Swimming Beaches
Although SPR is still in the midst of a national lifeguard shortage, most locations will be operational this summer.
Please know, we are working hard to recruit, train, and hire more lifeguards and wading pool attendants so we can return to full operational hours. We encourage the public to please share our lifeguard job opportunities with your networks.
2024 Summer Season Lifeguarded Beaches
May 25-August 25
- Madrona Beach, 853 Lake Washington Blvd.
May 25-September 2
- West Green Lake Beach, 7312 W Green Lake Dr
June 22-September 2
- Matthews Beach, 9500 51st Ave. NE
- Madison Beach, 1900 43rd Ave. E.
- Mount Baker Beach, 2521 Lake Park Dr. S, Seattle, WA 98144
June 22-August 25
- Pritchard Island Beach, 8400 55th Ave. S
Hours
Preseason (May 25-June 21):
- Weekdays | 2-7pm
- Weekends & Memorial Day | 11am-7pm
Summer (June 22-Sept. 2):
- Weekdays | 12pm - 7pm
- Weekends & Holidays | 11am - 7pm
Not operating during 2024: Magnuson Park Beach, East Green Lake Beach, Seward Park.
Beach Water Quality & Closures
Swimming in natural bodies of water carries a risk of bacterial infection. We strongly advise showering before and after swimming, as well as not drinking lake water.
Our partner King County Public Health reports swim beach water quality weekly from May to September.
When bacteria counts are too high, we follow KCPH's orders to close beaches. You will hear about this several ways:
- Notification Banners placed on each park page,
- Signs placed at the swim beaches,
- You can also sign up for weekly alerts on KCPH Swim Beach Water Quality
Free Beach Swimming Lessons
Swim lessons are offered for free at all lifeguarded beaches for ages 6-16. You can sign up via email until Friday 6/21. After that, you can sign up in person at the beach anytime during our regular operating hours. Midday and evening sessions are listed below. Please limit to one session per child. We are happy to take drop ins if we have space.
Lessons are weather dependent and may be cancelled for poor weather, or very hot weather when more lifeguard staff are needed for surveillance duty.
Midday sessions: Monday-Friday, 12:15-12:45pm
- Session 1 - 7/1-7/12 (No class on 7/4)
- Session 2 - 7/15-7/26
- Session 3 - 7/29-8/9
- Session 4 - 8/12-8/23
Evening sessions: Tuesday or Thursday, 5:30-6pm
- Tuesday Session - 7/2-8/20
- Thursday Session - 7/11-8/22
To sign up, please email parksaquatics@seattle.gov, and include the following information. After 6/21, sign up in person at the beach.
- Child's Name
- Child's Age
- Parent's Name
- Parent's Phone Number
- Preferred sessions/locations
Children receiving free Swim Seattle lessons at swimming pools may participate in beach swim lessons in addition to their lessons at the pool!