Outdoor Pools Public Swim
A Partnership Between City of Wilmington and the YMCA
Opening Day: Saturday, May 23, 2026
The YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina is proud to partner with the City of Wilmington to manage and operate the city’s outdoor pools at Legion Stadium Pool and Robert Strange Pool this summer season.
In addition to public swim hours, the YMCA will offer swim lessons, water fitness classes, group reservations, community events, and aquatics programming designed to help individuals and families stay active, safe, and connected all summer long.
Whether you’re looking to cool off, learn to swim, stay healthy, or make memories with your family, the outdoor pools are the place to be this summer!
Outdoor Pool Hours
Memorial Day Weekend
Saturday, May 23rd - Monday, May 25th
Open Saturday, Sunday and Monday
12:00pm - 5:00pm
Early Summer Weekend Schedule
Saturday, May 30th, 2026 - Sunday, June 7th
Open Saturdays and Sundays
12:00pm - 5:00pm
Summer Daily Schedule
Monday, June 8th - Monday September 7th
Open Daily
12:00pm - 5:00pm
Daily Entrance Fees
Adults (18 & Older): $4.00/Day
Children (17 & Younger): $2.00/Day
Free Admission for YMCA Members
YMCA members receive free admission to the outdoor pools. Please bring your YMCA membership card or digital membership ID for entry.
Age Policies
13 and Under: Required to be under adult supervision of someone 16+ years old14 and Older: Do not need an adult and may bring siblings ages 7 and up, required to have parent/guardian fill out paperwork upon first visit18 & Under: Required to have parent/guardian fill out registration paperwork upon first visitOutdoor Pool Locations
Legion Stadium Pool2139 Carolina Beach Rd. Wilmington, NC 28412910-899-7348
Robert Strange Pool 401 S. 10th St. Wilmington, NC 28401910-899-7332
Water Exercise Classes
Stay active this summer with low-impact, high-energy water fitness classes designed for all fitness levels — including non-swimmers. Water fitness classes provide a fun way to improve strength, endurance, flexibility, and overall wellness while being gentle on the joints. Classes are included with a YMCA membership during the summer season.
Location
Robert Strange Pool
410 S. 10th St. Wilmington, NC 28401
910-899-7332
Reservations
Space is limited to 15 participants per class, and many classes fill quickly with active waitlists. YMCA of Southeastern NC members may reserve their spot through the YMCA reservation system using the YMCA app or online. Community participants who are not YMCA members must call 910-899-7332 or visit the pool in person to reserve a space. Nationwide Members are not eligible for this benefit. Standard pool admission fees apply for non-members.
2026 Schedule
Water Aerobics
Mondays at 5:15 PM (Starting June 8)
Instructor: Natalie Popovich
Water Zumba
Saturdays at 11:00 AM (Starting June 13)
Instructor: Marisol Flint
Deep Water Aerobics
Mondays & Wednesdays at 12:00 PM (Starting June 8)
Instructor: Cindy McIntosh
Community Events
The YMCA and City of Wilmington proudly partner to host exciting community events throughout the summer season.
Hello Summer Bash
Friday, June 5th from 5:00pm-7:00pm
Join us as we celebrate the exciting opening of our city pools with an evening full of family-friendly fun, refreshing water activities, light snacks, and interactive games for all ages. Whether you're splashing in the pool, enjoying music, or making memories with friends and neighbors, this is the ultimate way to welcome summer together as a community.
Admission is FREE, but space is limited, So be sure to RSVP to secure your spot! Don't miss out on the fun. Grab your swimsuits, bring your friends, and let's make a splash as we say hello to summer!
Legion Stadium Pool
2131 Carolina Beach Rd. Wilmington, NC 28401
1922 Swim: Free Water Safety and Swim Lessons
Saturday, May 30th from 9:00am-12:00pm
The YMCA is partnering with Swim 1922 to provide free water safety lessons to prevent childhood drowning in our community. Established in 2012, Swim 1922 was created to increase swim participation and reduce drowning rates in black and brown communities. Through education, access, and hands-on instruction, the YMCA and Swim 1922 are equipping individuals and families with life-saving water safety skills.
Available for Ages 8-18
Robert Strange Pool
410 S. 10th Street Wilmington, NC 28401
Swimming Lessons
The YMCA is proud to expand access to swim lessons and water safety instruction through the City of Wilmington’s outdoor pools. Swim lessons are offered as four-week sessions with one lesson per week and are available throughout June, July, and August. These lessons help children build confidence in the water, learn foundational swim skills, and gain important water safety knowledge that can save lives.
Group Reservations and Birthday Parties
Looking to bring your camp, daycare, nonprofit organization, church group, or family gathering to the pool this summer? The YMCA offers weekday group reservations as well as private evening rentals for organizations and special events. We are committed to creating safe, fun, and accessible opportunities for as many children and families as possible to enjoy the water this summer.
Junior Lifeguard Program
The YMCA’s Junior Lifeguard Program gives youth ages 11–14 the opportunity to build confidence, leadership skills, and water safety knowledge while exploring lifeguarding as a future career interest.
Participants gain hands-on experience through physical skills training, emergency response education, teamwork activities, and leadership development in a fun and supportive environment.
The program is offered in week-long summer sessions at Robert Strange Pool.
Summer Job Opportunities
Spend your summer making a difference at the pool! The YMCA is hiring seasonal outdoor pool staff to help create a safe, welcoming, and fun experience for our community throughout the summer season.
Current opportunities include:
- Lifeguards
- Swim Instructors
Whether you’re looking to gain leadership experience, build valuable job skills, or spend your summer outdoors making an impact, the Y is a great place to grow while serving your community.
