by Claire Anderson | May 11, 2026 | News
We are so grateful to the Lopez Thrift Shop for their generous grant award to the Lopez Swim Center!
This wonderful contribution will go directly to funding facility amenities—a water fountain / water-bottle refill station, cubbies, and pool deck storage—for Swim Center users. These items will make a real difference in the day-to-day experience of everyone who walks through our doors.
Thank you, Lopez Thrift Shop, for continuing to support this project. Your generosity means the world to us!
by Claire Anderson | Feb 17, 2026 | News
Community spirit was on full display last Tuesday, as a dedicated group of volunteers and construction crew worked together to raise the Arizon dome at the Lopez Swim Center.
Thanks to this hardworking group, the Swim Center is one step closer to providing year-round aquatic access for the community and visitors alike.
Next up: The Timberland modular buildings—home to the Swim Center office, shower houses, and community room—are scheduled to be delivered this week.
by Claire Anderson | Jan 30, 2026 | News
Lopez Swim Center – American Red Cross
Lifeguard Certification, Prerequisites
The Lifeguard Training (LGT) class is designed to train participants to be effective professional lifeguards. After successful completion of this course, participants will be certified under the American Red Cross for two (2) years in the following: Lifeguarding, First Aid, and CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer (C-PRO).
Lifeguarding Course Prerequisites
To be eligible for the LGT course, the participant must be 15 years of age by the final class meeting and must successfully complete the following prerequisites:
Prerequisite #1: Complete a swim—tread—swim sequence without stopping to rest:
- Jump into water and totally submerge, resurface, then swim 150 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke, or combination of both. (Swimming on the back of side is not permitted. Swim goggles are allowed).
- Maintain position at the surface of the water for 2 minutes by treading water, using only the legs.
- Swim 50 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke, or combination of both.
Prerequisite #2: Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds:
- Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. (The face may be in or out of the water. Swim goggles are not allowed.)
- Surface dive (feet-first or head-first) to a depth of 7 to 10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object.
- Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on the back to return to the starting point, holding the object at the surface with both hands and keeping the face out, at or near the surface.
- Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.
Download this document here.
by Claire Anderson | Jan 20, 2026 | News
The Lopez Swim Center is officially hiring lifeguards to join our team! Whether you’re looking for a flexible part-time gig or a way to dive into a rewarding community role, we want to hear from you.
Why join the LSC Team?
• Competitive pay and flexible scheduling.
• A fun, supportive, and active work environment.
• Opportunities for professional growth.
Ready to make a splash? Help us keep our community safe while enjoying life poolside, and get paid for it!
Job Title: Lifeguard
Department: Aquatics
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt, Hourly, Part-time
Location: Lopez Swim Center, non-remote
Pay Range: $21.00-$23.00 per hour, depending on experience
Hours: 5-40 hours per week
Benefits: Paid Vacation (PTO), Sick Leave
Other Compensation: Free swim membership to LSC; Financial incentives and financial assistance available for certification requirements.
About the position:
Lifeguards are responsible for ensuring the safety of patrons in and around the pool by maintaining constant surveillance, enforcing rules, and responding to emergencies.
Lifeguards also assist with daily pool operations, facility upkeep, and customer service to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for the community.
Minimum Requirement:
-Ages 15 and up
-Current certification in Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED (American Red Cross or equivalent) or ability to obtain certification before hire*
-Ability to pass the American Red Cross pre-requisite skills check
-Must pass a background check
-Strong observation and communication skills
-Must be punctual, reliable, and able to work as part of a team
Lifeguard Training and Certification
LSC offers options for lifeguard training and certification, including financial incentives to cover costs for new hires. For additional information see attached pdf.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit a resume to lance.anderson@lopezislandpool.org
Lopez Swim Center (LSC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Click HERE for a link to the full job description.
by Claire Anderson | Jul 7, 2025 | News
This isn’t just about pools: it’s about building something incredible for our community, and we want to show you why. Join us for an exclusive tour of the Lopez Swim Center construction site at 70 Pool Lane.
For the upcoming tour schedule, and to sign up, visit our SignUp Genius page.
Each tour is limited to 6 people. Don’t see a date that works for you? Please email your request to info@lopezislandpool.org.
Discover all the exciting features that are part of the site and what fun and fantastic programs are being planned–both in and out of the pools!
Don’t miss out on seeing the progress of your community’s future aquatic hub!
by Claire Anderson | Mar 15, 2025 | News
We are thrilled to announce that the Lopez Swim Center is one step closer to welcoming members to the pools, thanks to a generous grant from the Lopez Thrift Shop!
Their funding helped offset the costs of our new membership management software and training. This is a big milestone for us—it means we now have an integrated system to handle memberships smoothly so that when the Center is ready, so are you.
Why this matters:
-
Easy Sign-ups: A streamlined online process.
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Safety & Organization: Better tracking for pool capacity and lifeguard scheduling.
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Community Ready: It lays the digital foundation for our grand opening.
We are incredibly grateful to the Lopez Thrift Shop and everyone who shops or donates there. Your support stays local and truly makes projects like ours possible.
Thank you for helping us dive in!
by Claire Anderson | Feb 5, 2025 | News
February 4, 2025
Lopez pool to open this year; local school kids to benefit
NANCY DEVAUX of the Salish Current
The Lopez Island Public School community made a splash on Jan. 21 in support of the much-anticipated Lopez Swim Center, now under construction on Pool Lane and slated to open later this year.
The swim center is privately owned by the nonprofit Friends of Lopez Pool (FLIP), but it will provide opportunities for public use, including residents from other islands. About 250 students from the Lopez Island School District (LISD) will be given scheduling priority during school hours.
“Our partnership with the Lopez Swim Center is driven by our shared goal that every student will graduate knowing how to swim” said Martha Martin, Lopez school district K–12 principal.
A major impetus for building a pool on the island was that 90% of Lopez school students aren’t able to swim, according to FLIP’s website. San Juan County is one of only two counties in the state without a public or school district pool.
MORE: Read the full article here,
by Claire Anderson | Feb 4, 2025 | News
Click on the photo above to see the Lopez SPLASH MOB in action!
Exciting news! A total of $786,000 was put into the Governor’s proposed capital budget to support completion of the Lopez Swim Center, but our District 40 legislators and State budget chairs need to hear from YOU to ensure the funding is approved.
The proposed funds include a $523,000 local and community projects direct appropriation and a grant of $263,000 from the 2025-2027 Youth Recreational Facilities program.
YOUR voice matters! Please take two minutes today to write a heartfelt e-mail explaining why supporting the Lopez Swim Center is important for our community.
Having writer’s block? No worries—we’ve included several sample messages below to cut, paste, and customize (if you want)!
To make it easy, email to director@lopezislandpool.org and we will forward your message
— OR —
For more impact, EMAIL DIRECTLY by copying and pasting these email addresses into your email: Liz.Lovelett@leg.wa.gov, Alex.Ramel@leg.wa.gov, Debra.Lekanoff@leg.wa.gov, Steve.Tharinger@leg.wa.gov, Yasmin.Trudeau@leg.wa.gov, director@lopezislandpool.org
Together, we can secure these vital funds for Lopez Swim Center and foster a healthier future for our island community.
SAMPLE MESSAGES:
Subject: Please Support the Lopez Swim Center!
I am writing to express my heartfelt support for the Lopez Swim Center and urge you to support the proposed funding of $786,000 in the Governor’s budget to help complete the Lopez Swim Center, which is currently under construction. With your support, it’s expected to open in late this year!
The Swim Center fulfills a vital public-safety role on our island, where only 8% of Lopez elementary students passed the basic Red Cross Swim test. San Juan County is one of only two counties in Washington without a public or school pool.
The Swim Center will also provide a year-round place for our community’s many seniors, with warm water helping mobility, fitness, and recovery from injuries. It will be an essential community hub.
I urge you to consider the significant impacts the Swim Center will have on our community and to strongly support its funding.
Sincerely,
[Your Name & Location]
This is such an exciting time for children who live on Lopez Island—and all its residents! After years of work and successful fundraising, the Lopez Swim Center has reached the construction stage. We know that the many carefully planned programs in the Center’s two pools, including school PE, swim lessons, aquatic fitness and physical therapy, plus water safety and lifeguard training, will soon be a reality.
This is a time for dreams to come true, but it is also a time of urgency to complete fundraising in step with the Center’s final construction. We urge you to support the Governor’s recommendation in the capital budget so we can complete this important project that will transform the community. Thank you for your past significant work and support for the Lopez Swim Center!
Sincerely,
[Your Name & Location]
I am delighted to report that the Lopez Swim Center, a community project, is now fully under construction! Everyone on Lopez is grateful for the past support and interest shown by you and your fellow legislators. The cheers thrown up last week and pool noodles waved by more than 125 Lopez School District students who crowded into the largest pool were meant for you, too!
This is a wonderful cause for celebration, but also cause for urgency to complete fundraising in step with the final phase of construction. Everyone on Lopez—young and old, active and infirm, well off and struggling—urges you to support former Governor Inslee’s recommendation in the Capital Budget for an allocation for the Lopez Swim Center. This project is transforming our island community by building a year-round, all-ages, all-abilities community facility for fitness, learning, and healing.
Sincerely,
[Your Name & Location]
In the entire state of Washington, San Juan County is one of only two counties without a public or school pool. Not surprisingly, 92% of elementary-aged children on Lopez Island are unable to pass a Red Cross swimming test. By constructing a community Swim Center, Friends of Lopez Island Pool (FLIP) is looking to reverse that trend. The Lopez Swim Center is currently under construction and slated to open late this year. However, we need your support of the Governor’s capital funding request submitted for this year’s budget for us to achieve this goal.
I would greatly appreciate your support of this funding for the Lopez Swim Center.
Sincerely,
[Your Name & Location]
First, I want to thank you for your past support to help us build the Lopez Swim Center, a crucial community resource that will have significant impacts on the lives of islanders, both young and old. Currently, it’s estimated that 92% of Lopez elementary-aged students cannot pass a basic Red Cross swim test. The Swim Center will help turn this tide, with the goal of every child learning to swim by graduation! A large segment of our population is over age 60, and the Swim Center will also play a vital role for improving the health and wellness of many island seniors, whether that’s through aquatic aerobics classes, aqua physical therapy, or lap swimming. We’re asking you to approve the funding request in the current proposed budget to help us close the funding gap and complete the Swim Center.
Sincerely,
[Your Name & Location]
Construction has started on our Lopez Swim Center, an essential year-round, all-ages, all-abilities community hub fostering water safety, wellness, fun, and fitness. While we hope to have construction completed by the end of this year, that will only be possible with your help. We strongly urge you to approve the capital budget recommendation for the Lopez Swim Center.
Sincerely,
[Your Name & Location]
After 15 years of planning and fundraising, construction of the Lopez Swim Center is finally underway. The goal is to complete the pool facility by the end of this year. But while we’re continuing our fundraising, we need your help to help close the gap.
Every county in the state of Washington has a community pool—except for San Juan County and one other. This lack is even more significant given the fact that 92% of Lopez Island elementary students are unable to pass a basic Red Cross swimming test. The Lopez Swim Center’s mission is to turn this tide, with the goal of every Lopez child learning crucial, life-saving swimming and water-safety skills. The year-round Swim Center will benefit islanders of all ages and all abilities, offering a safe haven for fitness, fun, and friends. For the health and wellness of San Juan County islanders, I’m asking you to put your support behind this capital funding recommendation.
Thank you!
Sincerely,
[Your Name & Location]
by Claire Anderson | Dec 28, 2024 | News
Coming soon to the pools near you: lifeguards—and lifeguard chairs!—at the Lopez Swim Center! Thanks to a generous 2024 grant from the Lopez Thrift Shop, two Mendota portable lifeguard chairs were purchased and are in storage, waiting for the Center’s opening day in late 2025. These weather-resistant chairs will offer perches for our swim-safety specialists to keep a lookout—and make sure everyone in the pools are staying safe while having fun!
We greatly appreciate the Lopez Thrift Shop’s continued support!
