Aquatics Activities

Peter Kirk Pool photograph

The Peter Kirk Pool is the City of Kirkland's outdoor heated seasonal pool. Kirkland Parks and Community Services offers a wading pool for young swimmers.

Participants of all ages can take advantage of our classes and programs. These include swim lessons, lap swim, public swim, swim team, water safety courses, water exercise, and others. Classes and programs are available throughout the summer season.

We also have three swimming beaches at Houghton Beach, Waverly Beach, and Juanita Beach. For lifeguard hours and more information on our swimming beaches, please visit the Guarded Swim Beaches section below.  

Peter Kirk Pool Fees and Membership

Updated 2025 Pricing coming soon! 

Peter Kirk Pool Public Swim Schedules

2025 Schedule coming soon!

Peter Kirk Pool Lap Swim Schedule

Peter Kirk Pool Lap Swim Schedule:  

There are varying number of lanes open for lap swim throughout the season. Please remember when Deep Water Exercise Class is in session, Lap Lanes are reduced to 3 available lanes. Lap Lanes are first come first serve. There is no Lap Swim on Sundays.

2025 Lap Swim Schedule coming soon!

Peter Kirk Main Pool and Diving Board Rules

Peter Kirk Pool - Facility Rules  

Peter Kirk Facility: MAX 310 | Main Pool Area: MAX of 270 | Wading Pool Area: MAX of 40 

ALL SWIMMERS MUST TAKE A CLEANSING SHOWER BEFORE ENTERING THE WATER. 

General Pool Rules: 

  • No swimming when lifeguards are not present.  

  • Aquatics staff have authority to enforce all pool rules. Disciplinary action is at the discretion of the Aquatics Staff. Patrons who repeatedly violate the rules may be asked to exit the facility without a refund. 

  • Alcohol, tobacco, and drug use are prohibited. This includes electronic cigarettes. 

  • Patrons under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be removed from the facility. 

  • No running, pushing, throwing, dunking, breath holding, excessive splashing, carrying someone on your back, spitting/discharge of any bodily waste, or horseplay of any kind. 

  • Fighting, vandalism, harassment, PDA, inappropriate language, or violent behavior will not be tolerated and will result in immediate expulsion from the facility. 

  • Snorkels and face masks covering eyes and nose are not permitted (swim goggles not covering the nose are acceptable) 

  • Water wings or other non-coast guard approved personal inflatables are not permitted. 

  • Mermaid suits or mono-fins are not permitted. 

  • Jumping off, diving off, or playing on diving blocks will not be permitted. 

  • No prolonged underwater swimming for time and/or distance. Competitive and/or repetitive breath holding can be deadly and is not permitted. 

  • The pool deck and locker room floors are slippery when wet. 

  • All children 10 years and under must be always accompanied by an adult age 18 or older to enter the Peter Kirk Pool Facility. 

  • Children six (6) years of age and younger must be directly supervised by an adult (18 years or older) in the water and be always within an arm’s length distance. 

  • A maximum of three (3) children six (6) years of age or under are permitted in the water per adult. 

  • Diving is allowed in designated areas only. No diving in shallow water (Shallow Water Areas are marked “No Diving”). Any jumping should be made straight off the edge and into the pool. Front and back flips, back dives and twirls are not permitted when jumping in the pool from the pool edge. 

  • All jumps must be forward and feet first from the pool deck. 

  • Ladders, handrails, and chair lifts are to be used only for entering or exiting the pool. Playing on ladders, handrails and chairlifts is not permitted.  

  • All children 12 and under must take our Deep Water Swim Test in order to go into the deep end and diving well of the Peter Kirk Pool.  

  • Non-swimmers, under the age of 13 must stay in shallow water (chest deep) unless they are with a parent in water no deeper than the parent’s chests.  

  • Outside food and non-alcoholic beverages are permitted within the facility and are to be consumed in designated areas only. 

  • Main Pool: The upper main pool deck  

  • Wading Pool: The grass area by the wading pool. 

  • Glass is not permitted within the facility. 

  • Gum or gum chewing is not allowed within the facility. 

  • No food or beverages other than water are allowed on the pool deck or in the pool water. 

  • Anyone with seizure, heart, or circulatory problems should swim with a buddy and alert the staff in case of emergency. 

  • Diseases and Illness: Patrons with communicable diseases or illnesses within the last two (2) weeks shall not use the pool. This may include but is not limited to persons having skin lesions, sore or inflamed eyes, mouth, nose or ear discharge or diarrhea or vomiting. 

  • Bringing any animal, other than a service animal (dog) onto the immediate premise is prohibited. Service animals may not enter water. 

  • Appropriate swim attire is required at all times when using the pool. 

  • Fringe cut-offs, denim, and cotton garments are not permitted in the main and wading pool. 

  • Bathing suits must be family friendly, all thongs and revealing attire will not be permitted within the facility. 

  • Infants and toddlers who are not toilet trained must wear a swim diaper and have a tight-fitting protective covering (Per State Health Code

  • Diapers must be changed in the designated changing areas in locker rooms.  

  • Disposable diapers are not permitted in the pool. 

Water Toys & Flotation Devices: 

  • Water toys will be allowed at the discretion of the lifeguard on duty. 

  • Large floatation devices are not permitted in the pool unless otherwise noted for special events.  

  • Small personal floatation devices may be permitted at the lifeguard’s discretion. 

Lifejacket Loaner Stations: 

  • Coast Guard Approved Lifejackets are available at any public swim. If a lifejacket is needed, please speak with any lifeguards on duty in the lifeguard office. 

  • Children wearing a lifejacket must be always supervised in water from within arm’s length distance from an adult.  

  • Parents may take children wearing a lifejacket into depths no higher than chest deep. 

  • Lifejackets are Not Permitted in the diving well. 

Public Swim Lap Swim Equipment and Etiquette: 

  • Snorkels and fins are allowed for those lap swimming.  

  • Swimmers should remove fins as they exit the pool.  

  • Walking on the pool deck in fins is not permitted. 

  • Kickboards are available during lap swimming, lessons, and swim team. 

  • Sitting, standing, or throwing kickboards is not permitted. 

  • Using kickboards on diving blocks will not be permitted. 

  • All patrons using the Public Swim Lap Lane must: 

  • Be swimming laps. Patrons wanting to use this lane for exercising must get permission from the lifeguard if the lane is not being occupied by lap swimmers. 

  • Individuals not swimming laps in the lap lanes (splashing, playing, etc.) may be asked to leave.  

  • Must Circle Swim when there are two or more swimmers in the lap lane. 

Locker Room Rules and Etiquette: 

  • Children 6 and under may not be left unattended in the locker rooms. 

  • Photography or video recording is strictly prohibited in locker rooms. 

  • Food or drink are not permitted in the locker room. 

  • The City of Kirkland is not responsible for items lost or stolen from the locker rooms. 

  • Unclaimed lost and found items are donated one week after they are found. 

IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY: Call 911 

  • Emergency phone is located in the Lifeguard Office. 

  • Pool Address: 340 Kirkland Ave, Kirkland, WA 98033  

  • First Aid Kit and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is located in the Lifeguard Office. 

 

DIVING BOARD RULES 

ALL CHILDREN 12 AND UNDER MUST TAKE OUR DEEP WATER SWIM TEST IN ORDER TO USE THE DIVING BOARD.  

  • Goggles/masks and Lifejackets are not permitted to be worn off the diving board. 

  • Running is not permitted on or near the diving board. Please walk! 

  • Swimming, playing, and/or diving in the designated diving board splashdown area is not permitted unless the diving board is closed. 

  • Swimming and/or playing under the diving board is not permitted unless the diving board is closed. 

  • When using the Diving Board please make sure that

  • One patron at a time.  

  • Patrons must swim directly to the nearest ladder and leave the diving area.  

  • The next patron must wait until the splashdown area is cleared before climbing up the stairs. 

  • One bounce per dive is allowed. 

  • Divers must jump straight from the front of the board. 

  • The following behavior is not permitted on the diving board: 
    Cartwheels, handstands, running dives, flipping, sit dives, hanging off the diving board, Jumping off of the board into someone’s arms. 

  • Only Pool Staff can adjust the fulcrum from the side of the Diving Board.  

  • Lifejackets are Not Permitted off the Diving Board or in the diving well. 

  • Lifeguards may ask an individual to retest at any point in the season to ensure that they are safe to swim in deep water or go off the Diving Board.  

  • The Diving Board can be closed at the lifeguard’s discretion at any time. 

    Peter Kirk Pool – Deep Water Swim Test 
    ALL CHILDREN 12 AND UNDER MUST TAKE OUR DEEP WATER SWIM TEST IN ORDER TO GO INTO THE DEEP END AND DIVING WELL OF THE PETER KIRK POOL.  

  • This test is to show a swimmer’s confidence in the water and ability to safely enter, resurface, continuously swim 25 yards without assistance or touching the wall, and exit the pool in deep water.  

    This test is done by a lifeguard in the deep end of the pool. 

    To pass the Deep-Water Swim Test, a swimmer must complete all of the following: 

    Goggles and Lifejackets are not allowed to be worn during the Deep Water Swim Test.

    1. The swimmer must jump into the deep end of the pool feet first and resurface.  
    2. The swimmer must then immediately start to swim to the far end of the pool (25 yards)  

    3. The swimmer must swim continuously without assistance, stopping, or touching/holding the wall – briefly stopping to breathe is allowed.  

    4. Swimmers must show confident/strong swimming mechanics by only using freestyle, front crawl, or breaststroke – Swimmers must remain horizontal on top of the water and have some level of proficiency in the swim stroke. Underwater swimming is not permitted.  

    5. Swimmers must also have controlled rhythmic breathing (side-breathing or quick pop-up breathing)  

    6. At the end of the 25-yard swim, the swimmer must exit the swimming pool either by steps, ladder, or side.  

    • If a swimmer does not pass the Deep-Water Swim Test, the lifeguard will let the swimmer know what they need to work on in order to pass the test.  

    • Testing seasonally ensures that the child demonstrates their swim ability to stay safe each time they are in and around the water. 

    • For swimmers that have passed, their swim test results are recorded for the season, and those who pass can pick up their wrist bands at the lifeguard office.  

    • Lifeguards may ask an individual to retest at any point in the season to ensure that they are safe to swim in deep water.  

Wading Pool Rules

WADING POOL AREA RULES 

The Wading Pool area has a maximum occupancy of 40 people permitted inside the gate area at all times. This includes those in the Wading Pool water and on the Wading Pool deck. 

THE WADING POOL IS FOR CHILDREN 6 YEARS AND UNDER AND THEIR PARENTS. 

  • No diving in the Wading Pool. All patrons entering the wading pool must enter feet first.  

  • All patrons should avoid swallowing the pool water or allowing water into their mouth. 

  • Spitting or discharge of any bodily waste is prohibited in the pool. 

  • All children 10 years and under must be always accompanied by an adult age 18 or older to enter the Peter Kirk Pool Facility. 

  • Children six (6) years of age and younger must be directly supervised by an adult (18 years or older) in the water and be always within an arm’s length distance. 

  • A maximum of three (3) children six (6) years of age or under are permitted in the water per adult. 

  • Infants and toddlers who are not toilet trained must wear a swim diaper and have a tight-fitting protective covering (Per State Health Code) 

  • Diapers must be changed in the designated changing areas in locker rooms.  

  • Disposable diapers are not permitted in the pool. 

  • Water toys will be allowed at the discretion of the lifeguard on duty. 

  • Small personal floatation devices may be permitted at the lifeguard’s discretion. 

  • Outside food and non-alcoholic beverages are permitted within the facility and are to be consumed in designated areas only. 

  • Glass is not permitted within the facility. 

  • Gum or gum chewing is not allowed within the facility. 

  • No food or beverages other than water are allowed on the pool deck or in the pool water. 

Morning and Evening Lap Swim Etiquette

MORNING AND EVENING LAP SWIM ETIQUETTE 

AM LAP SWIM AND PM LAP SWIM IS OPEN TO THOSE AGES 13 AND OLDER.

SWIMMERS AGES 13-15 MUST HAVE A PARENT OR GUARDIAN PRESENT DURING MORNING OR EVENING LAP SWIM HOURS. 

ALL SWIMMERS MUST TAKE A CLEANSING SHOWER BEFORE ENTERING THE WATER. 

  • Lap Swim Lane Capacity is 4 swimmers per lane.

  • All swimmers must share lanes and are expected to Circle Swim.

  • Please be respectful of other who are sharing the lane with you.

  • If space allows, walking and/or exercising will be designated to its own lane.

  • All general pool and deck rules apply.

  • All patrons must swim in a lane that matches their swimming speed.

  • If you are swimming faster than others in your lane, move to a faster lane.

  • If you are swimming slower than others in your lane, move to a slower lane.

  • Use of kickboards, pull buoys, masks, fins, snorkels, and paddles is permitted.

  • Report all problems to guard on duty. Use common courtesy when swimming.

Lap Lane Etiquette Reminders:

  • Safe swimming is everyone's responsibility.

  • Appropriate swim wear is required.

  • Be respectful of water-walkers and recreational users in designated exercise lanes.

  • Use lap swim equipment (kickboards, flippers, paddles) with caution.

  • Circle Swimming is the default rule for all lap lanes when there are two or more swimmers present.

  • Lap swimmers should swim counterclockwise, staying to the right of the lane close to the lane rope.

  • It is the responsibility of the swimmer entering the lane to be sure that all the other swimmers in that lane are aware of his/her presence and the necessary traffic pattern.

  • Always swim complete laps of the pool. Avoid stopping in the middle of the lane, this can interfere with the progress of other swimmers and cause collisions.

  • Be aware of your space in the lane and orientation of others. If you are approaching the wall and another lap swimmer is gaining on you and swimming at a faster rate than you are, pause at the wall to allow the faster swimmer(s) to pass you.

  • Be courteous of drafting. Provide adequate distance between you and the swimmer ahead of you.

  • When swimming into the wall, keep to the right (not the middle or the left) so that if a person is passing you at the end of a lane, they will have space to turn.

  • When standing at the wall of a lane, stand to the right (when facing the wall) whenever possible to allow space for incoming swimmers.

  • Please move to another lane if you are too slow or too fast for the lane you are in.

Lap swim diagram

Swim Lesson Information

Visit the Swim Lessons Class Information Page

  • Lessons start promptly at registered start time. All students must be in appropriate swim attire and take a cleansing shower before entering the water.
  • Students must wait for their instructor to call them into the water.
  • Students must always stay with their instructor when in the pool.
  • Students may use the diving blocks while supervised.
  • Students must get out of the pool when the lesson ends. Instructor will make sure all students are out of the water before they leave the class area.
  • There are no make-up days for lessons. Lessons may be cancelled due to unexpected mechanical failure, thunder/lightning, excessive heat or smoke, or other unexpected facility closures.
  • If lessons are cancelled, two-visit pool passes will be issued out.
  • All Facility Rules apply. There is no public swimming during lessons unless otherwise specified.
  • If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to the Lesson Coordinator.

Deep Water Exercise Classes

Work at your own pace. Beginners to Advanced are welcome! Get a leaner, stronger body while having fun! Our professionally trained instructors will inspire you to move and burn calories, in a quick 60-minute muscle and core building in water workout.  Classes are available on Monday/Wednesday and Saturdays.

Visit KirklandParks.net for more information
about Deep Water Exercise Classes

Kirkland Orca Swim Team and Craze Summer Swim League

Ages: 6-17
Season:2025 Season dates coming soon!
Practices: Monday – Thursday (mornings)

The City of Kirkland offers a recreational swim team that participates in the Craze Summer Swim League.  This league focuses on developing fundamental skills and instilling the value of a recreational activity that lasts a lifetime. 

My child is returning to the Orca Swim Team this year, when can I register my child? 
If your child swam on our swim team in 2023, they are eligible to return to Orca Swim Team. Returning Swimmer registration opens March 29 and closes May 19.  Register your child online at kirklandparks.net or by calling Loni Rotter at 425-587-3333. 

How can a new participant join the team? 
We host new participant tryouts at the Peter Kirk Pool.  Once passing the tryouts, names will be placed into a lottery, divided up by age group and gender. Names will be drawn, starting with the youngest age group, filling the available spaces on the team. Tryout date for 2025 coming soon!

Visit the Orca Swim Team page for more information

Kirkland AquaLeaders Program

Develop lifeguard and swim instructor skills, while building leadership experience that can be applied to a variety of occupations. AquaLeaders receive training and instruction in facility rules, policies and procedures, water safety and swim lesson instruction. Completion of the program is a prerequisite to volunteer as a Junior Lifeguard and/or Swim Instructor Aide for the Kirkland Aquatic Service Program, weekdays in July and August.

New AquaLeader Training Dates:

  • 2025 New AquaLeader Training dates coming soon!
     

Returning AquaLeader Training Dates:

  • 2025 Returning AquaLeader Training dates coming soon!

New AquaLeaders will need to attend all three training dates to be enrolled in the program. If you attended AquaLeader training in a previous year, you would only need to attend the returning training date. The first class will meet at the Peter Kirk Pool.

Visit KirklandParks.net for registration and
information about AquaLeaders

Guarded Swimming Beaches

Visit our Swimming Beaches page
for additional information

We have three guarded swimming beaches, Houghton Beach, Waverly Beach and Juanita Beach. All beaches have designated swim areas marked and all lifeguard offices offer a free lifejacket loaner program. All children 12 and under must pass an open water swim test before crossing the shallow water buoy line.

Lifeguards are on duty daily from 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM.  All beaches will have beach rules and lifeguard on duty signs will be posted when lifeguards are on duty.  2025 Guarded Beach dates will be posted in early 2025!

No Lifeguard On-Duty: If there is inclement weather, or the air temperature is under 65 degrees, lifeguards will not report to the beaches. 

Camps and Groups: Groups larger than 15 are encouraged to contact the City of Kirkland 48 hours in advance of an intended visit. Please call 425-587-3333. 

Lifeguard Olympics: 2025 Lifeguard Olympics date will be posted in early 2025! Please join us for the afternoon of training and competition. Beaches will open at 3pm due to this staff training.

Houghton Beach Park

5811 Lake Washington Boulevard

Houghton Beach Park

Houghton Beach Swimming Area has a long pier and a large dock with good shallow areas for children.

Waverly Beach Park

633 Waverly Way

 Waverly Beach Park

Waverly Beach has a swimming area completely enclosed by a "U" shaped sunbathing dock. This area offers a shallow water swimming area for smaller children, and a deeper water swimming area.

Juanita Beach Park

9703 NE Juanita Drive

Juanita Beach Park

Juanita Beach has a designated swimming area completely enclosed by a "U" shaped dock, with shallow beach and dock entry swimming areas.

Sprinkler Park

Sprinkler Park
Looking for a FUN, FREE way to cool off?

Join us this summer at Lee Johnson Field for our annual Sprinkler Park Thursdays! We offer a variety of sprinklers, suitable for all ages, set up for everyone to enjoy! This program is free for all ages and takes place on Thursdays during July and August at Lee Johnson Field at Peter Kirk Park.

When: 2025 Sprinkler Park dates coming in early 2025!
Where: Lee Johnson Field (202 3rd Street, Kirkland, WA 98033)

Temperatures must be above 70 degrees for Sprinkler Parks to be open. Our Facebook page and our inclement weather hotline (425-587-3335) will be updated in the event that sprinkler park is cancelled for the day. Parking is available in the parking garage under the library. All children 10 and under must be supervised by an adult.   

Peter Kirk Pool Rental

 Peter Kirk Pool

Pool Rentals - Rent The Pool

Fees are based on hours of use and include set up and take down. Lifeguards, pool toys and party deck space included in rental. Rentals must be made at least 14 days in advance.  

2025 Pool Rental Guide coming soon!

Friday/Saturday/Sunday - Evenings - 5:30-8:30PM
Sunday - Mornings - 10:00-11:30AM 

2024
Rental Fees
 1.5 Hours 3 Hours
Under 150
Attendees
Over 150
Attendees
Under 150
Attendees 
Over 150
Attendees
  Both Pools  $360  $460 $575   $775
 Main Pool  $290  $390 $464  $664
 Wading Pool   $160 $256  -

Reservation Occupancy:

There is a maximum of 310 people in the facility which includes in-water and on-deck. The Main Pool has a maximum occupancy of 270. The Wading Pool has a maximum capacity of 40. The wading pool is designated for children 6 years of age and under and their guardian 18 years of age and older. Please register the number of members in your party while reserving time.

Rental Guidelines:

ALL SWIMMERS MUST TAKE A CLEANSING SHOWER BEFORE ENTERING THE WATER. 

ALL PETER KIRK POOL RULES APPLY DURING POOL RENTALS. 

THERE IS A MAXIMUM OF 310 PEOPLE IN THE FACILITY WHICH INCLUDES IN-WATER AND ON-DECK. 

  • The Main Pool has a maximum occupancy of 270.  

  • The Wading Pool has a maximum capacity of 40.  

  • The wading pool is designated for children 6 years of age and under and their guardian 18 years of age and older.  

General Peter Kirk Pool Rental Reminders 

  • A lifeguard must be actively lifeguarding before patrons can enter the water. 

  • During rental times the main and wading pool are closed to the public. 

  • Aquatic Staff on duty are always in charge, and the adults in attendance with their group are expected to support the Aquatic Staff in the enforcement of all rules and regulations. 

  • Lifeguards are not responsible for providing supervision of children; lifeguards are responsible for enforcing safety rules, performing lifeguard duties, and responding to emergencies. 

  • Adult parents/guardians are primarily responsible for the supervising the children/group. 

  • Refunds are given for Unhealthy Air Quality or Lightning/Thunder only during rental period, not for other inclement weather. 

Highlighted Peter Kirk Pool Rental Rules 

  • Children 6 and under requires an adult to be in the water with them, at all times.  

  • Infants and toddlers who are not potty-trained must wear a swim diaper and have a tight-fitting protective covering (Per State Health Code) 

  • Pool Floats and/or Inflatables are not allowed, our pool only permits Coast Guard approved lifejackets.  

  • Water toys are allowed at the lifeguard’s discretion.   

  • Renters are not allowed to store food or drink the lifeguard office due to staff with severe allergies. 

  • Glass is not permitted in the facility.  

  • All swimmers 12 years and younger must be able to pass the swim test to swim in the deep end or use the diving board of the main pool. 

  • Rental hours include time for your set-up and clean–up. 

  • All food must be prepared before entering the facility, no food preparation/cooking will be allowed inside the facility. 

  • All food, decorations, and supplies brought into the facility by renters are to be removed by the end of the rental period.  

  • Decorations must be provided by the renter, and shall be limited to balloons, tablecloths, party favors and flowers. Hanging decorations from the fence or tent wall is allowed. 

  • We do not allow tacks, tape, staples, wire, or putty; as well as confetti and/or glitter. 

  • The Peter Kirk Pool does not provide power for the renter, please do not bring in anything that will require an outlet. 

Prohibited Items 

  • Smoking and alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited. 

  • No live amplified music, candles or open flames are allowed. (Birthday cake candles ok) 

  • BBQ’s, Pizza Ovens, and other food preparation appliances are not permitted in the facility. 

  • Glass is not permitted in the facility.