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 today!
Aquatic Center
The Kroc Aquatic Center features 86º water, lap lanes, current river, zero-entry, sprays, and fountains. 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. 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
Class levels are 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 5 days prior to 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 until the first scheduled day of class as space allows.
No registrations 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 $40, Silver $44, Non Member $64
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 at The Control Desk, and then make your way to the aquatics/lifeguard station on the lower level. Check-in with the team member in the 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 & Toddler
Parent or caregiver accompanies 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.
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 required.
Suitable for kids who can:
- Attend class independently (parents are not present in this class)
- Goggles optional
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
Sessions – Choose the session that works for your schedule!
Each session include 6 lessons. Participants may register for more than one session.
Session 1
| Tuesdays | Jan 10 – Feb 14 |
| Thursdays | Jan 12 – Feb 16 |
| Saturdays | Jan 7 – Feb 11 |
Session 2
| Tuesdays | Feb 28 – April 4 |
| Thursdays | March 2 – April 6 |
| Saturdays | Feb 25 – April 1 |
Session 3
| Tuesdays | April 18 – May 23 |
| Thursdays | April 20 – May 25 |
| Saturdays | April 22 – May 27 |
Private Swim Lessons – Limited
At this time, private lesson availability is very limited.
SELF RESCUE • SKILL DEVELOPMENT • ENDURANCE
Private lessons need to be scheduled with our Aquatics Specialist Nanette Johnson which 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 $72 | Non-member $90
Instructors teach infant swim recovery techniques to help reduce and help prevent accidental drowning.
1 PARTICIPANT – SIX 30-MINUTE LESSONS
Member: $92
Non Member: $115
2 PARTICIPANTS – SIX 30-MINUTE LESSONS
Member: $112 ($56 per swimmer)
Non Member: $140 ($70 per swimmer)
3-5 PARTICIPANTS – SIX 30-MINUTE LESSONS
Gold Member: $36
Silver Member: $42
Non Member: $60
*Must contact aquatics specialist to purchase these lessons.
Lifeguarding
Not certified as a lifeguard yet? No problem – training is provided! See below to check the next available training sessions, and contact Aquatics Specialist Nanette Johnson for more information. The Kroc Center is an American Red Cross-recognized training facility. We train and certify lifeguards for the entire Quincy area.
Schedule Pre-Course Swim Test
$25 Registration Fee
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 to schedule your testing day/time.
Pre-Course Skills Test
• Swim 300 yards continuous swim, 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.
• 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 retrieve a 10-pound object. Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on 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.
Call our Aquatics Specialist at 217-231-5676 to schedule your testing day/time.
Become a Lifeguard
$90 Gold | $105 Silver | $150 Non-Member
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.
Upcoming Lifeguard Classes
The American Red Cross Certification course is a min of 27 hours.
Participants are required to attend every scheduled day of class.
March Session 1
Mon, Mar 6 | 9am-4pm
Tues, Mar 7 | 9am-4pm
Wed, Mar 8 | 9am-4pm
Thur, Mar 9 | 9am-4pm
March Session 2
Sat, March 25 | 9am-5pm
Sun, March 26 | 1-5:30pm
Mon, March 27 | 4-9pm
Tue, March 28 | 4-9pm
Wed, March 29 | 4-9pm
Thurs, March 30 | 4-7pm
April Session 1
Wed, April 12 | 4-9pm
Thurs, April 13 | 4-9pm
Fri, April 14 | 4-9pm
Sat, April 15 | 9am-5pm
Sun, April 16 | 1-5:30pm
Mon, April 17 | 4-7pm
April Session 2
Wed, April 26 | 4-9pm
Thurs, April 27 | 4-9pm
Fri, April 28 | 4-9pm
Sat, April 29 | 9am-5pm
Sun, April 30 | 1-5:30pm
Mon, May 1 | 4-7pm
To register, please contact our Aquatics Specialist at [email protected] or 217-231-5676
Now Hiring!
Looking for a fun job where you can make a difference? The Kroc Center is always looking for adults and students ages 16+ to work as lifeguards in our Aquatics Center.
Employment includes a Free Kroc Membership & flexible schedules. Plus it can help you prepare you for almost any career. Including Public Safety & Security, Education & Training, Medicine & Dentistry, Administration & Management, and Customer Service.
W.H.I.S.T.L.E. – Click here for Lifeguard Financial Aid
The W.H.I.S.T.L.E. (We Help Individuals Strive Toward Lifeguard Employment at The Kroc Center)
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!
Closed for the season.
Will reopen Summer 2023.
The Kroc Center is proud to partner with these organizations:
NOTE: Aquatic fitness classes can be found on the Fitness & Wellness page.