Aquatic Programs and Information

The Aquatic Program offers a diverse range of recreational and instructional programs. We offer programs to students, faculty, staff, and community members. The swimming pool is 25 yards with six lanes. The water depth goes from 3.5 feet to 12 feet. There is a one-meter diving board. The pool is kept at 82 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year. During swim team season, the pool is kept at 79 degrees for home meets.

Programming

Looking for information on our special programming, such as SCUBA and Water Safety Instructor Certification?

Swim Times

Please see our pool schedule for up-to-date swim times.

If you're looking for building hours of operation, please see our building operational hours.

Pool FAQs

Have a question about the pool? When and when can't you swim? Check out our Pool Frequently Asked Questions.

Lap Swim

During Lap Swim times, six laps will be available for circle swimming (swim down the right side of the lane and back on the right side of the lane). The maximum number of swimmers per lane is six.

Rec Swim

Recreation Swim is a time when all or part of the pool will have no lane lines and be open for more recreational type activities. Also during this time, the diving board may be available. See the pool hours (above) for specific time information.

Swim Lessons

Lessons are available for both children and adults.
Youth lessons begin at age 3 and classes are based on skill level.

Adult lessons are offered for beginners and those wishing to improve their stroke mechanics.
Interested? Learn more.

Youth Swim Team

The Rice Aquatics Age Group Development program provides youth (ages 6-14) with training and instruction from a trained coaching staff. The youth swim team uses the Rice pool in the evenings and is run by the Rice Swim team coaches.
Interested? Learn more.

Other Activities and Programming

In addition to the programs offered by the Recreation Center, the Aquatic Center hosts several other activities.

Lifeguarding Classes

Lifeguarding classes are occasionally scheduled. Registration information.

Intramural Sports

Intramurals and Club Sports offers Intramural Innertube Water Polo and an annual College Swim Meet.

Rice Water Polo Club

For more information on the Water Polo Club check with the Intramural and Club Sports office.

Rice Outdoors Club

Rice Outdoors Club conducts clinics and workshops on basic and advanced kayaking skills. This training occur twice a month. For more information contact the Intramural and Club Sports office.

Varsity Athletics

Varsity Athletics has a women's team. The Rice Owls Women's Swim Team not only practices in the Aquatic Center, but also hosts WAC meets several times a year.

AQUATIC CENTER RULES

Encouraged Behavior:

• Soap showers
• Proper swim wear
• Safety of others
• Cooperation with the lifeguard

Discouraged Behavior:

• Running, pushing, horse play
• Smoking and eating in the pool area
• Diving in water less than 9 feet
• Diving from the starting blocks
• Wearing jewelry
• Swimming with open cuts or sores
• Using inflatable flotation device