Aquatics and Safety

The Aquatic Center at Swinney also serves the UMKC and the Kansas City community with athletic practices, rentals, and American Red Cross training courses.

Click Here for More Information about the Aquatic Center

The lap lanes will be moved out of the way and the pool will be open for students and members who aren't looking to swim laps but to hang out and chill in and by the water. The diving boards will be available during this time. 

What We Offer:

When you understand first aid, you'll gain the ability to help those in need. Through our first aid certification classes you'll learn how to respond to specific situations, which will help you care for people in crisis as they wait for medical professionals to arrive.

CPR/AED will prepare you to recognize and care for breathing and cardiac emergencies. This is a blended learning course including an online portion and an instructor-led classroom skill session.

Check out our signature aquatic programs throughout the year including:

  • Swinney Splash - Our fall welcome back pool party!
  • Dive-in movie - Partnering with UPB to provide a movie screening in the pool!
  • Roo Float - Come out and float on all our different floatation devices and enjoy a soda float (on the pool deck) while hanging out with fellow Roos!
  • Water Polo - Try out water polo on Thursday nights during the academic semesters from 8pm-9pm in the aquatic center!
  • And more! We program in the pool during Roo Welcome and Stress Less each semester

 All lifeguard candidates must pass the water assessment. 

Water Assessment: (VIDEO LINK)

Swim 300 yards continuously demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing.

  • Candidates may swim using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both but swimming on the back or side is not allowed.
  • Swim goggles may be used.

Tread water for 2 minutes using only the legs. 

  • Candidates should place their hands under the armpits.
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 allowed.
  • Surface dive, feet-first or head-first, to a depth of 7 to 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 and keeping the face at or near the surface so they are able to get a breath.
  • Candidates should not swim the distance under water.
  • Exit the water without using a ladder or steps