Take a Break in the Pool!

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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Lap Swim & Water Walking

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:

• When in the water, swimmers will pass each other momentarily during lap swim. Most swimmers exhale underwater which eliminates exposure to airborne pathogens. According to the CDC there is no evidence of exposure to others through chlorinated water. (Source)
• Swimmers will be required to keep socially distant at all times except when passing. To help, we start swimmers on opposite ends of the lane.
• Lifeguards will be present at all times to reinforce safety protocols, including social distancing in the water and on the pool deck.

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.

Family Recreational Swim

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?

• Deep water plunge with head going below the surface of the water
• Surface and swim 25 yards without resting or stopping
• 30-second tread or float

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:

• All participants must live in the same household and be on the same membership.
• There must someone 18 years old or older on the reservation to supervise any participants under the age of 14.
• 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 someone 14 years old or older for the entirety of the time they are in the water.

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.

Aquatics (General)

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.