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Lake Union Swim Academy

Photo courtesy Lake Union Swim Academy

Swim instruction returns to beloved Westlake facility

Lake Union Swim Academy spent a year renovating pool and facility

A beloved Westlake neighborhood swimming instruction pool is in the swim again. Lake Union Swim Academy recently opened at the location once occupied by Safe N Sound Swimming, a beloved community institution forced to close its doors three years ago in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

ā€œThis pool has been a Seattle staple for over 35 years, but COVID hit this type of facility extremely hard,ā€ says Matt Jensen, owner of the new swim academy. With the poolā€™s re-opening, Jensen has set a goal of rebuilding the strong community long associated with the pool.

ā€œOur plan for the rest of the year is to keep filling up the classes and getting the word out about us,ā€ he says. ā€œWith this pool being shut down for about three years, that is going to take some effort.ā€

A year of renovation

The academy has already put a lot of effort into that end. Jensen says his company has spent a year updating the building into a state-of-the-art facility, including a complete pool rebuild.

ā€œAlmost every single thing is new. Besides the structure itself, we spared no expense at updating the space and ensuring that it felt like a top-notch facility for both the parent and their kids,ā€ says Jensen. ā€œIt includes state-of-the-art filtration and heating as well as updated locker rooms and showers. Anyone who has been to the school previously will be able to see [the changes] instantly. We are incredibly proud to have built this into what it is today.ā€

Different program, same foundation

Jensen notes that with Safe N Soundā€™s closure, ā€œSeattle lost one of the few pools dedicated to instruction and water safety in the area.ā€ The academy is not associated with Safe N Sound. However, the swim instruction standards set by the Red CrossĀ is central to both programs.

ā€œOur Red Cross-certiļ¬ed swim and water safety program emphasizes water safety and survival skills,ā€ he says, adding: ā€œOur experienced instructors are dedicated to creating a positive and nurturing atmosphere, ensuring that every child feels comfortable and excited to learn.

ā€œWe believe that swimming is a vital life skill, especially in the Northwest,ā€ Jensen says. ā€œWe are excited to offer a program that teaches students how to swim and fosters a lifelong love for water activities. Our goal is to create a safe, fun, and welcoming atmosphere.ā€

The stats

Jenson points out that In the U.S., drowning is the second highest cause of death from unintentional injury in children ages 1 to 14, and children aged 1 to 4 years have the highest risk of drowning.Ā Boys are twice as likely to drown as girls.

ā€œThis gets even scarier when you think about the Northwest and how much we are all around water,ā€ he says. ā€œ[Swimming] is a vital skill to teach our children.ā€ In Washington state, an average of 17 children and teens drown each year.

The Lake Union Swim Academy, located at 2040 Westlake Ave N, plans to use the additional space in its building to facilitate camps and has daycare areas associated with the pool. Jensen said he hopes both programs will be up and running by next summer.

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About the Author

Cheryl Murfin

Cheryl Murfin is managing editor at Seattle's Child. She is also a certified doula, lactation educator for NestingInstinctsSeattle.com and a certified AWA writing workshop facilitator at Compasswriters.com.