Aquatics

De-stress, exercise, and have fun in our state-of-the-art, 25-yard pool and 10-person spa. Programs offered include lap swim, open rec swim, and special events available to Campus Rec members for free. Adult swim clinics, youth swim lessons, and First Aid/CPR/AED and lifeguard certification courses are available for a fee. Patrons have direct access to locker rooms and universal changing rooms, as well as kickboards, fins, and other exercise equipment at no cost.

Our aquatic complex includes a lap pool and 10-person whirlpool spa that offer natural light and views of downtown Portland. The swimming pool is 25 yards long and 6 lanes wide. The lap pool is kept between 80 and 82 degrees and the spa is about 103 degrees. The pool and spa use a system which feeds chlorine to the pool from a briquette form. In addition, both pools have a UV system. The UV system increases air quality in the natatorium and keeps combined chlorines at or near zero.

Inclusive Clothing Policy

Clean clothing that is safe for water sports must be worn to use the pool or spa. In addition to swimwear (swim trunks, one-piece swimsuits, two-piece swimsuits), patrons are welcome to wear head scarfs, shorts, short-sleeved shirts, and long-sleeves. Swimmers can wear any item of clothing that feels comfortable, as long as the clothing does not make it harder to swim (e.g. jeans). Aquatic merchandise including goggles, swim caps, nose plugs, ear plugs and children’s swim diapers are available for sale at Member Services.

Aquatics Schedule

Spring Term

Aquatic Activities

Open Rec Swim

Families wanting to play and swim in the pool during youth hours should visit during Open Rec Swim times. Swim laps, play water games, or relax in the spa. Whether you are seeking leisure or exercise, experience the pool in a new way. Specified swim lanes are dedicated to Open Rec Swim during designated times. Pool toys and equipment are provided.

Kayak Pool Sessions

Open pool sessions provide an opportunity for kayakers of all experience levels to work on skills in the safety of the pool. Kayak Pool Session monitors are able to provide instruction to their ability, but are not certified kayak instructors. Please check in with each monitor about your learning goals. Learn more about the Kayak Pool Session Rules before your visit.

Inclusive/Adaptive Swim Lane (Lane 1)

We offer an adaptive priority swim lane, with an ADA pool lift and stairs, for persons needing accommodations. The lifeguards are happy to help if assistance is needed. For more information and accommodations, please email us at aquatics@pdx.edu.

Women-Only Swim

Women-Only Swim is open to all self identifying women, non-binary, trans individuals and their children to swim and play together. Female lifeguards will be on duty and windows are covered to create a more inclusive, private space.

Men-Only Swim

Men-Only Swim is open to all self identifying men, non-binary, trans individuals and their children to swim and play together. Male lifeguards will be on duty and windows are covered to create a more inclusive, private space.

Aquatic Fitness

Swim X

Interested in improving your swimming technique and endurance? Join an empowering community of passionate swimmers with Swim X, a free program for individuals who want to take their swim workouts to the next level. A trained and experienced coach leads each session and facilitates workouts based on your skill level and goals. Gain insightful feedback on your strokes and technique. The average swim distance is two miles per workout. All abilities are welcome and encouraged to join.

Shallow Water X

This class takes place in the shallow end of the pool, using the buoyancy of water to lessen the impact on your joints. You can expect a variety of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) intervals, plyometrics and strength work for the upper and lower body in this effective, low-impact class. Open to all ability levels. No swim experience required.

Deep Water X

This little-to-no impact class gives you the opportunity to get a great workout without putting any added stress on your joints. With a variety of cardio, core, and strength work you can look forward to a full body workout, using the water to do moves we can’t do on land. Deep Water X is ideal for participants of all body types, abilities, and fitness levels. No swim experience required! View the Group X webpage for the current Water-based Group X schedule.

Aquatics Programs

Pool Rules

Before You Swim

A cleansing shower is required before entering the pool/spa. We ask that you not enter the facility if you have any of the following symptoms: fever, cough, fatigue, loss of appetite, loss of smell/taste, shortness of breath, or any symptoms related to COVID-19.

Lap Swim

Swimming is a low-impact way to experience movement and relaxation for people of all ability levels. Swimming can increase your heart rate, build endurance, and relieve stress on the body. Lap swim is a dedicated time for members to use the pool to swim laps or aqua jog. Please follow lane swimming etiquette outlined in the Lane Swimming Etiquette (PDF) guide.

Swim lanes are drop-in style, and available on a first-come, first-served basis. The number of lanes available for lap swim varies throughout the day. Campus Rec strives to provide a minimum of three lap lanes during designated lap swim times. Occasionally, circumstances may result in reduced lap lane availability. We encourage you to speak with a lifeguard prior to changing and showering to see how many lanes are currently available and how busy the pool is at that time. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. If you have any questions about lap swim, please ask a lifeguard or email us at aquatics@pdx.edu.

General-Use Lanes (Lanes 2-6)
Adaptive Swim Lane (Lane 1): Lane 1 in the Rec Center pool is an adaptive priority swim lane, with an ADA pool lift and stairs, for persons needing accommodations. If this lane is not available due to other programming, another lane can be made available during lap swim upon request. More information on the Adaptive Swim Lane can be found below.

Lane Swimming Etiquette (PDF)

Adaptive Swim Lane

Swimming is a low-impact way to experience movement and relaxation for people of all ability levels. We offer an adaptive priority swim lane, with an ADA pool lift and stairs, for persons needing accommodations. The lifeguards are happy to help if assistance is needed. Please let the lifeguard on duty know if you are going to utilize the priority lane to ensure it is clear. If this lane is not available due to other programming, another lane can be made available during lap swim upon request. For more information and accommodations, please email us at aquatics@pdx.edu.

Pool Equipment

Pool equipment such as kick boards, pool buoys, and aqua jogging belts are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please store equipment in cubbies on the pool deck or in the locker rooms.

Aquatics Certification Courses

Campus Rec offers a variety of non-credit or credit optional instructional courses for its members that provide certification. Email our Aquatics team at aquatics@pdx.edu for more information or if you are a PSU employee and are interested in taking a certification needed for your job.

Aquatics Courses

Lifeguard Training Program
Offered Spring 2024

Free for eligible PSU students*
Campus Rec member price: $150
Non-member price: $300

Spend time in the pool while gaining news skills and learning how to save lives with Campus Rec's Lifeguard Training Program. Open to the public, and no experience required. Trained instructors will assess your swimming abilities and create a training plan as needed to prepare you to complete the American Red Cross lifeguard certification course ($300 value).

*The Lifeguard Training Program is designed to reduce barriers of participation by eliminating the cost of an American Red Cross lifeguard certification course ($300 value) for incoming and current PSU students who are vaccinated against COVID-19 and intend to work as a lifeguard for PSU Campus Rec after completing the training. Through this accessible training program, we hope to rebuild our lifeguard community with a new and diverse team, and help bring an end to the national lifeguard shortage.

Learn more and apply on our Employment webpage.

Lifeguard Instructor Course

This course teaches participants how to teach the American Red Cross Lifeguarding Course. Participants must possess a current Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED certification.

Member price: $150
Non-member price: $300
Campus Rec staff: Free

This course is typically offered winter term (spring break) and summer term.

Lifeguard Course

The primary purpose of the Red Cross Lifeguarding program is to provide entry-level lifeguard participants with the knowledge and skills to prevent, recognize and respond to emergencies and to provide care for injuries and sudden illnesses until emergency medical services (EMS) personnel arrive and take over.

Member price: $150
Non-member price: $200

This course is typically offered winter, spring, and summer term.

Safety Courses

American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED

The purpose of the American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED program is to help participants recognize and respond appropriately to cardiac, breathing, and first aid emergencies. The courses in this program teach skills that participants need to know to give immediate care to a suddenly ill or injured Adult/Child/Infant until more advanced medical personnel arrive and take over.

Member price: $65
Non-member price: $100
Campus Rec staff: Free

This course is typically offered every term.

Bloodborne Pathogen Training

This course is designed for those who risk on-the-job exposure to blood and other bodily fluids, and teaches participants to understand how bloodborne pathogens are spread. Participants will learn how to avoid exposure and what to do if exposed to infectious materials, including cleanup procedures. The course is one of the requirements of the OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard.

Member price: $40
Non-member price: $55
Campus Rec staff: Free