'Every Second Grader Learns to Swim' program at Juanita High School Pool

Lake Washington School District (LWSD) is partnering with SPLASHForward to pilot the “Every Second Grader Learns to Swim” program, providing free swim instruction and water safety education to LWSD second graders.

Beginning in 2026, more than 165 students from Title I elementary schools in the area, including Muir Elementary, will participate in six, 30-minute swim lessons during the school day at the Community Pool at Juanita High School. Instruction will focus on foundational swim skills, water safety and confidence in the water and will be coordinated with WAVE Aquatics. Next year, Frost, Thoreau and Redmond elementary schools will also participate in the program.

By offering lessons at no cost and during school hours, the program removes common barriers to access and supports student safety in a region surrounded by water. There may be additional opportunities to expand the program to other elementary schools in future years.

Click here to view the program flyer.