Medgar Evers Pool (Central District)

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Fall 2025 Closures:

Sep 25 - Staff in-service day
Oct 13 - Indigenous People’s Day
Nov 10-29 - Maintenance Closure
Dec 11 - Staff in-service
Dec 25 - Christmas Day
Jan 1 - New Year's Day

Rental Rates for indoor pools other than Rainier Beach

Cancelation and Refund Policy

We will cancel your rental and provide a full refund if the pool must close for safety reasons, such as lightning or power outage. 

Customer-initiated cancelations are subject to these fees:

Reserving a Rental Time

To reserve a rental time, please call the swimming pool you would like to reserve.  Some pools process reservations in-person only. Payment is due at the time of reservation.

Rentals are generally available on weekends after the conclusion of the final public drop-in program. Rental availability varies by location. Availability can be checked by calling the pool by phone.

Pool Rules

• Alcohol, recreational drugs, and smoking are prohibited. Guests who appear intoxicated will not be permitted to swim or supervise children.
• Food is allowed, but glass containers are prohibited. 
• Small sound systems are allowed. Tables and chairs are available.
• Deep water attractions are open to swimmers who pass the deep water swim test without the use of a Personal Flotation Device (PFD). Deep water attractions vary by pool and may include diving boards, rope swings, or water slides.
• Children younger than 6 years of age or shorter than 4 feet in height must be directly supervised in the water by an adult who is always within an arm’s length away. Any child under this age or height requirement needs to be accompanied by an adult on a 2 children per 1 adult ratio.
• Children who pass the swim test may swim further from their adult (outside of arm’s reach) and use deep water attractions. An adult is still required to swim with the child.
• We recommend that you inform all parents if your party attendees may be under the age or height requirement, so parents can be prepared to get into the pool.

• Swim diapers are required for swimmers who are not toilet trained. Diapers must be changed in the locker rooms.

• The lifeguard on duty is the final authority on safety rules.

Lifeguard Training Certification

All City of Seattle lifeguards must have an active American Red Cross certification in Lifeguarding, First Aid, and CPR/AED.

The 30-hour blended learning course includes both online and in-person components. Completion of the course grants initial certifications in Lifeguarding, First Aid, and CPR/AED. Certifications are valid for 2 years.

Find Blended Learning - Lifeguard courses.

Lifeguard Recertification

Lifeguard Review is a one-day course for those who have a current certification, or one that has expired in the last 30 days. It will extend the expiration date of your Lifeguarding, First Aid, and CPR/AED certifications for another 2 years.

Contact david.belanger@seattle.gov to inquire.

Prerequisites:

• At least 15 years old on or before the final scheduled session of the course.
• Swim 150 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both, maintain position at the surface of the water for 2 minutes by treading water using only the legs, then swim an additional 50 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both. Swimming on the back or side is not allowed. Swim goggles may be used. Candidates should place their hands under the armpits for the treading water portion.
• Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds.  Starting in the water, swim 20 yards, dive 7-10 feet to retrieve a 10 pound object, swim 20 yards on the back to return to the starting point and exit the water without using a ladder.  Swim goggles may not be used.

The Lifeguard Training Team is a FREE summer program designed to train and certify Seattle's youth in lifesaving skills. The eight week program for youth ages 15-18 will train participants to be lifeguards and build other important job skills. Seattle Parks and Recreation provides training, books, uniforms, and basic materials at no charge. The Lifeguard Training Team includes a full American Red Cross lifeguard training course, and much more! Participants get the opportunity to test for certification at the end of the program.

The Lifeguard Training Team is a tremendous opportunity for you to learn and grow, to build lasting friendships, and to acquire skills you'll use for the rest of your life. You don't have to be an Olympic athlete or world class swimmer to join. We just ask that you try your hardest, participate every day, and be part of the team. The instructors' provide a safe, well supervised and encouraging environment. The safety of the participants is our #1 priority.

2026 LTT Program Information

June 22 - August 13, Monday - Thursday, 1pm - 5pm

South location: Pritchard Beach, 8400 55th Ave S, 98118

North location: West Green Lake Beach 7312 W Green Lake Dr N, 98103

Participant Swimming Skills Pre-Test

Each participant must attend a swimming skills pre-tests before the first class. The pre-test is a prerequisite for the American Red Cross Lifeguard Training Course. It is also your chance to meet the instructors and ask questions about the program. Please bring a swimsuit and towel and be prepared to swim. Pre-tests will take place at indoor pools in June, and take about 1 hour. Specific date and location options will be provided when applications are accepted.

Application for the 2026 program will be posted here in March.

Northwest Lifeguard Test

The Northwest Lifeguard Test is a test of swimming ability and lifeguarding skills. The test builds on skills learned in the Red Cross lifeguarding course. It is meant to be taken after completing the Red Cross lifeguarding course, and is not a substitute for Red Cross lifeguard certification.

The Northwest Lifeguard Test is offered about once a month, and must be taken within 90 days of hire.

The test is sponsored by Seattle Parks and Recreation, King County Parks, and the City of Covington.

Test elements include:

1. 50 yards head high crawl stroke
2. Rescue tow medley and underwater swim
3. Spinal injury rescue in shallow water
4. Submerged victim recovery and CPR
5. Rescue of struggling victim

Grading Criteria

Register for Northwest Lifeguard Test

*There are two levels of NW Test certification. The full/beach certification, and modified/indoor pool certification. The time of the Head High 50 Yard Swim and number of breaths taken on the Underwater Swim in the Medley will determine your certification level. See Grading Criteria or call your nearest pool for details.

Water Safety Instructor (WSI)

Senior Lifeguards are required to hold a Water Safety Instructor certification from the American Red Cross.  The certification may be attained within 90 days of hire.

Lifeguard Instructor (LGI)

This approximately 30 hour course includes practical methods and theory for teaching lifeguarding skills. Candidates must have a current Red Cross certification in Lifeguard, First Aid, and CPR/AED. LGI-certified instructors can certify in Lifeguarding, First Aid, and CPR/AED. Completion of this course also extends your Lifeguard, First Aid, and CPR/AED certifications for 2 years.

Lifeguard Instructor is a highly desired, but optional certification for Senior Lifeguards. LGI is required for Assistant Aquatic Center Coordinator and Aquatic Center Coordinator positions.

Swim Lessons Registration Dates

Families on the Scholarship Program may register 1 week early. 

Registration opens at 12:00 noon.  

Winter 2026

• Scholarship-eligible | Dec. 2, 2025
• General registration | Dec. 9, 2025

Spring 2026

• Scholarship | Feb. 24, 2026
• General | Mar. 3, 2026

Summer 2026: Outdoor Pools and Summer Swim League

• Scholarship | Mar. 24, 2026
• General | Mar. 31, 2026

Summer 2026: Indoor Pools

• Scholarship | May 12, 2026
• General | May 19, 2026

Fall 2026

• Scholarship | Aug. 4, 2026
• General | Aug. 11, 2026

Winter 2027

• Scholarship | Dec. 1, 2026
• General | Dec. 8, 2026