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
• M 6–6:30pm / 6:30–7pm
• W 6–6:30pm
| Session 1 | Mondays | Jan 8 – Feb 12 |
| Wednesdays | Jan 10 – Feb 14 |
| Session 2 | Mondays | Feb 26 – Apr 1 |
| Wednesdays | Feb 28 – Apr 3 |
| Session 3 | Mondays | Apr 15 – May 20 |
| Wednesdays | Apr 17 – May 22 |
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 1
| Tuesdays | Jan 9 – Feb 13 |
| Wednesdays | Jan 10 – Feb 14 |
| Thursdays | Jan 11 – Feb 15 |
| Saturdays | Jan 13 – Feb 17 |
Session 2
| Tuesdays | Feb 27 – Apr 2 |
| Wednesdays | Feb 28 – Apr 3 |
| Thursdays | Feb 29 – Apr 4 |
| Saturdays | Mar 2 – Apr 6 |
Session 3
| Tuesdays | Apr 16 – May 21 |
| Wednesdays | Apr 17 – May 22 |
| Thursdays | Apr 18 – May 23 |
| Saturdays | Apr 20 – May 25 |
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.
3 STEPS TO BECOMING A KROC LIFEGUARD
STEP 1
SCHEDULE PRE-SWIM ($40)
Call 217-231-5676
Text 910-623-0106
[email protected]
STEP 2
REGISTER FOR CERTIFICATION CLASS
Click here to register.
Step 1: Schedule Pre-Course Swim Test
$40 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 or text 910-623-0106 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.
Step 2: Register for the Lifeguard Certification Course
$135 Gold | $157.50 Silver | $225 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. 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!
December Session
Wed, Dec 6 | 4-9pm
Thur, Dec 7 | 4-9pm
Fri, Dec 8 | 4-9pm
Sat, Dec 9 | 9am-5pm
Sun, Dec 10 | 1-5pm
January Session
Wed, Jan 17 | 4-9pm
Thurs, Jan 18 | 4-9pm
Fri, Jan 19 | 4-9pm
Sat, Jan 20 | 9am-5pm
Sun, Jan 21 | 1-5:30pm
February Session 1
Wed, Jan 31 | 9am-5pm
Thurs, Feb 1 | 1-5:30pm
Fri, Feb 2 | 4-9pm
Sat, Feb 3 | 4-9pm
Sun, Feb 4 | 4-9pm
February Session 2
Wed, Feb 21 | 4-9pm
Thurs, Feb 22 | 4-9pm
Fri, Feb 23 | 4-9pm
Sat, Feb 24 | 9am-5pm
Sun, Feb 25 | 1-5:30pm
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.
Now Hiring!
Positive Christian Work Environment • Excellent Training • Free Kroc Membership
Our dedicated staff and volunteers are part of what makes the Quincy Kroc Center so
special. Their commitment to serving others and creating a welcoming environment
helps create a community.
• Train 4 hours per month per America Red Cross guidelines and the
National Model Aquatics health Code.
• Become an excellent team members and learn to lead themselves
through “Confidence and Kindness”.
• Kroc Lifeguards must take reasonable care of their health in order to be prepared to
help others.
• Staff swim weekly and receive a FREE membership and locker!
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.
Closed for the Season
Splash Pad
Fun in the Sun!
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.