Acquatics Aquatic Programs

smiling kids at the edge of a pool

Lacey Parks, Culture & Recreation offers swim lessons, lap swimming, and a self-guided deep water fitness class in the indoor pools at North Thurston and River Ridge High Schools. For details about each program, please visit our registration page.

Aquatic Program Information

Swim Lessons

General Swim Lesson Information

  • All swimmers in Level 1, 2 & 3 are required to wear a “learn to swim” float vest (provided at pool) if less than 48 inches tall.
  • Register based on your child’s age. On the first day of class, instructors will adjust children into classes as needed to make sure they are in classes with children of similar skill level.
  • To register for Level 4, instructor approval is required.
  • Requests for registration changes must be made before the session begins. Call 360-491-0857 to request a change, if space is available.
  • Don’t be discouraged if a class is full, we often add classes based on the waitlist. If you are registering online you can add yourself to any waitlist or call our office.
  • Our goal of instructor-to-student ratios are 1:4 for Level 1 and 1:6 for Level 2 through 4.
  • Parents of swimmers in levels 1, 2, 3 & 4 will watch from the bleachers.

Swim Lesson Levels and Descriptions

Level 1: 3 – 4 Years

“Just the right fit” for all new and returning swimmers. Utilizing well-organized progressions, swimmers will practice breath control, basic swimming strokes, safety skills, and how to have fun in the water! No pre-requisite skills required. Class is held on an underwater platform.

Level 2: 5 – 6 Years

“Just the right fit” for all new and returning swimmers. Utilizing well-organized progressions, swimmers will practice breath control, basic swimming strokes, safety skills, and how to have fun in the water! No pre-requisite skills required. Class located in the shallow end of pool, “learn-to-swim” vests provided if necessary.

Level 3: 7 – 12 Years

“Just the right fit” for all new and returning swimmers. Utilizing well-organized progressions, swimmers will practice breath control, basic swimming strokes, safety skills, and how to have fun in the water! No pre-requisite skills required. Class located in the shallow end of pool, “learn-to-swim” vests provided if necessary.

Level 4: 7 – 12 Years (with instructor approval)

Instructors will introduce and guide swimmers through new strokes including back crawl, butterfly, and breast stroke while continuing to teach safety and skill refinement. Current swimmers can enroll for Level 4 if they have an instructor evaluation card indicating they have accomplished the required skills. Participants will be in deep water, swimming the width of the pool.

Aquatic Fitness

Fitness/Lap Swim (ages 18+)

Three lanes will be open for lap swimming with a maximum of two people per lane.

On Your Own In The Deep (ages 18+)

Create your own deep-water workout in two lap lanes. There is no instructor of music playing during these sessions.