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Mount Rainier Pool Launches Free Community Lifeguard Program for Youth and Young Adults

Grant-funded training removes cost barriers while building water safety, fitness, and career pathways

Press Release - Feb 12, 2026

DES MOINES, Wash., February 12, 2026 (Newswire.com) - 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.

SOURCE: Des Moines Pool Metropolitan Park District

Source: Des Moines Pool Metropolitan Park District

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Tags: equity, first responders, King County, lifeguard, swimming, training, Waterland

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About Des Moines Pool Metropolitan Park District

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In 1968, voters of King County supported the construction of community swimming pools. In 2009, voters of Des Moines reconfirmed their desire to continue to maintain an indoor aquatic facility within the community. Mount Rainier Pool provides vital services to the community by offering swimming lessons, water exercise opportunities, recreation and high school swim team events. As the Waterland community, the concern of water safety is of great importance and the primary goal of the Des Moines Pool Metropolitan Park District is to ensure everyone, especially children, know how to swim.

Mount Rainier Pool originally opened on September 15, 1975 as a result of a bond issue in 1968 called Forward Thrust. The Forward Thrust bond eventually built 16 public swimming pools throughout King County. Budget constraints, beginning in 2000, led to the closure or transfer of many of these pools after county officials sought to turn the facilities over to local governments. Mount Rainier Pool was operated jointly by the cities of Des Moines, Normandy Park, Sea-Tac and the Highline School District until it was slated for closure in 2009.

The Des Moines Pool Metropolitan Park District was created by a vote of the citizens of Des Moines in November 2009 to acquire, maintain and operate Mount Rainier Pool. The measure was approved by 64 percent of the voters and five initial commissioners were elected. The first official meeting of the Des Moines Pool Metropolitan Park District was December 3, 2009. The City of Normandy Park and the Highline School District remain involved in the operation of Mount Rainier Pool.

Des Moines Pool Metropolitan Park District
22722 19 Avenue S
Des Moines, WA 91898
United States
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