City swimming areas open for the season on Saturday

The city’s army of about 85 lifeguards spent the week training at HMAC and Coulon to get ready for the warm-weather crush of swimmers headed to our local shores to beat the heat.

By Brian Beckley • June 19, 2015 2:33 pm
Lifeguards wait for their opportunity to perform a practice drill Tuesday at Henry Moses Aquatic Center. Approximately 85 lifeguards received training this week in preparation for the opening of the city’s beaches and pools.
Lifeguards wait for their opportunity to perform a practice drill Tuesday at Henry Moses Aquatic Center. Approximately 85 lifeguards received training this week in preparation for the opening of the city’s beaches and pools.

Summer is here, let’s go swimming!

This weekend marks the official beginning of swim season in the city as the Henry Moses Aquatic Center, Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park and Kennydale Park all open their waters to the public tomorrow, Saturday.

The city’s army of about 85 lifeguards spent the week training at HMAC and Coulon to get ready for the warm-weather crush of swimmers headed to our local shores to beat the heat.

Lifeguards will be on duty at Coulon and Kennydale from noon to 8 p.m. every day all summer long, as well as watching the slides, wave pool and other waters at Henry Moses, which is open for two sessions every day, from noon to 3:30 p.m. and from 4 to 7:30 p.m.

According to Brandi Burke, recreation coordinator in charge of aquatics, the city has expanded its swim-lesson programs this summer, adding two more weeknight classes as well as a Saturday session.

This year, swim lessons will be available at HMAC four nights each week, split into two groups: Monday and Wednesday lesson and Tuesday and Thursday lessons. Each pair of sessions runs from 7:45 to 8:50 p.m. and can handle about 100 kids.

The Saturday morning sessions will run from 8:05 to 11:30 a.m. and can handle about 384 kids.

Registration is required. Group lessons are available for children up to age 13.

In addition, the city is offering private swimming lessons, available in half-hour increments.

There will also be free, lunchtime lessons from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays at Coulon park. Participants can register for those classes on the day of the event.

Burke said the city is also introducing a Junior Lifeguard Day Camp this year, providing an opportunity for teens to get lifeguard training. Four different weeks are scheduled for the camp, with two at Henry Moses and two at Coulon. The camp is for ages 11-15 and participants must pass a swim test.

In addition, HMAC will again be open in the mornings for lap swimming and water walking. The lap swims run from 6 to 8 a.m., while the water walking classes run from 8 to 11:30 a.m.

Burke also said the city has lifejackets available to borrow for free at all swimming locations for those who need them.

The costs of each class and event vary, but all contain a discount for Renton residents.

For more information and costs, visit http://rentonwa.gov/living/default.aspx?id=2248