Aquatics
Dive into Rec Sports Aquatics, where you can improve your skills in the water! At Rec Sports Aquatics, you can get certified in various levels of scuba, learn how to swim, become a lifeguard serving your fellow Aggies, or simply relax in one of the five pools we have at the Student Rec Center! Pool schedules are posted weekly to our website, so make sure you stay up to date on all things Aquatics! See you in the water!
PROGRAMS & CLASSES
From scuba to learn-to-swim classes, Rec Sports offers a collection of programs to help you advance your water skills.
Want to become a lifeguard but aren’t certified?
If you can commit to working a semester with Rec Sports Aquatics, we will get you certified for FREE.
For more information and to get registered for the course, email aquatics@rec.tamu.edu.
Lifeguard Certification Course 1
- Date: Friday, Jan. 26 – Sunday, Jan. 28
- Time:
- Friday: 5pm – 10pm
- Saturday: 9am – 7pm
- Sunday: 12pm – 9pm
- Location: Pool Classroom
Lifeguard Certification Course 2
- Date: Friday, Feb. 23 – Sunday, Feb. 25
- Time:
- Friday: 5pm – 10pm
- Saturday: 9am – 7pm
- Sunday: 12pm – 9pm
- Location: Pool Classroom
This program allows participants who have completed the classroom and confined water components of Basic SCUBA to complete their training and receive their certifications. Participants 12-17 yrs of age must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Basic SCUBA Check Out Dive Only – 1
- Date: Saturday, Apr. 13 – Sunday, Apr. 14
- Time: All Day
- Location: Blue Lagoon, Huntsville, TX
Basic SCUBA Check Out Dive Only – 2
- Date: Saturday, Apr. 20 – Sunday, Apr. 21
- Time: All Day
- Location: Blue Lagoon, Huntsville, TX
Basic SCUBA Check Out Dive Only – 3
- Date: Saturday, Apr. 27 – Sunday, Apr. 28
- Time: All Day
- Location: Blue Lagoon, Huntsville, TX
Advanced SCUBA Check Out Dives Only
- Date: Saturday, Mar. 23 – Sunday, Mar. 24
- Time: All Day
- Location:
- Saturday: Blue Lagoon, Huntsville, TX
- Sunday: Mammoth Lake, Lake Jackson, TX
Rescue SCUBA Check Out Dives Only
- Date: Saturday, Apr. 27 – Sunday, Apr. 28
- Time: All Day
- Location: Blue Lagoon, Huntsville, TX
This is an American Red Cross Learn to Swim program for adult swimmers. Learn to Swim with our certified instructors; open to any level of swimming ability. All lessons are in the instructional pool. Registration for lessons end the day prior to the first day of each session.
Adult Learn-to-Swim: FREE WEEK
- Date: Monday, Jan. 22 – Thursday, Jan. 25
- Time:
- 7:45pm – 8:45pm
- Location: Instructional Pool
Adult Learn-to-Swim: Package 1
- Date: Monday, Feb. 5 – Thursday, Feb. 29
(Meets Monday & Wednesday or Tuesday & Thursday)- Time:
- M/W: 6:30pm – 7:30pm or 7:45 pm – 8:45 pm
- T/TH: 6:30pm – 7:30pm or 7:45 pm – 8:45 pm
- Location: Instructional Pool
Adult Learn-to-Swim: Package 2
- Date: Monday, Mar. 18 – Thursday, Apr. 11
(Meets Monday & Wednesday or Tuesday & Thursday)- Time:
- M/W: 6:30pm – 7:30pm or 7:45 pm – 8:45 pm
- T/TH: 6:30pm – 7:30pm or 7:45 pm – 8:45 pm
- Location: Instructional Pool
AQUATICS EVENTS | Spring 2024
Aquatics is fortunate to host tournaments, championships, and other meets as part of our service to the community. See below for the latest upcoming events coming to the Rec!
- Aggieland Swim Club Crosstown Splashdown | Thursday, Jan. 11
- Texas A&M Swimming & Diving vs Southern Methodist University Dual Meet | Friday, Feb. 2
- Aggieland Swim Club UIL Regionals | Friday, February 9 – Saturday, Feb. 10
- Aggieland Swim Club Intrasquad | Sunday, Feb. 11
- Women’s Water Polo CWPA Conference Tournament | Saturday, Feb. 24 – Sunday, Feb. 25
- Texas A&M Swimming Women’s Last Chance | Thursday, Feb. 29 – Saturday, Mar. 2
- Texas A&M Swimming Men’s Last Chance | Thursday, Mar. 7 – Saturday, Mar. 9
- Men’s Water Polo Alumni Game & One-Day Tournament |Saturday, Mar. 23
- Aggieland Swim Club April Long Course Invite | Friday, Apr. 19 – Sunday, Apr. 21
- Texas A&M Club Swimming Invite | Saturday, Apr. 27
- Women’s Water Polo CWPA National Championships | Thursday, May 2 – Sunday, May 5
RULES & POLICIES
Learn more about regulations in place to keep you safe while using Rec Sports pools!
The Department of Recreational Sports PROHIBITS the practice of hyperventilating and extended breath holding activities in ALL Recreational Sports aquatic facilities.
What it hyperventilating & extended breath holding:
Hyperventilation is a series of deep breaths followed by forced exhalation prior to breath-holding. This is done in an attempt to remain underwater for a longer period of time. This works because it decreases the level of CO2 in the blood. CO2 is responsible for triggering the need to breathe. With less CO2 a swimmer will not feel a need to take a breath as quickly and can remain under water longer. This, however, does not mean that the swimmer does not need oxygen. Oxygen levels are being depleted. In fact, oxygen levels can be depleted more quickly if the swimmer is moving or swimming rather than remaining stationary. If oxygen levels in the blood drop sufficiently before CO2 levels trigger the need to breathe, the swimmer will become unconscious. This is also commonly referred to as shallow water blackout. Obviously, an unconscious swimmer will breathe water into their lungs and will die if not rescued and resuscitated.
What National Governing Agencies say about hyperventilation & breathe holding:
The American Red Cross:
“Refers to hyperventilation in its Swimming and Water Safety text as “potentially dangerous” and “risky” The American Red Cross’s Lifeguarding text also refers to how hyperventilation can result in a passive drowning victim and that patrons should be directed not to engage in prolonged breath-holding (greater than 30 seconds).”
The American Red Cross Safety Training for Swim Coaches:
“A dangerous practice that may result in drowning.”
The medical advisory committee of the YMCA of the USA:
“YMCAs should prohibit extended underwater breath-holding.”
The Department of Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) of the U.S. Navy:
“This practice of hyperventilating and extended breath holding is prohibited at MWR aquatic facilities.”
- Rules are for patron safety. Any conduct determined by the Aquatics Staff to jeopardize the health and safety of pool users is prohibited. The Texas A&M Aquatics Staff has full authority to ask participants to leave the pool area for not following policies outline for the area.
- No back flips, back dives, or gainers.
- All diving or jumping must be done straight off the end of the board. Spinning or jumping backwards is prohibited. One single bounce off the springboards is allowed.
- Patrons may only use the outer springboards and the 1, and 3-meter platforms. Patron use of 5, 7 ½, and 10-meter platforms is strictly prohibited. Only one patron may jump from any platform at a time.
- No running or playing on the platforms.
- Patrons may only jump from diving boards and platforms when there are no lap swimmers swimming outside of the lap lanes.
- Use of flotation devices, goggles, ear plugs, or any other swimming equipment is strictly prohibited when jumping from a springboard or platform.
WARNING: THERE IS NO SHALLOW WATER IN THESE POOLS! Non-swimmers should use the instructional, outdoor, or lap pools depending on availability.
- It is recommended that all users shower before entering the pool.
- Rules are for patron safety. Any conduct determined by the Aquatics Staff to jeopardize the health and safety of pool users is prohibited. The Texas A&M Aquatics Staff has full authority to ask participants to leave the pool area for not following policies outline for the area.
- NO BREATH HOLDING ACTIVITIES ALLOWED.
- Diving is allowed in the dive well only. See the diving rules for additional information.
- Head first entry from the deck is allowed in the 50 meter pool and dive well.
- Patrons are not allowed to use starting blocks unless under supervision of a trained instructor or coach.
- RUNNING, CLIMBING ON RAILS, HORSEPLAY, AND OR HANGING ON LANE LINES IS PROHIBITED.
- Handrails are for exiting or entering the pool ONLY.
- People with open wounds or infectious diseases are NOT permitted in the pool.
- All children 17 years or younger MUST be accompanied and supervised by an adult at all times.
- Children who cannot swim must be supervised by the parent/guardian in the pool within arm’s reach. This policy applies regardless of whether or not the child wears an approved floatation device. Proper use of floatation devices are allowed, but not as substitute for direct supervision.
- Children who wear diapers must wear swim diapers or a plastic diaper cover.
- Changing and disposing of diapers is strictly prohibited around the pool areas. Diaper changes are restricted to the changing stations in the locker rooms.
- Flotation devices must be US Coast Guard approved. No other flotation devices are allowed.
- Proper swimming attire with liners must be worn at all times. Aquatic staff may ask a patron to change if the attire is deemed dangerous or inappropriate.
- Training equipment must be used in the manner for which it was intended and are for use in the lap lanes only.
- Lap lanes are for lap swimming, recognized water exercise, or swim instruction when designated as lap swim. Patrons may be asked to share a lane and should try to swim with others of approximately the same ability.
- NO glass containers or food allowed. All beverages must be in a re-sealable container.
- Gum or adhesive bandages are not allowed in the pools.
WARNING: DIVING IS NOT ALLOWED IN THIS POOL! Failure to abide by this rule may result in serious injury or death.
- It is recommended that all users shower before entering the pool.
- Rules are for patron safety. Any conduct determined by the Aquatics Staff to jeopardize the health and safety of pool users is prohibited. The Texas A&M Aquatics Staff has full authority to ask participants to leave the pool area for not following policies outline for the area.
- NO BREATH HOLDING ACTIVITIES ALLOWED.
- Diving is strictly prohibited in any area of this pool. Feet first entry only.
- RUNNING, CLIMBING ON RAILS, HORSEPLAY, AND OR HANGING ON LANE LINES IS PROHIBITED.
- Handrails are for exiting or entering the pool ONLY.
- People with open wounds or infectious diseases are NOT permitted in the pool.
- All children 17 years or younger MUST be accompanied and supervised by an adult at all times.
- Children who cannot swim must be supervised by the parent/guardian in the pool within arm’s reach. This policy applies regardless of whether or not the child wears an approved floatation device. Proper use of floatation devices are allowed, but not as substitute for direct supervision.
- Children who wear diapers must wear swim diapers or a plastic diaper cover.
- Changing and disposing of diapers is strictly prohibited around the pool areas. Diaper changes are restricted to the changing stations in the locker rooms.
- Flotation devices must be US Coast Guard approved. No other flotation devices are allowed.
- Proper swimming attire with liners must be worn at all times. Aquatic staff may ask a patron to change if the attire is deemed dangerous or inappropriate.
- Training equipment must be used in the manner for which it was intended and are for use in the lap lanes only.
- Lap lanes are for lap swimming, recognized water exercise, or swim instruction when designated as lap swim. Patrons may be asked to share a lane and should try to swim with others of approximately the same ability.
- Lap swim is prohibited when the lap lanes are set up for water sports or water aerobics.
- NO glass containers or food allowed. All beverages must be in a re-sealable container.
- Gum or adhesive bandages are not allowed in the pools.
WARNING: DIVING IS NOT ALLOWED IN THIS POOL! Failure to abide by this rule may result in serious injury or death.
- It is recommended that all users shower before entering the pool.
- Rules are for patron safety. Any conduct determined by the Aquatics Staff to jeopardize the health and safety of pool users is prohibited. The Texas A&M Aquatics Staff has full authority to ask participants to leave the pool area for not following policies outline for the area.
- NO BREATH HOLDING ACTIVITIES ALLOWED.
- Diving is strictly prohibited in any area of this pool. Feet first entry only.
- RUNNING, CLIMBING ON RAILS, HORSEPLAY, AND OR HANGING ON LANE LINES IS PROHIBITED.
- Handrails are for exiting or entering the pool ONLY.
- People with open wounds or infectious diseases are NOT permitted in the pool.
- All children 17 years or younger MUST be accompanied and supervised by an adult at all times.
- Children who cannot swim must be supervised by the parent/guardian in the pool within arm’s reach. This policy applies regardless of whether or not the child wears an approved floatation device. Proper use of floatation devices are allowed, but not as substitute for direct supervision.
- Children who wear diapers must wear swim diapers or a plastic diaper cover.
- Changing and disposing of diapers is strictly prohibited around the pool areas. Diaper changes are restricted to the changing stations in the locker rooms.
- Flotation devices must be US Coast Guard approved. No other flotation devices are allowed.
- Proper swimming attire with liners must be worn at all times. Aquatic staff may ask a patron to change if the attire is deemed dangerous or inappropriate.
- Training equipment must be used in the manner for which it was intended and are for use in the lap lanes only.
- Lap lanes are for lap swimming, recognized water exercise, or swim instruction when designated as lap swim. Patrons may be asked to share a lane and should try to swim with others of approximately the same ability.
- Lap swim is prohibited when the lap lanes are set up for water sports or water aerobics.
- NO glass containers or food allowed. All beverages must be in a re-sealable container.
- Gum or adhesive bandages are not allowed in the pools.
WARNING: DIVING IS NOT ALLOWED IN THIS POOL! Failure to abide by this rule may result in serious injury or death.
- It is recommended that all users shower before entering the pool.
- Rules are for patron safety. Any conduct determined by the Aquatics Staff to jeopardize the health and safety of pool users is prohibited. The Texas A&M Aquatics Staff has full authority to ask participants to leave the pool area for not following policies outline for the area.
- NO BREATH HOLDING ACTIVITIES ALLOWED.
- Diving is strictly prohibited in any area of this pool. Feet first entry only.
- RUNNING, CLIMBING ON RAILS, HORSEPLAY, AND OR HANGING ON LANE LINES IS PROHIBITED.
- Handrails are for exiting or entering the pool ONLY.
- People with open wounds or infectious diseases are NOT permitted in the pool.
- No standing or walking on islands and peninsulas.
- All children 17 years or younger MUST be accompanied and supervised by an adult at all times.
- Children who cannot swim must be supervised by the parent/guardian in the pool within arm’s reach. This policy applies regardless of whether or not the child wears an approved floatation device. Proper use of floatation devices are allowed, but not as substitute for direct supervision.
- Children who wear diapers must wear swim diapers or a plastic diaper cover.
- Changing and disposing of diapers is strictly prohibited around the pool areas. Diaper changes are restricted to the changing stations in the locker rooms.
- Flotation devices must be US Coast Guard approved. No other flotation devices are allowed.
- Proper swimming attire with liners must be worn at all times. Aquatic staff may ask a patron to change if the attire is deemed dangerous or inappropriate.
- Training equipment must be used in the manner for which it was intended and are for use in the lap lanes only.
- Lap lanes are for lap swimming, recognized water exercise, or swim instruction when designated as lap swim. Patrons may be asked to share a lane and should try to swim with others of approximately the same ability.
- Lap swim is prohibited when the lap lanes are set up for water sports or water aerobics.
- NO glass containers or food allowed. All beverages must be in a re-sealable container.
- Gum or adhesive bandages are not allowed in the pools.
- It is recommended that all users shower before entering the spa.
- Rules are for patron safety. Any conduct determined by the Aquatics Staff to jeopardize the health and safety of pool users is prohibited. The Texas A&M Aquatics Staff has full authority to ask participants to leave the pool area for not following policies outline for the area.
- NO BREATH HOLDING ACTIVITIES ALLOWED.
- NO EXERCISING in the spas.
- Diving is strictly prohibited in any area of this spa
- RUNNING, CLIMBING ON RAILS, AND OR HORSEPLAY IS PROHIBITED.
- Handrails are for exiting or entering the pool ONLY.
- If you are pregnant, you should not enter the spa without prior medical consultation first and permission from you doctor.
- If you suffer from heart disease, diabetes, high or low blood pressure or other health related problems, you should not enter the spa without prior medical consultation and permission from your doctor. Over exposure to hot water may cause nausea, dizziness, and fainting.
- DO NOT use spa while under the influence of alcohol, narcotics, or other drugs that cause drowsiness or raise/lower blood pressure.
- People with open wounds or infectious diseases are NOT permitted in the spa.
- Children UNDER 17 years of age are NOT ALLOWED to use the spa.
- Proper swimming attire with liners must be worn at all times. Aquatic staff may ask a patron to change if the attire is deemed dangerous or inappropriate.
- NO glass containers or food allowed. All beverages must be in a re-sealable container.
- Gum or adhesive bandages are not allowed in the spas.
NATIONAL LAW: Spa temperature CANNOT be above 104 F
In the event of inclement weather (severe storm, pouring rain, and/or lightning) in the area, the Cain Outdoor Pool will close in order to ensure the safety of all patrons and staff. The pool will re-open for activity once the inclement weather has passed.
In case of lightning in the area:
The Student Recreation Center has a lightning detection system that will sound an alert when lightning is in the area. When lightning is detected, one long horn blast will sound indicating that all patrons and staff should exit the water and seek shelter. When lightning is no longer in the area, three short horn blasts will sound indicating an “all-clear” status and activities may resume.
In case of a severe storm or pouring rain:
Severe storms and pouring rain decrease the visibility of the bottom of the pool. For the safety of all patrons, the Cain Outdoor Pool will close when the lifeguards can no longer see the bottom of the pool. The pool will re-open for activity when the storm has passed and the bottom of the pool is visible.
Click here to email for more information and to register for the course.
Rec Swim Schedule
Student Rec Center
Aquatics Staff
Carlos Garcia
Director, Aquatics
carlos_garcia@rec.tamu.edu
(979) 862-4968
CJ Stancheski
Assistant Director, Aquatic Events & Programs
cstancheski@rec.tamu.edu
(979) 458-2827
Esther Gagawala
Coordinator, Aquatics
Egagawala@rec.tamu.edu
(979) 862-2088
Leah Bolitho
Graduate Assistant, Aquatics
lbolitho@rec.tamu.edu
(979) 862-2990
Oscee Wheatfall III
Associate Director – Operations & Events
owheatfall@rec.tamu.edu
(979) 845-0228