Aquatics

The Rec Center pool with a cover on top.

Upcoming Facility Project: Pool and Spa Closed in August

The Campus Rec Pool will be closed from August 1st through August 28th to undergo a major, necessary maintenance refresh.

Inclusive Clothing Policy

Pool users should wear clean and safe swimwear or clothing in the pool or spa. Safe swim wear is defined as any clothing that when waterlogged will not inhibit in any way the swimmer’s movements or ability to stay above the water surface. (e.g. jeans). In addition to swimwear (swim trunks, one-piece swimsuits, two-piece swimsuits), patrons are welcome to wear head scarfs, shorts, short-sleeved shirts, and/or long-sleeves. Aquatic merchandise including goggles, swim caps, nose plugs, ear plugs and children’s swim diapers are available for sale at Member Services.

Aquatic Activities

Open Rec Swim

Families wanting to play and swim in the pool during youth hours should visit during Open Rec Swim times. 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.

Inclusive/Adaptive Swim Lane

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.

Beginner Swim Clinic

This class is for participants with no swimming experience. Our instructors will focus on the basic skills, such as water acclimation, floating, breathing and equipment introduction.

Log Roll

Test your balance and challenge your skills on our fully synthetic Key Log roll! Its patent-pending baffled system makes it float, spin, and react just like a traditional cedar log—without the heavy weight. Staff will be on hand to assist, and no swim experience is required. Free for Campus Rec members

Aquatic Fitness

Masters Swim X

Interested in improving your swimming technique and endurance? Join an empowering community of passionate swimmers with Swim X, a free coach-led program designed for swimmers looking to build endurance, refine technique, and stay motivated alongside a community of dedicated peers. Each session includes a structured workout with a trained coach. The average swim distance is 1-2 miles per workout. For the best experience, participants should be able to swim at least 1000 yards in a 1-hour period. Familiarity with two or more competitive strokes is recommended but not required.

Lap Swim Only

The pool is reserved exclusively for lap swimming during this time. Recreational play is not allowed to maintain a focused swimming environment. Water walking is permitted only in the Adaptive lane. Please respect lane designations to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all swimmers. For tips on sharing lanes politely and safely, please see our Lane Sharing Etiquette guidelines.

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!

Aquatics Programs

Lap Swim

Swim lanes are drop-in style, and available on a first-come, first-served basis. When there are not enough lanes for individuals to have their own, priority will be given to those willing to share a lane. Please follow lane swimming etiquette outlined in the Lane Swimming Etiquette (PDF) guide.
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.

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 may be made available during lap swim upon request. For more information and accommodations, please email us at aquatics@pdx.edu.