Aquatics
The Quincy Kroc Center’s aquatics department, complete with certified American Red Cross Certified lifeguards, is dedicated to providing top-quality classes and training. In addition to the facility being Infant Swim of America certified, our trained instructors are able to teach swim lessons to all ages and abilities.
Stop by The Kroc Center for a complete schedule of drop-in activities, or view the current class schedule.
Nanette Johnson
Aquatics Specialist | 217-231-5676
Welcome to Kroc Aquatics where you can participate in our learn to swim program, become certified as an American Red Cross Lifeguard, or join a water fitness class.
For more info, stop by or give us a call and let’s start working on your health and wellness today!
Aquatic Center
The Kroc Aquatic Center features 86º water, lap lanes, a current river, zero-entry, sprays, and fountains. Aside from our Kroc swim lessons, the crown jewel of the Aquatics Center is the three-story tall Big Red Slide. Hours of operation vary from season to season. Click here for Aquatic Center hours.
Lap Lanes
The lap lanes are 17.1 yards by 14 feet. The shallow end of the lanes is 3′ 6″ feet deep and the deep end of the lanes is 6 feet deep.
Lap Lane times can be found in the class schedule.
Pool Features & Big Red Slide
The Aquatic Center offers has a current river, a three story tall waterslide, whirlpool, zero-entry area, and sprayers and fountains.
Our Big Red Slide is for those 48” or taller and under 300 lbs. Lifeguards will measure all riders at the Lifeguard office. Big Red Slide times can be found in the class schedule.
Water temperature is approximately 86º.
Cabanas + Locker Rooms
There are 10 co-ed cabanas for adults 18+ and parents/guardians with children. Handicap stalls are available in two of the rooms.
Men’s and women’s locker rooms include individual shower stalls, toilet stalls, and sinks.
Swim Lesson Info
Parent’s Guide
Our Kroc swim lessons class levels is frequently repeated to allow students to master skills and feel successful before moving on to a new level. Patience is the key to learning how to swim.
Participants must be picked up immediately following class.
You MUST register for swim lessons in Kroc Center 5 days prior to the class start date or a $10 late fee will be applied to your registration fee.
Registration Policies
Late registrations will be accepted with a $10 surcharge. We accept late registrations for Kroc swim lessons until the first scheduled day of class as space allows.
No registrations are accepted after classes begin.
Any class or activity is subject to cancellation at our discretion if minimum participation levels are not met.
Refunds/transfers will be made at our Control Desk upon approval from the Aquatics Specialist within the first week of the session.
Refund Policy due to Pool Closure
Group swim lesson participants will be offered one Kroc Day Pass card per child in a swim lesson that is canceled during the pool closure.
The Day Pass card will be available for pick up during the child’s next scheduled swim lesson. A parent/guardian must sign for the Day Pass card.
Day Pass cards will only be held for two weeks following the canceled class, at which time the parent/ guardian forfeits the right to a refund
Any questions relating to this policy should be directed to the Aquatic Specialist
Group Swim Lessons
Gold $42, Silver $49, Non-Member $70
The Kroc Center’s swim lesson program helps children learn the fundamentals of swimming and water safety through the teaching and assessment of critical water skills.
How to Register
• Evaluate your child’s swim ability and choose a class level and session.
• On lesson day, check in and then make your way to the aquatics/lifeguard station on the lower level. Check in with the team member in the lifeguard station. Don’t forget to bring a towel!
• At the end of the swim lessons sessions, your instructor will recommend the appropriate class level for the next set of lessons. Class levels are frequently repeated to allow students to master skills and feel successful before moving on to the next level.
only certified Rescue Swim Facility?
Parent / Baby
Parent or caregiver accompanies the child in class. Kids under 3 years must wear a swim diaper. Introduces self-rescue techniques along with games that focus on water comfort and basic swim skills.
Tadpoles – Babies 12–23 months
• Mondays | 6–6:30pm / 6:30–7pm
• Wednesdays | 5:30–6pm / 6–6:30pm
| Session 5 | Mondays | July 22 – Aug 26 |
| Wednesdays | July 24 – Aug 28 |
| Session 6 | Mondays | Nov 11 – Dec 16 |
| Wednesdays | Nov 13 – Dec 18 |
Parent & Toddler
Parent or caregiver accompanies the child in class. Kids under 3 years must wear a swim diaper.
Participants are introduced to self-rescue skills, swim strokes, and water safety techniques.
Frogs 2–3 years
• TU 5:30–6pm / 6–6:30pm
• TH 6–6:30pm / 6:30–7pm
• SAT 9–9:30am / 9:30–10am
Beginner
Introduces beginning swimmers to the water in a fun setting. Children learn floating and water safety through play and creative repetition and take instruction from an instructor. No swim experience is required.
Suitable for kids who can:
- Attend class independently (parents are not present in this class)
- Goggles optional
Krocodiles 4–6 years
• TU 6–6:30pm / 6:30–7pm
• WED 5:30–6pm
• TH 5:30–6pm / 6–6:30pm
• SAT 8:30–9am / 9–9:30am
Alligators 7–10 years
• TU 7–7:30pm
• THUR 7–7:30pm
• SAT 10–10:30am
Intermediate
Continue to work on balance in the water through stroke development and water safety skills, working to become an independent swimmer.
Suitable for kids who can:
- Swim with their face in the water; (and able to roll over to a float position)
- Float on front and back with no assistance for a minimum of 5 seconds
- Goggles optional
Lobsters 4–6 years
• TU 6:30–7pm
• TH 6:30–7pm
• SAT 9:30–10am
Otters 7–10 years
• TU 7–7:30pm
• THUR 7–7:30pm
• SAT 10–10:30am
Upcoming Sessions
Each session includes 6 lessons. Participants may register for more than one session.
Session 5
| Tuesdays | July 23 – Aug 27 |
| Thursdays | July 25 – Aug 29 |
| Saturdays | July 20 – Aug 24 |
Session 6
| Tuesdays | Nov 12 – Dec 17 |
| Wednesdays | Nov 13 – Dec 18 |
| Thursdays | Nov 7 – Dec 19 |
| Saturdays | Nov 9 – Dec 21 |
Private Swim Lessons – Limited
At this time, availability for private Kroc swim lessons is very limited.
SELF RESCUE • SKILL DEVELOPMENT • ENDURANCE
Private lessons need to be scheduled with our Aquatics Specialist Nanette Johnson who can be reached at 217-231-5676.
Payment for lessons can be made at The Control Desk. Private or semi-private swim lessons are available for participants of any ability, for water therapy and learning.
1 PARTICIPANT – FOUR 15-MINUTE LESSONS
Member $80 | Non-member $100
Instructors teach infant swim recovery techniques to help reduce and help prevent accidental drowning.
1 PARTICIPANT – SIX 30-MINUTE LESSONS
Member: $104
Non Member: $130
2 PARTICIPANTS – SIX 30-MINUTE LESSONS
Member: $120
Non Member: $150
3-5 PARTICIPANTS – SIX 30-MINUTE LESSONS
Gold Member: $42
Silver Member: $49
Non Member: $70
*Must contact aquatics specialist to purchase these lessons.
Become a Kroc Lifeguard
Apply & Interview
SCHEDULE INTERVIEW
Call 217-231-5676
Text 910-623-0106
[email protected]
Paid to Train
WE PAY YOU TO TAKE THE AMERICAN RED
CROSS LIFEGUARD COURSE
- 27 hours of Lifeguard Training = PAID
- Certification Fee = PAID
(with a 6 month employment agreement) - Positive Christian Work Environment
American Red Cross Lifeguard Community Course
Step 1: Schedule Pre-Course Swim Test
SCHEDULE PRE-SWIM ($40)
Call 217-231-5676
Text 910-623-0106
[email protected]
Step 2: Register for the Lifeguard Certification Course
$141 Gold | $164.50 Silver | $235 Non Member
Lifeguard candidates must successfully complete the pre-course swim skill test prior to registering for the American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification Course.
Call our Aquatics Specialist at 217-231-5676 or text 910-623-0106 to schedule your testing day/time.
Pre-Course Skills Test
Prerequisite 1: 200 yards
Swim-Tread-Swim Sequence (150/50 yards) (Swimming Goggles are allowed.)
Participants will jump into the water from the side, totally submerge, recover to the surface and swim 150 yards. After swimming 150 yards, maintain position at the surface of the water without support for 2 minutes by treading. After maintaining position at the surface of the water for 2 minutes, swim 50 more yards.While swimming, you must swim continuously, keeping your face in the water and demonstrating good breath control. You may use the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both. Swimming on the back or side is not permitted.
Prerequisite 2: TIMED EVENT (Goggles are not allowed.)
Participants have 1 minute, 40 seconds to complete the following sequence. Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. Your face may be in or out of the water. 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 your back to return to the starting point, holding the object at the surface with both hands and keeping your face at or near the surface. Swimming the distance underwater is not permitted. Exit the water without using a ladder or the steps.
Call our Aquatics Specialist at 217-231-5676 to schedule your testing day/time.
Refund Policy No Refunds will be issued once the pre-swim begins.
The American Red Cross lifeguard training and certification are imperative to the process of getting hired on as an official Red Cross lifeguard. Our detailed training includes both testing of hands-on skills as well as comprehension on written tests. The certification, which includes first aid, CPR, and AED training, is valid for two years upon completion and is accepted nationwide. The American Red Cross is the most respected source for training and certification of this kind.
• Participants must be 15 years old by the end of the certification class.
• Participants MUST complete the pre-course swimming skills test prior to registration of the American Red Cross Certification Course.
Refund Policy No refunds will be issued once the second day of class has begun.
Upcoming Lifeguard Classes
The American Red Cross Certification course is a min of 27 hours. The Kroc Center is an American Red Cross-recognized training facility.
Participants are required to attend every scheduled day of class.
Please contact our Aquatics Specialist at 217-231-5676 or to [email protected] to register.
Don’t see a time that works for your schedule? If you have 4 or more participants, we can create a class just for you!
August Session
Thursday, October 10 | 3pm-9pm
Friday, October 11 | 1am-7pm
Saturday, October 12 | 9am-6pm
Sunday, October 13 | 9am-1pm
Lifeguarding Q&A
Additional Questions? Please contact Aquatics Specialist Nanette Johnson for more information.
What do I bring to Lifeguard class?
• Swimsuit and Towels: 1-2 towels are encouraged as some training days we will visit the pool several times
• Dry clothes to change into after in-water sessions
• Paper and writing utensil / Sticky notes are very helpful
• Food or money for food and additional snacks to eat throughout the training
-We have a refrigerator and microwave available for use
-We do have a café and a vending machine on the premises
-Snacks are highly encouraged
What is the swim attire and dress code?
• For males, a basic swim trunks or board shorts is required
• For females, a one-piece swim suit or a sports two-piece is required. Please wear a swimsuit that allows good range of motion and will stay secure and keep you covered during physical activity throughout the course.
• For classroom activities, please wear comfortable clothes that support floor activities.
Lifeguard Certification Information
The Red Cross Lifeguard Certification includes First Aid/CPR/AED, all valid for two years from the date of successful completion. Certificates will be distributed within 3-5 business days of completion. Students will receive their certificate via the email address they provide on day one of their class or visit the American Red Cross site to access a copy of the valid certificate with your student training information.
Does The Kroc Center provide job placement?
No, we do not provide job placement, however many facilities provide us with hiring information to make available to students at the end of training classes.
Pool Pals
A convenient alternative to child watch*
Children of Members, ages 8–11, are allowed to enjoy the Aquatic Center while their parent or guardian exercises in another area of the building. Check in at The Control Desk is required.
*Member parent/guardian MUST remain in the building during this time.
Splash Pad – Fun in the Sun!
Monday-Friday 4–7:30pm
Saturday 11am-7pm
Sunday 1–4:30pm
AREAS AVAILABLE
Sunbathing | Picnic Area | Fountains On
The Kroc Center is proud to partner with these organizations:
NOTE: Aquatic fitness classes can be found on the Fitness & Wellness page.