demonstrations will help swimmers grasp concepts in alternating stroking and kicking.

The beginner course includes skills such as:

  • Safe Entry and Exit of the Water
  • Getting comfortable in shallow and deep water
  • Stepping or jumping from side in deep water
  • Bobbing to Safety
  • Floating and maintaining body position on front
  • Floating and maintaining body position on back
  • Rolling from front to back and back to front
  • Changing from a vertical to horizontal position on back and front
  • Maintaining a horizontal body position in the water
  • Treading using arm and leg actions
  • Alternating and Simultaneous Kicking Actions
  • Gliding on Front, with and without Kicking Actions
  • Rotary Breathing
  • Introduction to Crawlstroke and stroke development
  • Introduction to Breaststroke
  • Introduction to Scissors Kick
  • Introduction to Elementary Backstroke
  • Changing from a vertical to horizontal position on back and front
Registration Information

  • All registration is in-person or by phone. Registration starts at 4:00pm on weekdays and 8:00am on Saturdays (See specific swim lesson sections above for starting time of each registration date.)
  • No online registration. All registration is in-person or over the phone.
  • All classes are 30 minutes long unless otherwise noted.
  • Three students must be registered to run a class. In cases where only one student is registered, parents can opt to transfer to another class, get a credit on their account, request a refund, or pay for the second student.
  • Children learn better in the appropriate level. Swim tests are available for proper lesson placement, please call us to schedule an appointment for placement testing.
  • Don’t miss out on all the exciting opportunities at the Mount Rainier Pool! Please note that classes fill up quickly. Registration is done on a first-come-first-served basis through our online registration page. Payment is due at the time of registration

Scholarships

The Mount Rainier Pool now offers scholarships of up to 90% of registration costs. Non-residents are now eligible. There are three options to apply. The District board has allocated $23,000 in scholarships for 2020. All scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis. Get pre-approved today.

Click here to view more information on scholarship opportunities.

 

Mandatory (Free) Placement Tests

DURING FAMILY SWIMS

All participants are required to complete a placement test before registering for classes. There are no appointments as tests will be done drop-in on a first-come, first- serve basis. We will stay until all tests are completed. Parent or Guardian must be present during test. Placement tests are held during Family Swims. For more information, please scroll down this page. 

*Note – Mandatory swim tests are not required for Parent & Child, Preschool 1 and Level 1 classes.

Click here to view schedule for Family Swims to complete your placement tests.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

Refunds are subject to management approval. If requested before the start two (2) business days before the start of the session, a full refund will likely be given. For approved refunds requested following the start of the session, only the remaining balance will be given (prorated by days left in session). Parents may also opt to have a credit placed on the student’s pool account. Please complete the attached Refund Request Form.

Refund Request Form

Wait List Procedures

If a class becomes full, the students name will automatically be placed on a waiting list. If a space in the class opens, we will notify you by telephone.

Make-ups

There are no make-ups for classes. Each participant will be given a Practice Card ($18.75 Value) in order for participants to improve their swimming abilities outside of scheduled class times. You may also schedule a Private Swim Lesson (at your own cost) to schedule a make-up.
Contact

Do you have more questions or would like to speak to someone in person? Our Aquatics Coordinator, Lauryne Newman, is here to help. You can call her directly at (206) 824-4722 or email her at lauryne.newman@desmoinespool.org.