Seattle Athletic Club's aquatics program offers something for all ages and abilities. Whether you're a beginner just getting your feet wet, or an experienced triathlete looking for a competitive edge, our certified instructors will help you develop your swimming skills while emphasizing fun and water safety.
We offer private, semi-private and group lessons for youths and adults, as well as water aerobics classes, swim conditioning for adults, and clinics to help develop and enhance your swimming!
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Please note: due to the current restrictions, not all classes and services listed may be available at this time.
Aquatics Class Descriptions
Please consult the pool schedule. There may be one or two lanes used for private lessons at any time. No lifeguard on duty. During scheduled class times, open/lap swimming may not be available. All ages and abilities welcome.
Complimentary with Membership
Open Swim
Come enjoy the pool or swim at your own pace. Bring the family and enjoy the space. Open swim will tend to share space with private lessons. Feel free to cheer on the learners.
Lap Swim
We do our utmost to keep at least one lane open for lap swim at all times, and indeed there are many times where the entire pool is dedicated to lap swim. Come get your yardage in. Share smart, share safe.
Swim 101
Held the third Friday of every month from 7:00-8:00pm. Work with our skilled instructors to perfect your swim. Time will be spent going over theory and application of the parts of each stroke in a series designed to make every aspect of your swimming experience more fun and efficient.
Water Aerobics
Water Aerobics is a class designed to reduce weight-bearing stress, allowing for greater ease of movement and less impact on joints and muscles. By using water resistance and training aids this class will help you tone, strengthen, stretch and increase cardiovascular health.
Private Swim Lessons
Private and Semi-Private Swim Lessons
Private and semi-private swim lessons are available and can be scheduled at your convenience. Start with an occasional lesson or set up a regular appointment for more rapid improvement and conditioning. Whether it’s your first time in the water or you are an avid swimmer, our professional and certified instructors can help you achieve your swimming goals! When contacting Aquatics Director, please add preferred day(s)/time(s), goals, and any obstacles to learning. Please contact Aquatics Director, Trevor L. Carroll at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to find an instructor and set up a lesson!
- Lessons are available during the majority of Club operation hours.
- Non-members welcome, limit of one introductory class and up to five additional lessons before membership required.
2023 Pricing | Members ( have priority )
Private Lessons
$36.00 + tax
Semi-Private Lessons
$45.00 + tax
Semi-Private Lessons x3
$58.00 + tax
2023 Pricing | Non-Members
Private Lessons
$49.50 + tax
Semi-Private Lessons
$60.00 + tax
Lesson Registration
2023 REGISTRATION CALENDAR
Click here to see the registration calendar.
To register, email trevor carroll at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Winter/spring session 2 | SATURDAYS ONLY (8 Lessons)
10/29 - 12/17 (7 Lessons, no class on 11/26)
TENTATIVE OFFERINGS:
(all classes are 30 minutes)
9:00am
Parent - Tot
Otter/Seal
9:35am
Otter/Seal
Adult Beginner 1
10:10am
Otter/Seal
Sea Lion
Dolphin/Orca
10:45am
Otter/Seal
Sea Lion
11:15 (45min | $160.00)
Youth Swim
Conditioning
11:20 Otter/Seal
Lesson Program
Group Swim Lessons
Our group classes range from “Parent & Tot” to the “Youth Swim Conditioning” level (please see descriptions below). Members and non-members may participate in our group lessons. If you have any questions regarding your swimmer’s ability level, please contact Aquatic Director, Trevor L. Carroll at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Each of our aquatic instructors is Lifeguard and CPR certified with extensive experience both as swimmers and instructors. Our small class size along with our fun and energetic instructors provides the student with the best opportunity to learn and grow in a comfortable, relaxed setting.
CLASS LEVELS (group & private)
Group Swim Lessons (A Primer)
There is great benefit to learning the basics (and advanced intricacies) of swimming with one’s peers. The camaraderie and inherent competition of bettering oneself is best accomplished in group settings.
We strive to set the best first steps at all levels, rooting our instruction in foundational teaching and learning. Reliance and trust in the self as well as the water and instructor are key. It is for this reason that we strongly recommend not adding goggles until needed (usually Sea Lion class). Our new swim lesson program is sure to set you, your child and/or friend/family member up for the best possible learning experience in the water.
All questions can be directed to Aquatics Director Trevor Carroll, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Parent-tot (10 max)
Distance: N/A (occupies quarter of pool space)
Safety: Proper entry and exit, adaptation and introduction to air exchange
This class is for parent(s) and toddlers that are ages 6 months to 3 years. Focus is on water adaptation and safety. Parents will learn to safely instruct and handle toddlers in and around the water. Swim diapers and plastic pants required. Please change diapers prior to water entry. We will delight in showing you and your children safe and fun exploration of the water on Friday and Saturday mornings… Saturday mornings at 9:00 (following with group lesson program)
Otters (4 max)
Distance: 5-10’ (up to flags)
Safety: Floating and recovery
This class is for children ages 3 and older who are not able to float/glide by themselves. The focus is learning how to float and glide while becoming comfortable in the water using proper air exchange. The class is designed to keep the children interested and involved while also challenging them to trust the water, the instructor and themselves.
Seals (4 max)
Distance: 15-20’ (flags to halfway)
Safety: Roll over to float, calling for help and lifejacket skills
For this class, the children should know how to float without assistance on their front and back comfortably. The focus will be on floating and kicking on their stomach and back, learning to take a breath and swimming to and from the wall without assistance.
Sea Lions (4 max)
Distance: 20-60’(half to full length)
Safety: Reach in assist, boating safety and side-stroke
The ability to float, glide, and kick effectively is required for this class. The purpose of this class is to increase comfort, mobility and strength in the water. With the foundation of glide and kick established, it is now time to add arms and coordinated breathing. Focuses on rhythmic breathing, coordinated movement and introduction to breaststroke.
Dolphins (6 max)
Distance: Several lengths of pool
Safety: Buddy system and water hazards
Students should be very comfortable in the water and must be able to swim the entire length of the pool using backstroke and freestyle (60’). This class will focus on breaststroke technique while reinforcing all that came before.
Orcas (6 max)
Distance: 200–400 yards
Safety: Junior lifeguarding basics
Swimmers must be able to swim one length each of freestyle, backstroke and breaststroke for this class. This class focuses on the butterfly technique as well as open and flip turns. Introduces reading workouts and precompetitive swim team drills.
Youth Swim Conditioning (8 max) (Formerly Swim Team Prep)
YSC is for youth swimmers who have completed our swim lesson program, (Orca) and would like to take their swimming to the next level. Swimmers will learn how to read workouts and the pace clock, understand lane and training etiquette and be prepared to join a competitive swim team, or just advance their swimming overall. 45 minute class | 11:15 AM-12:00 PM Saturday mornings.
Adult Beginner I (6 max)
Whether you are fearful or just lack experience, you are welcome! This class focuses on swimming basics such as air exchange, body position, kicking and arm strokes.
Adult Beginner II (6 max)
Now it’s time to learn coordination with an emphasis on technique. Swimmers will learn correct form and complete various drills for each stroke to address specific needs for their strokes along with strength-building exercises to increase speed and endurance.
Private Lessons:
If a mixed-group dynamic does not seem like the best fit for you or your child, please consider one-on-one or semi-private lessons. Using the above structure, our highly trained and capable instructors will guide you through the process of becoming an ever better swimmer. We offer 1:1, 2:1 and 3:1 ratios. We work hard to accommodate your schedule.
All ages and abilities welcome.
FAQ
SAC NG AQUATICS FAQ 2022
How long is your pool?
20 yards or 60 feet. Slightly smaller than a “standard” pool which is usually 25 yards or 75 feet.
What is the size of your pool?
A “standard” pool is 6 lanes wide or just over 36 feet, by 25 yards or 75 feet, with varying depths of 3 to 9 feet deep. The SAC Northgate pool is 4 lanes wide or just 24 feet, 20 yards or 60 feet long; with a shallow depth of just over 3 feet and a full depths of 4 and 1/2 feet deep at drain. An overall volume of 35,000 gallons of water.
Are you a Chlorine pool?
No, and yes. We use Saline as our primary sanitation system along with High Rate Sand filters. With Saline, and the process of electrolysis chlorine is a bi-product, which is as effective as a liquid chlorine pool with significantly less issues associated with standard chlorine pools, like chlorine “sting” or smell.
When can I swim laps?
Nearly all operating hours. We strive to allow for as much possible lap swimming as our schedule and member demand allows. Check pool schedule for details, but generally speaking; of the 112 hours of operation there are nearly 280 lap lane hours available. Only 8% of operating hours are dedicated to other programming which is exclusively Water Fitness. Currently we are offering reserved lap swim times through our App.
How is the pool laid out?
As a mixed-use, 4-lane pool we have only a few real options for pool layout. When not configured for Adult Lap Swim (All 4 lanes for lap), we leave two lanes open for lap, (Lanes 1 & 2) and move one lane line over to allow for our Mixed-use space, (Lanes 3 & 4) becoming an open space that can accommodate Open Swim, Private Lessons, Group Lessons, Therapy, or any other mixed use program.
When should I circle swim versus split the lane?
Generally speaking, when two lap swimmers are sharing a lane, they can “split” the lane, (left and right of center stripe.) If speeds are comparable and there will be a lot of butterfly stroke or breast stroke, or if there are three or more swimmers in a lane, circle swim is the way to go.
Do you offer swim lessons?
We do. In fact, it is one of our specialties. We offer both private lessons and group lessons. Based off of a foundational understanding of body mechanics and logical progression of learning that builds upon itself. Our system of instruction is rooted in trust; trust in oneself, trust in the instructor, and trust in the water. We offer swim lessons from those as old as 6 months, (parent-tot class), to those as senior as 100 plus. You are never too old to learn swimming. Check out current swim lesson offerings here.
Can non-members take swim lessons?
Yes, we allow non-members to take up to three private lessons before club membership is required.
How do I go about getting private lessons?
Reach out to our Aquatics Director, Trevor at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. He will collect your information and place it on our shared instructor document. Trevor will ask your name, the name(s) of the student(s), membership status, preferred day(s) & time(s), and goals for taking private lessons. From there he will add that information to the shared document. As soon as an instructor has matched availability, one of the instructors will reach out to you to schedule your first lesson.