Swimming Pools and Lessons

Inclement Weather Policy and Closures
PP&R classes, activities, rentals, and sports events may be canceled due to inclement weather, such as ice, snow, or extreme heat. Call 503-823-2533 or visit portland.gov/parks/closures for the most current information. Some recreation programs may run as conditions and staff availability allow. Safety is a major factor in determining operations at each PP&R facility. PP&R facilities, our social media outlets, and our website will all feature operating information, including opening and closing times.

• Please follow all posted pool rules and the PP&R code of conduct.
• Safety is a team effort. Lifeguards and caregivers share the responsibility.
• Lifejackets are available to borrow and use for free at all PP&R pools. If you need help fitting a life jacket, please ask a staff member.
• All children younger than 10 years old must have an adult (over 16 years old) in the facility with them.
• Pool capacities vary based on current staffing levels. For capacity questions, please contact your neighborhood pool.
• Certain amenities may be unavailable for safety or staffing reasons.
• Children under 48” tall and non-swimmers (including children in lifejackets) must always have someone age 16 or older in the water within arm's distance.
• During drop-in swimming times, everyone must pay admission, even if they are not getting in the water.
• During play swims, swimmers who want to swim in the deep end or lap pool must pass a swim test. Swimmers who pass the test will be given a wristband. People without a wristband will be asked to move to shallow areas.
• Life jackets are not permitted in the deep end of pools or on big slides.
• All persons are required to take a cleaning shower before entering the pool.
• Protect our water. Please do not use the pool if you have had diarrhea in the past two weeks or a disease communicable by water.
• Shower your child and yourself. Take a cleansing shower before entering the pool or after using the toilet.
• Swimmers who are not toilet-trained must wear a swim diaper.
• Immuno-compromised individuals should use caution when using a public pool.
• Water and alcohol do not mix.  No person under the influence of alcohol may use the pool.
• No running or rough play.
• No glass or plastic that will shatter.
• No food or drinks in the pool.
• No diving is allowed except in designated diving areas.
• No animals are allowed in the pool area.
• No front flips or back dives off the side of the pool. Always enter the pool feet first unless in specified diving areas.
• No excessive breath holding or prolonged underwater swimming.
• No undressing or changing of diapers on the pool deck.
• No tobacco, vaping, e-cigarette, or drug use.
• No hanging on dividing walls or lane lines.
• Swimwear should be appropriate and family friendly. Examples of Approved Swimwear
• Flotation devices are only allowed in designated areas.
• Water guns or any toy resembling a weapon are not allowed on site.  All other toys will be permitted at the discretion of the lifeguard.

Accessibility Notes 

We have chair lifts with straps available at the following pools:

• Creston Outdoor Pool* - lifts available for access to full pool
• East Portland Community Center Pool - lifts available on Lap pool, Leisure pool and spa
• Grant Outdoor Pool* - lifts available for access to full pool
• Matt Dishman Community Center Pool - lifts available on Lap pool and spa
• Montavilla Outdoor Pool* - lifts available for access to full pool
• Peninsula Outdoor Pool * - lifts available for access to full pool
• Pier Outdoor Pool * - lifts available for access to full pool
• Southwest Community Center Pool - lifts available on Lap pool and spa
• Ida B. Wells Outdoor Pool* - lifts available on Lap pool
  
  Mt Scott Community Center Pool - Closed for renovations. 

The following pools have a zero-depth entry into the leisure pool, and a pool-accessible wheelchair is available for pool visitors to use: 

• East Portland Community Center Pool - pool-accessible wheelchair available on Leisure pool
• Ida B. Wells Outdoor Pool*- pool-accessible wheelchair available on Leisure pool
• Sellwood Outdoor Pool*
• Southwest Community Center Pool - pool-accessible wheelchair available on Leisure pool

*Outdoor pools are open seasonally June–August. 

Potential Pool Closures

Pools and water features sometimes close unexpectedly for a variety of reasons. Our teams will do their best to manage these closures in a timely manner and will reopen as soon as it is safely possible.

1. Mechanical issues: There are many complex mechanical system failures that could lead to the closing of a pool or water feature. Our maintenance teams will do their best to resolve issues as quickly as possible, but sometimes unexpected repairs could result in extended closures.
2. Emergency Management: Our aquatics staff are trained to respond to a variety of emergency or medical issues. If staff is responding to an emergency, the pools or water feature may need to be closed so staff can properly manage the incident and follow all post-incident procedures.
3. Biological Water Contamination: If there is a biological contamination (fecal or vomit) in the water, our pools will need to close according to strict CDC sanitization guidelines.  The severity of these closures could vary from a 30-minute closure to a 13-hour shutdown of a specific pool or water feature. You can help prevent biological contaminations by following the below recommendations.
   1. Take a cleansing shower before entering the pool
   2. Do not use the pool if you have had diarrhea or another disease communicable by water in the past two weeks.
   3. Non-toilet trained swimmers should always wear a properly fitting swim diaper in the water and on the pool deck. Swim diapers are available for purchase at all PP&R pools.
   4. Do not allow children to sit on water features that bubble up. 

Admission and Passes

Portland Parks & Recreation offers drop-in aquatic programming, including play swims and water fitness activities such as lap swimming, hot tub, current channel walk, and fitness classes. Access is included with daily admission.

• Pool capacities are limited.
• Little ones aged 0-2 are FREE.

Access Discount Program - Reduced Pricing: Thanks to the Parks Local Option Levy, Portland residents can get a discount on community center and pool admission, classes, camps, swim lessons, and more. To get a discount, first register for an Access Discount, select a discount amount (25, 50, 75, or 90%), and then use it for select activities. No proof of income is required. 

Drop-In Admission (indoor pools: East Portland, Matt Dishman, Southwest)

• Youth (age 3-12): $4
• Teen (age 13-17): $5
• Adult (age 18-59): $6
• Senior (age 60+): $5

The pass fees listed reflect pricing for City of Portland residents. Non-residents are charged more to account for City of Portland taxes that support Portland Parks & Recreation.

20-Visit Pass(indoor pools: East Portland, Matt Dishman, Southwest)

• Youth (age 3-12): $77
• Teen (age 13-17): $85
• Adult (age 18-59): $106
• Senior (age 60+): $85
• Senior Couple (both age 60+): $85

Month Pass(indoor pools: East Portland, Matt Dishman, Southwest)

• Youth (age 3-12): $29
• Teen (age 13-17): $33
• Adult (age 18-59): $41
• Senior (age 60+): $33
• Senior Couple (both age 60+): $49
• Family: $66

Play Swims

Spring play swim schedules

Summer schedules begin June 20 and can be found on individual pool web pages (listed on the right menu on a computer or at the bottom of the page if using a mobile device).

During drop-in swimming times, everyone must pay admission, even if they are not getting in the water. Pool capacities are limited and will vary based on current staffing levels. Not all activities or amenities are available at all times. 

• Children under 48 inches tall and non-swimmers (including children in lifejackets) must always have a parent or guardian, age 16 or older, in the water within arm's reach.
• All children younger than 10 must always have an adult or guardian over 16 years old in the facility.
• During play swims, all swimmers must pass a swim test before swimming in the deep end or lap pool. Non-swimmers and those without a wristband indicating they have passed the swim test will be asked to move to shallow areas.

Open Swim: Swimming time for all ages and skill levels. 

Family Swim: Swimming for caregivers and children in the shallow leisure pool. All children younger than 16 years old must have a caregiver in the water with them. 

Adult/Preschool Swim: Swimming time for children ages 5 and younger and their caregiver(s). The caregiver must be over 16 years old and be in the water with the child.

Adaptive Swim: Sensory-sensitive swim time. During this time, the pool will have fewer swimmers, and amenities are turned off.  Adaptive swims can be age-specific and vary between facilities. Youth Adaptive Swim is for ages 18 and younger, with a caregiver in the water regardless of height or age.

Senior/Adult Adaptive Swim: For swimmers ages 16 and older.Intended for self-guided exercise, therapy, and stretching. 

Lap Swim

Spring lap swim and water fitness class schedules

All lap pools are 25 yards in length. Lap swim is intended for people who can swim the full length of the pool without stopping. Swimming is horizontal and continuous, usually with the swimmer's face in the water. 

• When entering a lane, please choose a speed that matches your ability relative to other swimmers
• If you are being passed regularly, move to a slower lane. If you are passing others regularly, move to a faster lane
• To maintain safety, communicate with all other swimmers before entering the water
• Swimmers can split a lane or circle swim, depending on how many swimmers are in the lane
• Splitting a lane means a swimmer stays on one side only (left or right)
• Circle swimming means swimmers stay on the right side of the lane, just like driving a car.Follow the painted marker on the bottom of the pool, always staying to the right.
• If there is one swimmer in a lane, they should split or circle swim
• If there are two swimmers in a lane, they should split or circle swim
• If there are three or more swimmers in a lane, they should circle swim
• Lap swim can be busy; there is no maximum capacity of swimmers in a lane.Lap swimmers cannot refuse additional swimmers in a lane.
• Drills such as kicking or pulling are acceptable.
• Appropriate equipment includes goggles, kickboards, pull buoys, and fins.Some items may be available for use on-site.Personal equipment is allowed at the discretion of staff; no glass masks.

Water Fitness Classes

Spring lap swim and water fitness class schedules

We offer a variety of fitness classes for adults in the swimming pool. For your health and safety, we encourage all participants to follow the cues and instructions provided by the certified instructors. 

• Fitness equipment is provided. Participants are welcome to bring their equipment and wear specially designed water shoes if only worn in the pool area and not while navigating to and from the facility.
• Please keep side conversations to a minimum so others can effectively hear cues provided by the instructor. We encourage socializing before and after class.
• Those wishing to use the pool for personal water fitness are welcome to do so provided their actions do not impact the flow of the group fitness class. 

Aquaerobics: This shallow water class focuses on cardiovascular fitness with special attention to strength and flexibility. All fitness and swimming levels welcome!

Aqua Power: Experience the difference in deep water. This class uses buoyant and resistance equipment to provide an excellent cardiovascular workout with zero impact. Aqua Power is for all levels. Participants should be comfortable in deep water. 

S.M.I.L.E. (Slow Movement Intensity Lowered Exercise): This shallow water class focuses on improving circulation, strength, range of motion and flexibility through low impact exercise. All participants welcome!

Aqua Yoga: By bringing Yoga to the water, there is no gravity and the water will take the pressure off your joints. It will help develop strength, static balance and will increase overall range of motion. This low-impact class will help develop strength and balance while relaxing in the water. Aqua Yoga is for all skill levels and abilities. 

Aqua Zumba: Achieve long-term benefits while experiencing an absolute blast in the pool! The routines feature interval training sessions where fast and slow rhythms and water resistance are combined to tone and sculpt your body.

Pregnancy Fitness: Energize your pregnancy! This shallow water class focuses on pregnancy fitness with special attention to improved circulation and flexibility.

Current Channel Walk/Fitness Swim: Walk or run against the Current Channel for an excellent cardiovascular workout. Improve circulation and strength with this low-impact activity. Program is intended for cardiovascular fitness, not for open swim. Patrons must be able to walk comfortably with or against the current. No instructor present.

Swim Lessons

Due to the high demand for swim lessons, participants may register for one class per person per session. If you can't get into a class, we highly recommend you place yourself on the waitlist. You will be contacted if a waitlist opening becomes available.

All classes are 30 minutes long. Please note that swim lesson classes are limited and vary by pool. Not all levels are offered at all times. See the link below to view and register for swim lessons.

Registration

Spring lessons run from March 31 through June 1.

• Thursday, March 6 – Register beginning at 9:30am for spring activities that start on or after March 31.
• Thursday, April 10 – Register beginning at 9:30am for spring activities that start on or after May 5.

 Sign up for Swim Lessons and Activities 

Summer lessons run from June 30 through August 22, and the Summer Swim League runs from June 23 through August 16.

• Thursday, May 15— Register beginning at 9:30am for summer activities that start on or after June 23.
  • Session 1: June 30 – July 11 (no class 7/4)
  • Session 2: July 14 – July 25
• Thursday, June 12— Register beginning at 9:30am for summer activities that start on or after July 28.
  • Session 3: July 28 – August 8
  • Session 4: August 11 – August 22

Free Learn to Swim Lessons: June 23 - 27, 2025

• Register in-person at any PP&R pool on June 13 from 4:00 - 7:00 pm.
• Online registration for free swim lessons will begin June 13 at 7:00 pm.

Swim Lesson Levels

Click here for full lesson descriptions and class details

Adult/Child (age 6 months_­­­­–3, with an adult)

• Angelfish: For children aged 6 months to 18 months who will be accompanied by a parent or other adult in the water. Water adjustment and basic skills development are emphasized as the instructor guides parents and children through this level.
• Starfish: For children 18 months to 3 years old who will be accompanied by a parent(s) or other adult in the water. Fun, water adjustment, and basic skill development are emphasized as the instructor guides parents and children through this level.

Preschool (age 3–5)

• Goldfish: For the non-swimmer.
• Pre-Penguin: For the non-swimmer who can put their face in the water and blow bubbles.
• Pre-Otter: Must be comfortable in the water and be able to do a front glide with kick for 5 feet and unassisted back floats.
• Pre-Seal: Must be able to do back glides with kicking for 5 feet, front crawl with no side breathing for 10 feet, and five side breathing breaths with arms on wall.

Youth–Adult (age 6+)

• Penguin: For the non-swimmer who can put face in the water and blow bubbles.
• Otter: Must be comfortable in the water and be able to do a front glide with kick for 10 feet and unassisted back floats.
• Seal: Must be able to do back glides with kicking for 10 feet (youth), front crawl with no side breathing for 15 feet, and five side breathing breaths with arms on the wall.
• Polar Bear: Must be comfortable in deep water and be able to swim front crawl with arms and side breathing for 30 feet and backstroke with arms for 30 feet.
• Sea Lion: Must be comfortable in the deep water and able to swim front crawl with side breathing for 50 feet and backstroke for 50 feet.
• Dolphin: Must be comfortable in the deep water and be able to swim front crawl with side breathing for 25 yards, back crawl for 25 yards, and elementary backstroke for 25 yards.
• Park Shark: Must be comfortable in the deep water and be able to dive into the pool and swim front crawl for 50 yards, swim backstroke for 50 yards, and breaststroke for 50 yards.

Teen/Adult Beginner

• Teen: Learn front crawl, back crawl, and basic water safety in lessons designed just for you! Discover a new skill that could lead to employment.
• Adult: For the beginner swimmer

Group Swimming Information

Groups are welcome to come to Open Play Swim. Admission is first come, first served, and capacity is based on daily staffing levels. To make your visit as easy as possible, please contact the pool that you would like to use at least 1 business day before your visit so you can complete a Group Use Agreement.  Groups will agree to the following items:

• We will adhere to the following Adult/Child ratio (in the water):
  • 1 adult per 10 swimmers who are age 6 or older
  • 1 adult per 3 swimmers who are under age 6
  • 1 adult per 4 swimmers of combined ages (older or younger than 6 years)
• Children will not enter the water until all counselors are in the water first.
• Our counselors will be responsible for the children at all times.
• Lifejackets are available for non-swimmers.
• Our group will obey all posted safety rules and any direction provided to us by lifeguards

Summer Swim Programs 

Jr Lifeguard & Jr Swim Instructor

These programs are offered during the summer season. 

Jr Lifeguardis a fun and challenging program for youth 11 to 15 years old. Jr Lifeguards will advance through two skill levels. Silver and Gold. Both levels are taught together in preparation for becoming a Lifeguard. Students will develop Rescue Skills, C.P.R, First Aid, Customer Service Skills and Water Safety Skills. Participants will Buddy Guard and develop skills necessary to become a PP&R Lifeguard. 

Jr Lifeguard sessions:

• Creston Pool – 12:15-3:15pm – Session 1, 2, 3
• Grant Pool – 11:15am-2:15pm – Session 1, 2, 3, 4
• Ida B. Wells Pool – 10:00am-1:00pm – Session 2, 4
• Montavilla Pool – 11:45am-2:45pm – Session 2, 3
• Peninsula Pool – 12:00-3:00pm – Session 4
• Pier Pool – 12:30-3:30pm – Session 2
• Sellwood Pool – 12:15-3:15pm – Session 1, 2, 3, 4

Jr Swim Instructor is a fun and challenging program for youth 11 to 15 years old. Jr Swim Instructors will advance through two skill levels. Silver and Gold. Both levels are taught together in preparation for becoming a PP&R Swim Instructor. Students will train in stroke improvement, increase skill knowledge, learn how to develop lesson plans and how to teach water safety.

Jr Swim Instructor sessions:

• Creston Pool – 3:45-5:45pm – Session 1, 2, 3
• Grant Pool – 9:00-11:00am – Session 1, 2, 3, 4
• Ida B. Wells Pool – 10:15am-12:15pm – Session 3
• Matt Dishman Pool – 9:30-11:30am – Session 2
• Peninsula Pool – 4:00-6:00pm – Session 4
• Pier Pool – 4:00-6:00pm – Session 3
• Sellwood Pool – 10:00am-12:00pm – Session 1, 2, 3, 4

Click here to register for Jr Lifeguard or Jr Swim Instructor

Summer Swim League

Summer Swim League is offered only during the summer season. For youth competitive swimming programs, check out the Blue Makos program below.

Participants must be able to swim the length of the pool of each front crawl and back crawl. This activity takes place at both outdoor and indoor pools during the summer session. This is a novice, competitive experience developed to enable kids to have a swim team experience. This league is not intended for club swimmers. Each pool facilitates an exceptional learning environment through excellent coaching, work on endurance and competitive skills.  Eligible participants must be able to swim past our Sea Lion level: able to swim the length of the pool of front crawl and back crawl. Summer Swim League is held at all PP&R Pools.

Team Practice Monday – Friday

• Creston Outdoor Pool – 9:00-10:00am or 10:00-11:00am
• East Portland Indoor Pool* – 7:55-8:55am
• Grant Outdoor Pool – 8:00-9:00am or 9:00-10:00am or 10:00-11:00am
• Ida B. Wells Outdoor Pool – 8:00-9:00am or 9:00-10:00am
• Matt Dishman Indoor Pool* - 3:00-4:00pm
• Montavilla Outdoor Pool – 10:00-11:00am
• Peninsula Outdoor Pool – 5:30-6:30pm
• Pier Outdoor Pool – 10:00-11:00am
• Sellwood Outdoor Pool – 8:00-9:00am or 9:00-10:00am
• Southwest Indoor Pool* - 3:00-4:00pm

*Need 15 registered participants by June 13 for Summer Swim League to run at selected sites.

Summer Swim League Swim Meets will be Saturdays rotating at different pools, meet times TBA.

• July 12 at Grant Pool – Grant, Peninsula, Pier
• July 12 at Ida B. Wells Pool – Ida B. Wells, Sellwood, Southwest
• July 19 at Creston Pool – Creston, East Portland, Matt Dishman, Montavilla
• July 26 at Montavilla Pool – Ida B. Wells, Matt Dishman, Peninsula
• August 2 at Grant Pool – Creston, Pier, Sellwood
• August 9 at Montavilla Pool – East Portland, Grant, Montavilla, Southwest
• August 16 at Ida B. Wells Pool (Large Team Championships) – Creston, Grant, Ida B. Wells, Sellwood
• August 16 at Grant Pool (Small Team Championships) – East Portland, Matt Dishman, Montavilla, Peninsula, Pier, Southwest

Click here to register for Summer Swim League 

Blue Makos

Blue Makos is offered in fall, winter and spring seasons. 

Are you into speed, competition, and perfecting your technique?  Receive one hour per week of expert coaching in a fun, supportive environment. Participants will be given instruction on butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, and freestyle, including competitive dives and turns. It is a great place to begin your journey to competitive swimming. Participants must be able to swim the length of the pool: Front crawl stroke and backstroke (this is equal to passing Sea Lion level in the Portland Parks & Recreation swim lesson program.)

A pre-competitive swim league participants ages 6-17 will enjoy:

• 1-hour weekly swim practices at all pools
• Expert tips from an experienced swim coach
• A fun, supportive, learning environment
• Instruction on each of the four competitive strokes including dives and turns
• Every swimmer will receive a Blue Makos swim cap.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I rent the pool?

A: Due to low staffing levels, we are not currently offering pool rentals. Parties are welcome to attend open play swims as long as they follow adult to child group ratios (1 adult for every 10 kids age 6 and over, 1 adult for every 3 kids age 6 and under). Admission is first come, first serve and capacity is based on daily staffing levels.

Q: Will you offer private or semi-private lessons?

A: We are prioritizing group swimming lessons and are not currently offering private or semi-private lessons. If your swimmer needs ADA accommodation, please reach out to your neighborhood pool to determine the accommodation that will best work for your swimmer.

Q: What will the capacity of play swims be?

A: Pool capacities will be determined based on the staffing levels for the day. We will do our very best to admit as many swimmers as possible, but please note, there may be days where capacity is limited. A nationwide lifeguard shortage is affecting us as well.  Thank you for your patience and for being kind to staff.

Q: What happened to Columbia Pool and where can I find more information about it?

A: Columbia Indoor Pool has been permanently closed due to life-safety hazards for building occupants. The City knows the loss of Columbia Pool is disappointing news for the North Portland community and encourages Portlanders to check out Pier Outdoor Pool, Peninsula Outdoor Pool, and Matt Dishman Indoor Pool. These are the closest PP&R swimming pool locations to Columbia Pool. You can find more information and answers to frequently asked questions about Columbia Pool here.