Acquatics Aquatic Programs

smiling kids at the edge of a pool

Lacey Parks, Culture & Recreation offers opportunities for everyone in the family to swim in the indoor pools at North Thurston and River Ridge High Schools. If your child needs help gaining confidence in the water or you’re looking to swim laps– we’re here to help!

Aquatic Program Information

Swim Lessons

General Swim Lesson Information

  • All swimmers less than 48 inches tall in Level 2 and 3 are required to wear a “learn to swim” float vest (provided at pool).
  • 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.
  • Parents of swimmers in levels 2, 3, and 4 will watch from the bleachers.

Swim Lesson Levels and Descriptions

Parent Child: 2 – 4 Years

Familiarize children with aquatic and swimming readiness skills. Teach techniques parents can use to orient their child to the water. A parent or guardian is required to be in the water with their child for the lesson.

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.

Teen: 13 – 18 Years

These lessons are designed to establish water safety skills and promote comfort and confidence in an aquatic environment. Class is intended for teens with little to no aquatic comfort or skills.

Adult: 18+ Years

Adult lessons are designed to establish water safety skills and promote comfort and confidence in an aquatic environment. Class is intended for adults with little to no aquatic comfort or skills.

Aquatic Fitness

Teen Swimming for Fitness (ages 13-19)

Whether you are preparing for a sport or simply want a great workout, this is a great way to stay active! Workouts are assigned by instructors and are developed to help you achieve your fitness goals. Must be able to swim 200 yards without stopping in order to participate in the class.

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 or music playing during these sessions.

Family Open Swim

Perfect for whether you want to practice skills from swim lessons or just have a splashing good time!

Parents are required to be in the water and within arm’s reach with anyone under 12 years of age. Kiddos 3 years and younger are free with an adult!