
Know Before You Swim
The Y is a great place to make a splash!
Find out how we're protecting swimmers with updated safety protocols.
The Y is a great place to make a splash!
Find out how we're protecting swimmers with updated safety protocols.
Visit the Y to swim laps, perfect your stroke, and bond with family. Remember, reservations are required. They open at 6:00 am two days prior to the reservation start date.
Learn about safe, socially-distanced ways to enjoy the water at the Y. These activities are offered just for members.
You can continuously swim without stopping in your side of the lane, even when the other swimmer is resting at the wall.
Plan for a shorter swim. Reservations are 45 minutes long. They include time for a cleansing shower and exiting the pool.
Lanes are first-come, first-served. Swimmers will enter on opposite ends of the lane. An off-duty lifeguard can help you with a lane assignment if needed.
Maintain social distance when resting. Please rest at opposite ends of the lane. If necessary, please stop short of the end of the lane to maintain at least 6 feet of social distance.
Share a lane if you're in the same household. For swimmers 10-13 years old, we ask that you share a lane with your Supervising Adult if you can.
Learn more about reservations >
Families can reserve a quadrant of the pool for up to five total household members.
Swim tests are required for anyone under 14 years old. A test won't be required if the child will be within arm’s reach of a supervising adult.
All swimmers must be members to participate. Visit the membership desk to add someone from your household to your membership. Costs vary depending on your membership type.
Reservations will be in the lap pool. Under Safe Start guidelines, we are unable to open our activity pools. Our lap pools are a little colder and vary in depth.
Here's how we'll work together to keep you and fellow swimmers safe during your visit. Click the "Learn More" button below for more information about safely visiting the Y.
In order to reduce touchpoints, we've suspended some amenities. Please bring what you'll need from home, including towels, goggles, kickboards, fins, belts, and noodles.
Beginning October 18, locker rooms will be open to swimmers only. To maintain a safe distance, please limit one family or individual to each aisle at a time.
The path to the pool and procedure on the deck has changed to create one-way traffic and reduce touchpoints. If you're not sure about something, please ask a staff member!
Face coverings are required at all times unless you're in the pool. This includes in locker or changing rooms. We'll have a dry place to store your belongings on the pool deck while you're in the water.
1. Will I be in a lane with someone that I don’t know, and is that safe?
The Governor’s Safe Start guidelines updated on October 6, 2020 now allow for two people who are not part of the same household to share a lane. We are confident in this approach for several reasons:
We encourage you to try a lap lane reservation to see our safety protocols in action. You can also learn more about new safety protocols, including air circulation, in our Welcome Back guide.
2. If I swim with a family member, do I still need to socially distance?
Under the Governor’s Safe Start guidelines, two members of the same household can swim in the same lane without observing social distancing guidelines. The YMCA of Greater Seattle is requiring those members to be on the same household membership.
3. Do I have to social distance from a family friend?
Yes, under the Governor's Safe Start guidelines, those individuals who are not part of the same household must maintain six feet social distancing with the exception of brief instances when two swimmers swim pass one another.
4. If I want to share a lane with someone in my household, will we both need to make a reservation?
Yes, you both will need to reserve a reservation time slot. Please arrive early as lanes are first-come, first-served.
5. Can my child who is under age 14 swim with me?
Yes, children and teens who are 10 years old and older may swim with a Supervising Adult. All children and teens in this age range must pass a swim test in order to participate. Read our full policy >
6. Do children and teens need their own reservation?
Yes, in order for us to manage building capacity we require that children ages 10 years and older have their own reservation. A Supervising Adults must remain in the same area as child or teen during their visit.
7. Do I need my own reservation as a Supervising Adult?
If you are a Supervising Adult for a child or teen who is lap swimming, you do not need a reservation at this time. We will provide a place for you to sit on the pool deck while they swim. If you are a Supervising Adult for a child or teen who is using our cardio or strength equipment, we ask that you do have your own reservation. Our cardio and strength areas are typically smaller than our pool deck, so making a reservation helps us better manage capacity in the area and maintain social distancing.
8. How can water walkers, exercisers, and lap swimmers safely share a lane?
We welcome water walkers and exercisers! Both people in the lane will need to make appropriate space for one another. If you're walking or exercising, turn away from your lane partner when they are passing you.
9. Are you allowing members to use swim equipment?
In order to reduce touchpoints, goggles, kickboards, fins, belts, noodles, and other equipment are NOT currently available. Please plan to bring these from home if you need them.
1. Can I reserve the shallow or deep end of the pool?
During the reservation process, members can reserve the section of the pool that best meets the needs of their family. To optimize space, some facilities might only have the deep end available. Please check the reservation description prior to making your reservation.
2. May I bring my own floatation devices?
We invite you to bring your own Personal Floatation Device for all non-swimmers who cannot pass the YMCA’s swim test. All Personal Floatation Devices must be Coast Guard-approved and adults must always be within an arm’s reach. We do not allow for any type of air-filled floatation devices.
3. What does the YMCA’s Swim Test consist of?
4. Are there any age restrictions for Family Recreational Swim?
People of all ages can participate in a Family Recreational Swim reservation under these guidelines:
5. Can my household make a Family Recreational Swim reservation if there are more than five of us?
Reservations are limited to five people. We recommend that you make multiple reservations so that we have enough space for your family in the pool.
6. Can I do a walk-up reservation for family open swim?
Yes, we will have limited space available for walk-up reservations for Family Recreational Swim.
7. Will I be able to use the family locker rooms or locker rooms?
Due to the increased capacities in our aquatic areas, we will be opening locker rooms and family changing rooms for swimmers. Please follow proper social distancing guidelines.
8. Can I sit on the pool deck while my children swim?
If your children pass our swim test you do not need to be in the water with them and can sit on the pool deck while they swim. We ask that you stay on the pool deck during your reservation while your children are in the water.
9. If I have a child that doesn’t want to swim, can they sit on the pool deck?
We will have designated seating for each family that enjoys family recreational swim. If members are not in the pool, they should be seated in their designated area and continue to abide by pool rules or appropriately supervised by an adult.
1. What's available in aquatics? Can I use the spa, sauna, steam room, or jacuzzi?
At this time, we are offering only access to the pool. Spas, saunas, steam rooms, and jacuzzis are NOT available.
Refine your stroke, practice your breathing rhythm, or elevate your turns with private swim lessons. Instructors teach from the pool edge, so participants must be able to swim 25 yards unsupported.
We've made it easier than ever to find member and account information with our new Support Center. Find instructions for managing your account, easy access to request forms, and a complete list of our policies all in one place.
With a shared commitment to nurturing the potential of kids, improving health and well-being, and supporting our neighbors, your membership will not just bring about meaningful change in yourself, but also in your community.