Aquatics

Pool Announcements

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

Read More About the Wellness Center Expansion

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 sarah.r.taylor@usd.edu.

Register for Swim Lesson Classes

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

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 wellness@usd.edu.  

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 sarah.r.taylor@usd.edu.

Register for Swim Lesson Classes