Starting in 2015, Seattle Parks and Recreation will introduce a discounted drop-in swim rate at its public pools, Ballard included. Individuals that qualify based on income and family size will be able to attend a swim session at a discounted rate.
“In Seattle, a city surrounded by water, swimming is an essential life skill. Access and opportunity to both drop-in programs and swimming lessons are key. By learning to swim, individuals gain life skills, have a reduced risk of drowning death and gain opportunities for new activities,” says David Takami from Seattle Parks and Recreation.
Drop-in swimming programs currently offer vital opportunities for basic exposure to the water, development of swim skills and personal health. At the moment many discounts are offered based on age, special population needs, prepaid sessions and frequency of use.
With recent City Council approval, Seattle Parks will begin to offer discounts for drop-in sessions to those who qualify. Eligibility will be based on family size and income level in accordance with Seattle Parks established application and approval process.
For locals who qualify, drop-in discount pricing will be $2 for recreational swims such as family swim, public swim or lap swim and $3 for fitness swims such as Water Exercise, Masters, or Swimstrong.
According to Seattle Parks, this year, staff have taught more than 320,000 swimming lessons at swimming pools and lifeguarded beaches in the city.
Seattle Parks scholarship process has greatly helped reduce the cost of swimming lessons by offering half-price lessons at pools for those who meet scholarship eligibility. Additional fundraising for supplemental scholarship helps ensure swim lessons are affordable for all through Seattle Parks ongoing partnership with Seattle Children’s Hospital plus many individual donations.
If you would like to make a donation to the Learn to Swim Seattle Parks Scholarship fund click here.
Click here to check out the Ballard Pool schedule.
