Make a Splash With a Free Pass

Put on your swim shorts and bathing suits and get ready for some free swimming in The Dalles and Hood River! The pools are offering free passes for families that have a financial need.

Better yet, it’s easier than ever to sign up. Just a few clicks and you’ve got a free pool pass for the summer.

The program is called Active Rx, previously known as Summer Swim Rx. The goal is to provide equitable access to physical activity in Wasco and Hood River counties, especially for youth. If a family has a financial need, they can request a scholarship for a free family pool pass, swim lessons, or swim team. This is for both the Northern Wasco County Aquatic Center (The Dalles) and Hood River Aquatic Center (Hood River).

This year, we are trying to make it as simple as possible, because we ultimately just want to make sure that any kid can access the local pool if they want to. The only criteria are 1) financial need and 2) the household has children under the age of 18, and the process is all online. Families can self-refer by filling out a form on our website, jumpinthegorge.org/for-families. We also partner with healthcare providers to ensure that eligible families know about the program. Providers can tell their families about the program and help them request a scholarship online. Once approved, families receive a confirmation email, and they can show that to the pool staff when they arrive.