Aquatics

Boyden

Hours: 

Monday-Friday: 11:00am-12:30pm
Tuesday & Thursday: 6:45pm-8:30pm
Saturday - CLOSED
Sunday: 11:00am - 5:30pm

Access:

Located on the first floor. Enter the pool through any locker room.
Card reader access, UCard or guest pass required for entry.

Pool Info:

• 25 yards, 6 lanes
• 4 feet in the shallow end, 12.5 feet in the deep end
• Water temperature 78-80 degrees F
• 1 length = 25 yards
• 1,760 yards = 1 mile
• 70.4 lengths = 1 mile
• 35.2 laps = 1 mile
• PAL portable lift

Curry Hicks:

Hours: 

Monday & Wednesday 7:00 am - 2:00 pm; 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Tuesday 9:00am - 11:15pm
Thursday 9:00am - 12:00pm
Friday 7:00am - 6:00pm
Saturday 11:00am - 7:30pm
Sunday CLOSED

Access:

Located on the first floor. Enter the pool through any locker room.
Card reader access, UCard or guest pass required for entry.

Pool Info:

• 25 yards, 4 lanes
• 4 feet shallow end, 9.5 feet deepest, 8 feet opposite shallow end
• Water temperature 80-82 degrees F
• 1 length = 25 yards
• 1,760 yards = 1 mile
• 70.4 lengths = 1 mile
• 35.2 laps = 1 mile
• NO PAL portable lift

Participant Information

• Lifeguard instructions and requests must be promptly obeyed and followed. Lifeguards have the authority to make any decisions not specifically covered in the posted rules.

• Lifeguards reserve the right to administer a swim test to any individual. Patrons must demonstrate their swimming ability before entering deep water. 

• Proper ID required -- UCard that scans valid or guest pass. Guest must have sponsor with recreation membership. Sponsor must check in at the same time as the guest and remain in the facility with the guest.

• Patronts must be at least age 6 to use the pools. Patrons ages 6-17 must be accompanied and supervised by an adult sponsor with recreation membership or guest pass.

• Patrons must take a cleansing shower before entering the pools. Patrons with skin diseases, open or infected wounds, inflamed eyes, discharges from the nose or ears or any communicable disease are PROHIBITED from entering the pools.

• Proper swimwear/bathing suit is required. Prohibited attire includes shorts, cutoffs and yoga pants. Swim caps are optional.

• Only bare feet or slip-resistant aquatics footwear is permitted on the pool deck. 

• Personal belongings should be secured in a locker. The pool deck must be kept clear. 

• Typically, lanes 1 & 2 are for slower swimmers, lanes 3 & 4 for medium-faster swimmers, lanes 5 & 6 for fast swimmers. Use the lane that best fits your general speed.

• To avoid accidents when entering an occupied lane, please receive the first swimmer's acknowledgement that you are there before you enter the pool.

• Two swimmers in a lane can split the lane in half or use circle swimming. When 3 or more swimmers are in a lane, use a counter-clockwise circle swimming pattern around the black line on the bottom of the pool. 

• Follow proper procedures for pool use. Rough play and inappropriate activities, such as running and pushing, are not permitted in the pool, deck area and locker rooms. 

• Diving boards and starting blocks are not permitted to be used. No diving in the shallow end from the pool deck. Diving from the pool deck is permitted only in the deep end during open swim. Flips or diving backward from the pool deck is not permitted. 

• Hyperventilating (rapid, deep breathing) before swimming underwater and/or breath-holding contests are not permitted. 

• No spitting, spouting water, nose blowing, or discharging bodily wastes in the pools.

• Do not sit or hang on the lane lines. 

• Use of starting blocks and diving boards is not permitted. 

• Face masks and snorkels are not permitted. Patrons are permitted to use goggles, training fins and hand paddles. 

• Return Recreation & Wellbeing equipment (i.e. kickboards, pull buoys) to proper storage location. 

• No food, drink (water permitted) or gum. Only non-breakable containers are permitted in pool areas and locker rooms. 

• The pools are substance-free facilities. Alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, steroids and nicotine/tobacco products are not permitted in pool areas and locker rooms.

• Unauthorized use of photography/videography is not permitted during recreation swim time.

• Any person deemed unsafe and/or not adhering to the rules will be asked to leave the pool area and building. 

• Lightning/Thunder Policy -- Although Boyden and Curry Hicks have a lightning protection system, including the pool structure being bonded and grounded, there is still a possible risk of shock through the underground metallic network and large surface area of the water. The National Lightning Safety Institute and the American Red Cross recommend closure of indoor pools during an electrical storm. When the first lightning strike is seen and thunder strike heard, the pool area shall be evacuated for a period of no less than thirty minutes. Patrons should move to a safe area free from contact with water, plumbing or electrical circuits. Patrons should not take showers or remain in locker rooms as water and metal can conduct electricity. Pools will re-open 30 minutes after the last lightning strike is seen and thunder heard.

Lap Swim

• All swimmers must adhere to pool rules. 
• Patrons should enter the pool at the shallow end. 
• Typically lanes 1 & 2 are for slower swimmers, lanes 3 & 4 for medium-faster swimmers, lanes 5 & 6 for fast swimmers. Use the lane that best fits your general speed.
• To avoid accidents, when entering an occupied lane, please receive the first swimmer's acknowledgement that you are there before you enter the pool.
• Two swimmers in a lane can split the lane in half or use circle swimming.
• When 3 or more swimmers are in a lane, use a counter-clockwise circle swimming pattern around the black line on the bottom of the pool. 
• Patrons age 6-17 are not permitted during lap swim. Patrons age 6-17 are permitted during family swim only.

Open Swim

• All swimmers must adhere to pool rules. 
• No diving in the shallow end. Diving is permitted in the deep end during open swim. Flips or diving backward from the pool deck is not permitted. 
• Lane dividers are removed. If there is a demand for lap swim, lane lines can be put in.
• Patrons age 6-17 are not permitted during open swim. Patrons age 6-17 are permitted during family swim only. 

Family Swim

• Each family member must have a valid UCard with recreation membership or guest pass receipt. Recreation membership is payable at Member Services in the Recreation Center.
• Patrons must be at least age 6 to use the pools. Patrons aged 6-17 must be accompanied and supervised by an adult (age 18+) sponsor with recreation membership or guest pass. 
• All swimmers must adhere to pool rules.
• Patrons must demonstrate swimming ability before entering deep water. Swimmers with beginning skills must remain in the shallow end of pool.
• UMass students, faculty and staff are permitted to use pools during family swim time.

Disabled Swim 

At Boyden, disabled swimmers or swimmers with special needs can use the PAL (portable aquatic lift). The lift can be locked into position on the side of the pool in the shallow end. The lift is capable of independent operation by the person with the disability; however, lifeguards can assist the patron as necessary, including getting on and off the lift and lowering the patron into the water.

These expectations & procedures are to ensure the safety of all participants. Failure to comply with these expectations & procedures and with the lifeguard’s request may result in loss of privileges to use the pools.

ATTENTION: Private Swim Instruction reservations are now open.  Please contact Aquatics Coordinator Alexis Gross at @email to reserve your spot today.

For recreation members ages 6 and up with any skill level, private swim lessons are taught by experienced student instructors with a consistent model of progression. As participants work through the sessions, they will become safer, better swimmers.

We strive to provide quality instruction with a strong emphasis on water safety. Becoming safe in the water and learning to swim are essential skills. RecWell believes swimming is a valuable skill and a healthy recreational activity.

Fees and Procedures

Private, one-on-one swim lessons are available to students, faculty/staff, alumni, and associates with recreation membership. Participants must have a recreation membership to take private swim lessons. If registering a minor, the parent/guardian must have a valid membership and will need to purchase a guest pass for their minor on the day of the swim lesson. The parent/guardian MUST stay on the pool deck for the duration of the swim lesson.

Private Swim Lessons

1 lesson: $25
3 lessons: $70
5 lessons: $115

Participants must complete and submit the Registration/Waiver and Participant Information Form with the registration fee (cash, credit/debit card accepted) to Member Services in the Recreation Center.  Registration materials are reviewed by Coordinator Alexis Gross prior to beginning swim lessons. Participants are assigned a swim instructor based on instructor availability and compatibility with the participant’s goals and skill level. Lessons are scheduled at mutually agreed upon times. 

Each swim lesson typically lasts 30-35 minutes. Plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early to allow time to change into your swimsuit, secure your personal belongings, present your UCard to the lifeguard on duty, and meet your swim instructor on the pool deck. Participant UCard must swipe valid through the card reader for access to the pool and swim lesson.

Lessons are non-refundable, non-transferable, and expire at the end of the semester in which the lesson(s) was/were purchased.

If a participant is unable to make a scheduled lesson, he/she must notify the instructor at least 24 hours in advance. Failure to do so will result in the participant forfeiting the lesson; no refund will be granted. 

In case of emergency (i.e. sudden illness, family emergency), call Member Services at the Recreation Center (413-545-0022 or 413-545-2693) and request to speak with or leave a message for Coordinator Alexis Gross. Then, follow up with notification to your instructor. The decision to reschedule or forfeit the lesson will be at the discretion of the Coordinator in consultation with the instructor.

A 15-minute grace period is permitted for late arrival to a scheduled lesson. The instructor will wait 15 minutes past the scheduled lesson time unless the participant has alerted the instructor of the lateness and arrival time. The instructor may or may not be able to extend the lesson to make up for the 15 minutes.

Personal instruction and training are not permitted in the pools other than what is scheduled through Recreation and Wellbeing. 

Unauthorized photography/videography is not permitted during lessons.

For more information about private swim lessons, contact Coordinator Alexis Gross at @email

Swim Level and Skills

Level 1 - Exploring the Water

Learn skills to feel more comfortable in the water and develop good swimming habits and safe practices around the water. 

• Introduction to water, emphasizing comfort and safety
• Elementary aquatic skills are introduced – entering and exiting the water, submerging mouth, nose and eyes, blowing bubbles through the mouth and nose, bobbing in the water, front and back floating, beginning to learn front and back swimming using arms and legs, retrieving objects underwater
• Learning how to stay safe and knowing how to call for help
• Prerequisite – none; cannot do anything unsupported

Level 2 - Fundamental Aquatic Skills

Become successful with basic fundamental water skills.

• Front and back glides and floats
• Jellyfish and tuck floats
• Treading water with arm and leg actions
• Developing swimming with the front and back crawl
• Entering the water by jumping or stepping from the side
• Learn how to stay safe, including recognizing an emergency, knowing how to call for help and perform simple non-swimming assists
• Prerequisites – can do some skills unsupported, even if for only a few seconds, can submerge mouth, nose and eyes and blow bubbles and is comfortable doing so

Level 3 - Stroke Development

Build on skills from Level 2 and develop strokes through additional guided practice in deeper water. 

• Submerge and retrieve objects
• Treading water using the scissors kick
• Coordinate the front crawl and back crawl
• Survival float
• Flutter, scissor, dolphin and breaststroke kicks on front
• Head-first entries from the side – kneeling and sitting positions
• Non-swimming assists
• Prerequisites – can swim on front and back unsupported for at least 15 feet with alternating arm action and continuous kicking; can float and glide unsupported and bob fully submerged at least 5 times continuously

Level 4 - Stroke Improvement

Develop confidence, coordination and strength in the strokes learned in Level 3 and improve other aquatic skills.

• Coordination and control in all six strokes (front crawl, back crawl, breaststroke, butterfly, elementary backstroke and sidestroke)
• Swimming underwater
• Feet first surface dive
• Treading water using 2 different kicks
• Open turns
• Head first entries from the side
• Prerequisites – can swim front crawl at least 15 yards, back crawl 15 yards and butterfly kick, breaststroke kick at least 15 yards; can do kneeling dive and tread water for at least 30 seconds

Level 5 - Stroke Refinement

Build on coordination and improve all strokes. 

• Refinement of all six strokes (front crawl, back crawl, breaststroke, butterfly, elementary backstroke and sidestroke)
• Flip turns on front and back
• Sculling
• Tuck and pike surface dives
• Swimming longer distances
• Prerequisites – can swim front crawl with rotary breathing and back crawl at least 25 yards, breaststroke, butterfly, elementary backstroke and sidestroke at least 15 yards; strokes should have all the elements and only need refinement; can do standing dive and tread water at least one minute

Level 6 - Stroke Perfection and Swimming Proficiency

Refine strokes so participants swim with ease, efficiency, power and smoothness over greater distances. Level 6 is designed with options that focus on preparing swimmers to participate in more advanced activities, including fitness swimmer, personal water safety & lifeguard readiness.

• Flip turns, treading water and head-first entries are practiced to achieve proficiency
• Swimmers build endurance by swimming longer distances
• Prerequisites – can swim front crawl and back crawl at least 50 yards and all other strokes at least 25 yards; technique in all the strokes should be strong with good coordination; can do flip turns, shallow dives and tread water for at least 2 minutes

What Swim Level Am I?

Non-swimmer or Beginner

A non-swimmer, may demonstrate paddling and kicking coordination but uses assistance when swimming, may demonstrate a fear of the water

Intermediate

Demonstrates forward motion in the water on back and front without assistance, endurance and technique need improvement

Advanced

Able to swim the length of the pool without stopping, demonstrates proficient front and back stroke skills, interested in learning additional strokes

Level 1 is entry level.

You are in Level 2 – Fundamental Aquatic Skills if you can:

• Enter and exit the water without assistance
• Walk, move along the gutter or swim
• Fully submerge your face in the water, blow bubbles
• Kick on your front and back with or without support
• Front and back float with or without support

You are in Level 3 – Stroke Development if you can:

• Open eyes underwater and retrieve underwater objects
• Front and back float without support
• Flutter kick on front and back
• Swim short distances in deeper water
• Demonstrate bobbing
• Demonstrate rotary breathing
• Jump into the water and recover
• Tread water using arm and leg actions

You are in Level 4 – Stroke Improvement if you can:

• Swim front crawl with rotary breathing
• Demonstrate backstroke, elementary backstroke & breaststroke
• Enter water by jumping from the side
• Dive from sitting and kneeling position
• Tread water
• Demonstrate bobbing while moving forward
• Retrieve underwater objects with eyes open

You are in Level 5 – Stroke Refinement if you can:

• Demonstrate rotary breathing
• Swim underwater
• Bob in deep water
• Dive from a standing position
• Demonstrate the different strokes and want to build on skills and increase endurance by swimming increased distances

You are in Level 6 – Skill Proficiency if you can:

• Perform a shallow-angle dive in deep water
• Perform a stride jump entry
• Perform a feet first surface dive
• Front and back crawl and perform the elementary backstroke for distances
• Swim the breaststroke, sidestroke and butterfly
• Do flip turns
• Sculling

I’m interested in taking private swim lessons. Now what?
Register for lessons at Member Services in the Recreation Center. Complete the Registration/Waiver and Participant Information Form and pay the registration fee.

Information about private swim lessons, including a summary of the program, is available on our website or at Member Services in the Rec Center. Contact Coordinator Alexis Gross at @email if you have additional questions. 

Do I need to have recreation membership to register for swim lessons? Why?
Yes. Private, one-on-one swim lessons are available to students, faculty/staff, alumni and associates with recreation membership. Participants must have recreation membership to take private swim lessons. Membership & eligibility information is available on our website or at Member Services in the Recreation Center.

You will want to swim during recreation time at the pools without your instructor -- practice what you have learned, exercise and enjoy swimming. As with all recreation facilities, recreation membership is required for access. Your UCard that swipes valid through the card reader is required for entry to the pools. 

I turned in my forms and payment. Now what?
Coordinator Alexis Gross will review the registration materials and may contact you to review your goals and skills or ask additional questions. Once the registration materials have been reviewed and accepted, the swim instructor will contact you to set up the lesson(s).

Please be aware that we may need to close and/or limit private lessons registration when we reach capacity. What does this mean and why? It means we will not accept any new private lessons registrations although returning clients can continue. Our instructors may have reached capacity with respect to taking on new clients and/or recreation participation at the pools is such that we will need to limit participation. The decision to close and/or limit private swim lessons registration is determined by the Senior Associate.

Are swim lessons available for participants with different skill levels?
Yes. Swim lessons are for recreation members ages 6 and up with any skill level from beginners to swimmers with skill proficiency who want to work on stroke development and endurance. Our primary goal is to teach participants to swim to the best of their ability in a safe and fun environment.

Who are the instructors?
Our private swim instructors are undergraduate and graduate students who have experience teaching lessons, are certified lifeguards, and/or are certified Water Safety Instructors. We try to match the instructor to the skill level and goals of the participants. If you would prefer a male or female or specific instructor, please indicate this on the Participant Information Form.

How long are lessons and what do I do when I come for my lessons?
Each swim lesson typically lasts 30-35 minutes. Plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early to allow time to change into your swimsuit, secure your personal belongings, present your UCard to the lifeguard on duty, and meet your swim instructor on the pool deck. Your UCard must swipe valid through the card reader for access to the pool and swim lesson. 

I purchased five lessons. Do I need to schedule the lessons all at once?
You will schedule your lessons with your instructor. Depending on your goals and skill level, it may be more beneficial to schedule lessons at consistent times/days during the week.

Will my lessons be at Boyden or Curry Hicks pool?
During the academic year, private swim lessons can be held during recreation lap/open swim times listed below (subject to change based on current recreation schedule):

Boyden Pool
Monday-Friday 11:00am-12:30pm
Saturday 1:30pm-4:30pm
Sunday 11:00am-4:00pm

Curry Hicks Pool
Monday, Wednesday & Friday 7:00am-2:00pm
Tuesday & Thursday 9:00am-12:00pm
Saturday 11:00am-1:00pm & 5:00pm-7:00pm
Sunday 5:00pm-7:00pm

If a recreation time is not listed above for swim lessons, it means that recreation time is likely too busy to conduct private swim lessons (i.e. Hicks pool Monday & Wednesday 5:00pm-7:00pm & Boyden pool Tuesday, Thursday & Friday in the evening).

What about my personal belongings during my lessons?
We strongly recommend that you secure your personal belongings in a locker with a lock. Men’s & women’s locker rooms are available in Boyden and Curry Hicks. Day-use lockers (no overnight storage) are available. If you would like to have a locker to use during your membership session(s), please see staff at the Boyden towel counter. An assigned locker includes a lock and towel. With an assigned locker, you can keep your belongings secure during your lesson(s).

What equipment should I bring?
Campus Recreation provides equipment for lessons. Participants should bring their own goggles and swim cap. 

What if I can’t make my lesson?
If you are unable to make a scheduled lesson, you must notify the instructor at least 24 hours in advance. If you do not show for your lesson or cancel with less than 24 hours notice, you will forfeit that lesson. To reschedule your lesson, we ask you to adhere to this policy by contacting your instructor in a timely manner. Please be aware that lessons are non-refundable, non-transferable (someone else can’t take your place) and expire at the end of the semester in which the lesson(s) was/were purchased.

What if I have an emergency and cannot make a lesson?
In case of emergency (i.e. sudden illness, family emergency), call Member Services at the Recreation Center (413-545-0022 or 413-545-2693) and request to speak with or leave a message for Coordinator Alexis Gross. Then, follow up with notification to your instructor. The decision to reschedule or forfeit the lesson will be at the discretion of the Coordinator in consultation with the instructor.

For more information about private swim lessons, contact Coordinator Alexis Gross @ @email

Prerequisites:  To take the lifeguard certification course, you must be able to pass all parts of the swimming test:

• Swim 300 yards continuously demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing. Candidates may swim the front crawl or breaststroke or a combination, but swimming on the back or side is not permitted. Goggles and swim cap are strongly recommended. 300 yards = 12 lengths/6 laps

• Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds. Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. The face may be in or out of the water. Swim goggles are not permitted. Surface dive, feet-first or head-first, to a depth of 7-10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object. Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on the back to return to the starting point with both hands holding the object while keeping the face at or near the surface to be able to take a breath. Candidates are not permitted to swim the distance under water. Place the object on wall & exit the water without using a ladder or steps.

• Tread water for 2 minutes using only the legs. Candidates should place their hands under the armpits.

This course qualifies candidates to be pool lifeguards and includes lifeguard certification, first aid and CPR/AED.

The lifeguard certification course will be offered during the spring 2025 semester. 

Cost:  $285 full certification, $175 recertification (Your current certification must be within 30 days of expiration; copy of current certification required at registration).

• Credit/debit card only.
• Payment due at registration
• Fee is non-refundable, unless the registrant does not pass the swim test or withdraws from the course prior to the swim test or first class. Please note that refund is immediate with credit/debit card payment.

Mandatory Swim Test:  DATE & LOCATION TBD 

Class Dates & Times: TBD
Attendance is mandatory at the swim test and classes. In-person Class dates –Syllabus will be provided by the instructor at the swim test.

Location: TBD

Registration is first-come, first-served. 

For more information, contact Coordinator for Facility Operations & Aquatics, Alexis Gross, at @email