Seattle Parks and Recreation offers safe, lifeguarded beaches at nine beaches around the city: Green Lake, Madison Park, Madrona, Magnuson Park, Matthews Beach, Mount Baker Park Beach, Pritchard Island Beach, and Seward Park Beach. It is strongly recommended that you swim only where and when lifeguards are present.
Do’s and don’ts:
- Read Seattle park rules, open water swimming, best practices, health and safety regulations
- Check lake swimming beach bacteria and temperature.
- Dogs are not allowed in these locations: at beaches, children’s play areas, or organized athletic fields in Seattle parks (per the Seattle Municipal Code).
- Where dogs are welcome: on leash everywhere else in the park system or off-leash in designated areas.
Seattle Parks free swim lessons
Free outdoor Swim Lessons are offered at all lifeguarded beaches for ages 6-16. Midday and evening sessions are available. You can sign up via email or in-person at the beach anytime during regular operating hours. Please limit to one session per child. Drop-ins are possible if there is space.
Lessons are weather dependent and may be cancelled for poor weather, or very hot weather when more lifeguard staff are needed for surveillance duty.
More info: Swimming Beaches – Parks | seattle.gov
Seattle Parks swimming lessons for a fee
Swimming lessons for a fee are also offered indoors and outdoors at Seattle Parks pools. In addition, there are aquatic exercise classes, plus public swim events, lap swims, and other activities.
More info: Pool Fees & Program Descriptions – Parks | seattle.gov
Seattle lakes and beaches offer lots of summer swimming fun – photo by Goami via iStock by Getty Images
About Seattle Parks aquatic activities
About 11% of Seattle’s total land area is committed to public use, including 4,600 acres developed land, 1,600 acres undeveloped land, and 954 acres of submerged land. Park features include amphitheaters, boating and sailing centers, boat ramps, Community centers, concession facilities, historic buildings, museums, off-leash areas for dogs, outdoor tennis courts, performing and visual arts facilities, picnic shelters, plant nurseries/greenhouses, swimming pools, wading pools, and Sprayparks.
More info: Outdoor Water Recreation – Parks | seattle.gov
Event calendar of free and affordable things to do
Listed below are all types of free and affordable things to do in the next 30 days.
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Find more events and ideas for affordable living at Greater Seattle on the Cheap – Free things to do, cheap fun, discounts and deals in the Seattle-Tacoma metro area
