Mill Creek Family YMCA — Local services in Seattle Hill-Silver Firs

My kids took swimming lessons through the YMCA, and at the Cottage Lake pool, the swimming lessons prepared my son for the swimming test so that he could use the water slide. No problem. We went to the Mill Creek location because they have a water slide. On the wall, they had a poster that talked about the different types of swimming tests/wristbands. Red, Yellow, and Green. Yellow was the type my son got at the Cottage Lake pool to use the water slide. Apparently, at this location, they don't do the yellow bands anymore even though they advertise them on the wall. So of note, the swimming area at the bottom of the slide is maybe 10 feet by 10 feet, it's not that big, and it's 4.5 feet, my son is over 5 feet and could easily touch the bottom. Anyway, my son went to take the swimming test, he had to swim the full length of the pool. Seems like a lot for such a small area but fair enough. My son swam the whole length of the pool without touching the ground. But, he failed the swimming test because he didn't do the crawl stroke, the only acceptable type of swim apparently? No one could explain why it had to be the crawl stroke. I thanked the lifeguard for his time, I realized he had no power over the rules. I reached out to the YMCA and got zero response. I can't wrap my head around why it HAS to be a crawl stroke for using that tiny area of the pool where he could touch the ground with his head above water, and when he swam the whole length of the pool. So thanks YMCA for teaching my son to swim, and then teaching him that what he learned wasn't good enough for the YMCA and now he never wants to...

Terminated our membership within 6 months. I agree with other comments regarding the poor state of equipment and the number of items in repair. I’ll add that our experience with the lifeguards in the pool was extremely negative. the lifeguards do not seem to understand their own safety policies and when they apply. the life guards are very inconsistent in the application of rules (policies) in the pool area - even from person to person at the same time. The Branch leadership and Org leadership leave too much up to the lifeguards ‘judgment’, which org leadership has noted is prone to error. From our interactions, Lifeguards encountered appear to lack basic communication skills , basic problem solving skills, and a fundamental understanding of common swim items and swim concepts (can’t identify a life vest). In conversations with Org leadership, they hide behind excuses of hiring minors to be lifeguards, which isn’t a comforting thought, and arguably not an appropriate stance. All up, I don’t see this group taking safety seriously enough for us to remain members. As a final thought, from the people I encountered, several shared what I would consider outdated, questionable views.

Thank goodness there are other options in the area that, from my evaluation, are much more consistent with and diligent...

I got membership here due to my daughter’s swim lessons. I ended up enjoying this place so much. Tons of group classes to choose from! The instructors are super friendly! I was also offered orientation of the gym and equipments. Working out is not my vibe but I’m thoroughly enjoying the group classes I take. I do Yoga, Zumba, Barre, Group Power and Group Active. Love each and every one of them. Yet to try Group fight but I’m sure that will be as awesome as the other classes!

The front desk is always friendly and never miss to greet! A special shoutout to the girls at the kids zone! My 5 year old looks forward to go kids zone every single day. The girls at the kids zone are very cheerful and friendly with the kids. They sit and spend time with kids to teach them coloring and some art and craft as well. My daughter is always excited to show me her coloring pages and little craft projects she does there while I enjoy my group class.

I just wish they had a Sauna here. I enjoy sitting in the hot tub sometimes after my class but Sauna would have been much better! But nonetheless, this place is loved by me and...