Aquatics

Boyden Pool: 

Curry Hicks Pool:

Pool Rules

For the safety and enjoyment of everyone using the pools:

• Follow all posted rules and lifeguard instructions. Lifeguards have the authority to restrict activities or equipment they determine to be unsafe. 
• A valid UCard or guest pass is required for entry. 
• Patrons must be at least 6 years old. Patrons ages 6–17 may participate only during designated family swim and must be accompanied by an adult. 
• Take a cleansing shower before entering the pool. Do not swim if you have a communicable illness, open wound, or other condition that may affect water safety. 
• Proper swimwear is required. Only bare feet or slip-resistant aquatic footwear is permitted on the pool deck. 
• Walk on the pool deck. Running, pushing, rough play, and other unsafe behavior are prohibited. 
• Diving is permitted only in designated deep-water areas during open swim. Starting blocks and diving boards are not available for recreational use. 
• Hyperventilation, prolonged underwater breath-holding, and breath-holding contests are prohibited. 
• Store personal belongings in a locker and keep the pool deck clear. 
• Food, gum, glass, alcohol, tobacco, nicotine, and illegal substances are prohibited. Water in a non-breakable container is permitted. 
• Photography and videography is not permitted without prior authorization. 
• Patrons who do not follow pool rules or lifeguard instructions may be asked to leave and may lose recreation privileges. 

Lap Swim Etiquette

• Choose a lane that best matches your swimming pace. 
• Let swimmers know before entering an occupied lane. 
• Two swimmers may split a lane or circle swim. 
• Three or more swimmers must circle swim counterclockwise. 
• Return shared equipment to its designated storage area after use. 

Family Swim

• Patrons ages 6–17 must be accompanied and supervised by an adult age 18 or older. 
• Lifeguards may require any patron to complete a swim test before entering deep water.  
• Beginning swimmers and those who do not pass the swim test must remain in shallow water. 

Accessible Swimming

Boyden Pool has a portable aquatic lift located at the shallow end. The lift may be operated independently by the patron, and lifeguards are available to provide reasonable assistance when requested.

Patrons who have questions about pool access or accommodations are encouraged to contact Recreation & Wellbeing before their visit.

Emergency Closures

Pools may close because of severe weather, water-quality concerns, facility conditions, or other safety hazards. Patrons must exit the pool and follow staff instructions whenever an evacuation or closure is announced.

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.

Learn to Swim- Group Swimm Lessons 

Never learned to swim? You’re not alone, and it’s never too late to start!

RecWell’s Learn to Swim program is designed specifically for our UMass community members with little to no previous swimming experience. Whether you never had access to swim lessons growing up or simply haven’t had the opportunity to feel comfortable in the water, this class provides a welcoming and supportive place to start.

Led by two swim instructors, participants will build water confidence, learn essential swimming and water safety skills, and be introduced to basic swim strokes at a comfortable pace.

Classes take place in the Hicks Pool, where participants can focus on learning in a supportive environment alongside other UMass community members who are also new to swimming.

No previous swimming experience is required. Participants should be comfortable standing in chest-deep water.

Come as you are. Build confidence. Learn a skill that lasts a lifetime.

Cost $150.00 

Age: 18-100 yr

Class Format: Class will meet 1 hour each week for 8 weeks. 

Visit the Member Services desk at the Recreation and Wellbeing Center to Register for the class. 

Your goals. Your pace. Your swim.

RecWell Private Swim Lessons offer personalized, one-on-one instruction designed around your individual swimming ability, comfort level, and goals. Whether you’re learning to swim for the first time, looking to improve your technique, or working toward a specific swimming or fitness goal, private lessons provide focused instruction to help you make progress.

You’ll work individually with a RecWell swim instructor who will meet you where you are and build each lesson around your needs. From developing water confidence and learning foundational skills to refining strokes, breathing, and efficiency, your lesson is tailored to you.

Private lessons are scheduled based on the instructor and students schedule and are available for a variety of swimming abilities and experience levels.

New to the water? Getting back into swimming? Looking to sharpen your skills? We’ll meet you where you are and help you take the next step.

Private swimming lessons are 30 minutes each and are offered in 5 week packages 

Cost: $150.00

Lifeguard Certification Courses

Build your skills. Be ready to respond. Become a lifeguard.

RecWell Lifeguard Certification Courses prepare UMass students with the skills and confidence needed to prevent, recognize, and respond to aquatic emergencies. Whether you’re interested in working as a lifeguard, building your emergency response skills, or adding a valuable certification to your résumé, this course is a great place to start.

Led by experienced American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructors, the course combines classroom learning with hands-on training in the pool. Participants will develop skills in water rescue, surveillance and injury prevention, CPR/AED, First Aid, and working as part of a professional lifeguard team.

Successful participants will earn an American Red Cross Lifeguarding certification, including CPR/AED and First Aid.

Participants must meet all American Red Cross prerequisite swimming requirements to participate in the course.

Cost: 

RecWell Member: 275.00

Non-Member 325.00

Lifeguard Recertification Course

Stay current. Refresh your skills. Be ready to respond.

RecWell’s American Red Cross Lifeguard Recertification Course is designed for currently certified lifeguards who are ready to renew their certification and refresh the skills needed to respond confidently in an aquatic emergency.

Led by experienced American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructors, this course provides a focused review of essential lifeguarding skills, including water rescues, surveillance and emergency response, CPR/AED, First Aid, and team-based rescue scenarios.

Participants will have the opportunity to practice and demonstrate the skills they’ve already learned while reinforcing current American Red Cross lifeguarding standards and techniques.

Participants must hold an eligible American Red Cross Lifeguarding certification and successfully complete all required skills and assessments to earn recertification.

Cost: 

RecWell Member: 150.00

Non-Member 175.00