Aquatics
Dive into the Wellness Center's aquatics offerings at the DakotaDome pool.
DakotaDome Pool
The Wellness Center offers students and members an opportunity to swim laps, enjoy open swim time and participate in swim lessons by partnering with the Athletics staff to use the DakotaDome pool.
Swim Lessons
The USD Wellness Center staff are committed to offering quality swimming lessons and are compliant with the American Red Cross Swim Lessons standards. Group lessons are limited to a 4:1 instructor to participant ratio which allows the staff to meet the needs of all participants. Private Lessons are also offered in a 1:1 or 1:2 ratio for those students desiring more 1:1 instruction.
Group swim lessons are intended for youth participants. Adults & youth needing swim lessons are encouraged to take part in private swimming lessons.
For questions for more information, contact [email protected].
Available Courses
- Preschool beginner
- Preschool advanced
- Older beginner
- Level 1 - Introduction to swimming and water skills
- Level 2 - Fundamentals of swimming and aquatic skills
- Level 3 - Stroke development
- Level 4 - Stroke improvement
- Level 5 - Stroke refinement
- Level 6 - Stroke mastery
Aquatics Offerings
Facility hours may vary due to weather, holidays or campus breaks. Up-to-date hours of operation can be found here.
| Fall Hours | |
| Monday / Wednesday |
11:00 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. 8:30 - 10:00 p.m. |
| Tuesday / Thursday |
5:00 - 6:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. |
| Friday | 11:00 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. |
| Saturday | CLOSED |
| Sunday | 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. |
University of South Dakota President Sheila Gestring announced the plans for the Wellness Center expansion during her State of the University address held Sept. 23 in Aalfs Auditorium on the USD campus.
“I am incredibly excited to share new information about the upcoming Wellness Center expansion,” she said.
“This $25 million project will add an estimated 45,800 gross square feet to the facility and will house a new indoor 50-meter competition pool with seating for 400,” Gestring said.
Several other components of the expansion, she said, will include:
- A 40-foot by 25-foot wellness pool
- Wet classroom
- Hot tub that accommodates 25 users
- Steam room
- Athletic locker rooms
- Expanded wellness locker rooms
- Meet management rooms
- Coaches’ offices
- Lifeguard rooms
Group Swim Lessons
The USD Wellness Center staff are committed to offering quality swimming lessons and are compliant with the American Red Cross Swim Lessons standards. Group lessons are limited to a 4:1 instructor to participant ratio which allows the staff to meet the needs of all participants. Private Lessons are also offered in a 1:1 or 1:2 ratio for those students desiring more 1:1 instruction. Each session includes 6 lessons.
- Members $40 + tax
- Non-members $50 + tax
- When registering online, only those with a family membership will receive the discount. If you have a single, couple or student membership, you must register in the office or over the phone to get the discounted price.
Private Swim Lessons
Our private swimming lessons are taught by certified water safety instructor staff. Private lessons are 30 minutes long and provide one-on-one swimming instruction.
- Private Lesson Rates: $85
The USD Wellness Center offers Red Cross Certified swim lessons. Group lessons are a maximum of a 4:1 child to instructor ratio. Private 1:1 or 2:1 lessons are also offered. If you are not sure what level to register for, please see the benchmarks for each level listed on our member portal. If you have questions, please contact [email protected].
If you are searching for summer employment or for a job at our DakotaDome pool as a certified lifeguard or swim instructor, look to the Wellness Center to help you get certified. You must be at least 15 years old and pass swimming requirements to receive your certification. Classes include video, group discussion, and hands-on practice.
Lifeguard Certification
Prior to the start date of the course, students will meet to complete the pre-requisite swim skills assessment.Lifeguard Certification Prerequisite Swimming Skills
- Swim/Tread/Swim: Swim 150 yards continuously demonstrating breath control & rhythmic breathing, tread water for two minutes using only the legs, then swim 50 yards continuously.
- Timed Event: Swim 20 yards using front crawl or breast stroke, surface dive 7-10 feet, retrieve a 10lb brick, return to the surface, swim 20 yards back to starting point with the brick, exit the water using the ladder or steps, within 1 minute, 40 seconds (no goggles allowed).
If it is determined that you do not have the necessary swimming ability to pass this course, you will not receive the lifeguard certification and will receive a partial refund.
For questions for more information, contact [email protected].
Water Safety Instructor Certification and Renewal
If you are interested in teaching others to swim, are a skilled swimmer and are at least 16 years of age, you are qualified to become a Water Safety Instructor. Participants of this course will get hands-on instruction of teaching Red Cross Swim Lesson materials and will receive a two-year certification after completing the course requirements.
WSI Prerequisite Swimming Skills:
- Back float for 1 minute
- Tread water for 1 minute
- Swim the front crawl, back crawl and breaststroke for 50 yards each, and the butterfly for 10 yards.
For questions for more information, contact [email protected].
