Sponsored by King County Youth Amateur Sports Grant
Tuesday & Thursday, 3-4pm (starts 2/24)
PRESS RELEASE
Mount Rainier Pool Launches Free Community Lifeguard Program for Youth and Young Adults (Ages 14-24)
Grant-funded training removes cost barriers while building water safety, fitness, and career pathways
(DES MOINES, WA, February 12, 2026) The Des Moines Pool Metropolitan Park District is launching a free Community Lifeguard Program at the Mount Rainier Pool, providing youth and young adults with accessible training designed to build swimming skills, aquatic fitness, water safety knowledge, and readiness for future lifeguard certification.
The program’s core offering, Community Lifeguard Preparedness Training, is a six-week course designed for individuals who are interested in lifeguarding or aquatic careers but may not yet meet traditional lifeguard pre-test requirements. The training supports non-traditional swimmers by focusing on confidence, conditioning, and progressive skill development in a supportive and engaging environment.
The Community Lifeguard Program is fully funded through a King County Parks grant, allowing participants to enroll at no cost. The program is open to individuals ages 14 to 24, and participation does not require employment with the Des Moines Pool Metropolitan Park District.
Classes meet twice per week on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m., with each session running for six weeks. Participants may repeat sessions, pause between sessions, or advance based on readiness. Instruction emphasizes aquatic fitness, swimming endurance, deep-water comfort, treading skills, and foundational water safety concepts. Sessions also include structured games and activities that reinforce skills through movement, teamwork, and real-time application.
Upcoming sessions include February 24 through April 2, April 14 through May 14, and May 19 through June 25. Classes are staffed to ensure safety and individualized coaching, with instructors and assistants supporting participants throughout the program.
Participants who meet program benchmarks may be recommended to advance into free certification-level training, including lifeguard certification, recertification, swim instructor training, and instructor-level courses offered at the Mount Rainier Pool. Graduates are encouraged to pursue opportunities with local pools, parks and recreation agencies, nonprofits, and waterfront programs across the region.
“This program is about removing barriers and meeting people where they are,” said Scott Deschenes, District General Manager for the Des Moines Pool Metropolitan Park District. “We are building water safety, fitness, and confidence while creating real opportunities for young people to move into lifeguarding and aquatic careers that serve the entire community.”
The District views the Community Lifeguard Program as a regional investment in public safety, workforce development, and equitable access to aquatic training.
For more information or to register, visit www.mtrainierpool.com or contact the Mount Rainier Pool at (206) 824-4722.
PROGRAM SCHEDULE
Click links below to view class, and/or register.
• Session 1: February 24 – April 2
• Session 2: April 14 – May 14
• Session 3: May 19 – June 25Classes maintain a 1 instructor to 20 participant ratio, supported by one or two assistants to ensure safety and individualized coaching. Participants may miss no more than three unexcused classes per session.
PROGRAM FOCUS: AQUATIC FOUNDATION & GUARD FITNESS
The first level of the pathway, Aquatic Foundations & Guard Fitness, is designed for participants who do not yet meet lifeguard pre-test requirements but have basic comfort in the water. Participants should be able to submerge their face and swim approximately 25 yards with rest if needed.
EXPECTED OUTCOMES BY END OF SIX-WEEK PROGRAM
• Swim 150–200 yards continuously using any stroke
• Tread water for 90 seconds to 2 minutes (hands allowed)
• Demonstrate comfort in deep water
• Understand basic water safety concepts and the role of a lifeguard
• Build confidence and interest in aquatic career pathways
WEEKLY SKILL PROGRESSION
• Week 1: Orientation and water comfort
• Week 2: Freestyle foundations and breathing
• Week 3: Backstroke and stroke variety; recognizing drowning behaviors
• Week 4: Breaststroke and endurance development
• Week 5: Treading water and deep-water skills
• Week 6: No-contact rescue skills, benchmarks, and celebration
Participants who meet minimum benchmarks may be recommended to advance to formal lifeguard training courses offered at the Mount Rainier Pool.
BUILDING THE NEXT GENERATION OF AQUATIC PROFESSIONALS
“This program removes cost barriers while giving young people the time, coaching, and confidence they need to succeed in the water,” said District General Manager Scott Deschenes. “It is about safety, workforce development, and creating real opportunities for youth in our community.”
PAST VIDEO
Check out this story from a couple of years ago about the Mount Rainier background of our staff, work, and culture of safety. We train staff from different backgrounds. Click here to view the story. Thank you King 5.
For more information or to register, visit www.mtrainierpool.com or contact Mount Rainier Pool at (206) 824-4722.