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8 Essential Facts About Arlington Public Schools Aquatics: Programs, Pools, And 2025/2026 Updates

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Arlington Public Schools (APS) Aquatics stands as a premier resource for water safety, fitness, and recreational swimming for the entire Arlington community. As of , the program is gearing up for its Winter 2026 sessions and operating under updated policies to enhance the experience at its state-of-the-art aquatic centers across the county. This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about the facilities, the acclaimed APS Swim School, and the critical updates for the upcoming school year and beyond.

The commitment of APS Aquatics extends far beyond just supporting high school swim teams; it provides essential instructional and recreational aquatic opportunities for residents of all ages, from toddlers taking their first dip to seniors looking for low-impact exercise. Whether you are interested in competitive swimming, water safety instruction, or simply a refreshing public swim session, the resources managed by the Aquatics Department, led by Director Helena Machado, are central to the community's health and wellness.

The State-of-the-Art APS Aquatic Centers and Facilities

The Arlington Public Schools Aquatics program operates out of three main, modern facilities, each located within one of the county’s high schools. These APS Aquatic Centers are not just for students; they are open to the public, offering a variety of schedules and programs throughout the school year and summer. Knowing the specifics of each location is key to planning your next swim session or registering for classes.

Washington-Liberty High School Aquatics Center

  • Pool Specifications: This facility features a large main pool that is 25 yards by 25 meters, providing ample space with 10 lanes for lap swimming and organized activities.
  • Diving Features: It includes a dedicated 12-foot deep diving well equipped with 1-meter springboards.
  • Programs: The Washington-Liberty pool hosts a variety of activities, including the APS Swim School and the School Year Public Swim Schedule for 2025-26.

Wakefield High School Pool

The pool at Wakefield High School is another major hub for the APS Aquatics program. It is a critical location for community classes, competitive team practice, and general admission public swimming. Check the daily updates at the front desk for the most current schedule changes and availability.

Yorktown High School Pool

Rounding out the trio of facilities, the Yorktown High School pool ensures that residents in different parts of Arlington have convenient access to high-quality aquatic resources. All three centers—Washington-Liberty, Wakefield, and Yorktown—are subject to the new updated pool entry procedures and payment policies.

The Acclaimed APS Swim School and Community Programs

The instructional core of the Arlington Public Schools Aquatics program is the highly-regarded APS Swim School. This program is designed to provide comprehensive water safety and swimming skills for learners of all ages and abilities, focusing on a safe, fun, and effective learning environment.

Innovative Curriculum: Starfish Aquatics Institute

The APS Swim School is based on an innovative and learner-focused approach developed by the Starfish Aquatics Institute (SAI). This curriculum emphasizes drowning prevention and progressive skill development. The program includes courses specifically focused on water safety instruction for APS students, ensuring that essential life-saving skills are taught from a young age.

Registration and Session Schedules for 2025–2026

Registration is a critical time for securing a spot in the popular classes. The schedule for the School Year 2025-2026 Swim School & Academy is already being planned, with specific registration dates announced for upcoming sessions.

  • Winter 2026 Registration: Registration for the Winter 2026 Swim School opens in December 2025, with separate dates for weekend and weeknight classes. For example, registration for weekend sessions typically precedes weeknight registration.
  • Session Structure: Swim School sessions generally consist of eight lessons, each lasting 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the course level. Classes are typically scheduled either twice a week on weekdays or once a week on Saturdays.
  • Swim Day Camp: In addition to the standard sessions, the APS Aquatics program offers specialized programs like the Swim Day Camp, which is another excellent opportunity for intensive skill development during breaks.

Key Policy and Fee Updates for General Admission

To streamline operations and improve safety, Arlington Public Schools Aquatics has implemented several important updates regarding facility access, payment methods, and general pool rules. These changes are vital for all community members utilizing the APS Aquatic Centers for public swim or membership purposes.

New Cashless Payment Policy (Effective July 1, 2025)

A significant change affecting all visitors is the transition to a cashless system. Effective July 1, 2025, the APS Aquatic Centers will no longer accept cash payments for either general admission or membership fees. Patrons must be prepared to pay using electronic methods, specifically Visa and MasterCard. This move is designed to enhance security and efficiency at the front desk of the three high school pools.

Updated Pool Entry Procedures

New admission policies have been established for the pool facilities at Wakefield, Washington-Liberty, and Yorktown high schools. These procedures are in place to ensure a safe and orderly environment for all users, including students, community members, and program participants. It is highly recommended that all visitors review the full Pool Rules and entry guidelines before arriving.

Community Swim Schedules and Fees

The Community Swim Schedules and associated fees are published regularly, detailing open swim hours for the public. These schedules can vary based on the school calendar, competitive team events, and instructional sessions. Residents are encouraged to check the official APS Aquatics website for the most accurate and up-to-date information on availability, especially for the Public Swim Schedule – School Year 2025-26.

Employment and Lifeguard Training Opportunities

For those interested in a career in aquatics or simply looking for a rewarding part-time job, the APS Aquatics program is a major employer in the region. The department actively recruits and trains qualified individuals for various positions, including lifeguards and swim instructors.

The program offers comprehensive Lifeguard Training courses, which are essential for maintaining safety standards at the three APS Pools. These opportunities are perfect for high school and college students, or anyone passionate about water safety and working with the community. Being a certified lifeguard or swim instructor is a valuable skill that contributes directly to the success and safety of the entire aquatic community.

Conclusion: Dive into the APS Aquatics Experience

The Arlington Public Schools Aquatics program provides an indispensable service to the community, offering everything from beginner swimming lessons to advanced competitive training and vital public access. With three modern facilities—Washington-Liberty, Wakefield, and Yorktown—and a commitment to the Starfish Aquatics Institute's high standards, APS is a leader in water safety and fitness.

As the program moves into the Winter 2026 session, be sure to note the new cashless policy and register early for the highly sought-after APS Swim School classes. Whether you are seeking fitness, fun, or essential life skills, the APS Aquatic Centers offer a welcoming and professional environment for everyone in Arlington County.

8 Essential Facts About Arlington Public Schools Aquatics: Programs, Pools, and 2025/2026 Updates
arlington public schools aquatics
arlington public schools aquatics

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