The OHIO Aquatic Center is an indoor Olympic size pool (50 meters x 25 yards) with two diving boards at both the 1-meter and the 3-meter levels. The pool ranges in depth from 3½ feet in the shallow end, 7 feet in most lap lanes, to 12 feet under the diving boards. There is ample space for creative programming. Trained and certified through American Red Cross and National Recreation and Parks Association certification programs, the Aquatic Center staff operate the facility and programming within the facility.  In support of our mission, our student staff design a variety of programs and events for the communities we serve.  As we continue to develop and grow, we welcome you to be part of the Aquatic Center and participate in a lifelong sport.

Facility Calendar 

The Aquatic Center supports University programs, Academics and Athletics. Regular programming may be cancelled, and the facility closed to support these events. This calendar will be updated as event details are finalized. 

Aquatic Center Facility Calendar

Lifeguard and Emergency Response Certifications 

The Ohio University Aquatic Center provides American Red Cross and National Parks and Recreation training in lifeguarding and emergency response and safety skills. From education in recognizing and responding to aquatic emergencies to administration of CPR, first aid and AED, the Aquatic Center can help you earn your certifications! Learn more on our Lifeguard and Emergency Response Certifications page.

What To Expect When Visiting The Aquatic Center

Aquatic Center Staff- Aquatic Center staff members are all CPR/First Aid/AED certified student employees. Lifeguards and Supervisors additionally have Lifeguard Training certifications.  Staff will always be located at the front desk and will be in the pool areas during all events and programming for assistance. Please contact a Aquatic Center staff member for all medical or facility support. 

Pool Temperature- Expect temperatures in the pool to be around the 80-degree mark with air temperatures in the mid 80’s.  The spectator seating area on the second floor will have more elevated air temperatures than the pool deck.  We recommend dressing for warmer temperatures while in the stands. 

Music and announcements- The Aquatic Center will have music playing within the pool area during all Open Swim times.  If the music is too loud during this time, please see the Aquatic Center staff for accommodations.  During Aquatic Center events, announcements will be made often. Please expect louder music, and announcements.  A horn and strobe light is used at the start of each race. 

General Admission Seating- All Aquatic Center spectator seating is general admission seating. Some events will require entrance fees for spectators. This fee will be assessed prior to entering the second-floor spectator seating. Bleacher seating does not provide back support. Protective glass is located around the second-floor railings. 

Photography and video– All individuals requiring deck level access for video or photography must obtain a permit.  Permits can be obtained by emailing the Aquatic Center at AquaticCenter@ohio.edu.  Please note that photography and video recording is never permitted behind the starting blocks at either deck level or from second floor bleacher areas. Cell phone usage inside locker rooms or bathrooms is prohibited. 

Animals and Pets- Animals and pets are not permitted on the pool deck or in the pool water. Exceptions include service dogs and service dogs in training (4PAWS). For more information, please visit the University Service Animal Information Page.  

Food and Drink- No glass bottles will be permitted on the pool deck.  Food and beverage permits are required for all special events. Bottle fillers are available and concessions can be purchased at the front desk.

Accessibility Entrance/Exit- Facility entrance/exit doors are equipped with automatic door opening buttons. Accessible and wheelchair seating is available on the pool deck. During larger events we will need to limit the number of support individuals accompanying on the pool deck. Accessible emergency exits are located through the Northside hallway and Southeast corner for pool deck. Second Floor spectator emergency exits are at either end of the spectator seating (West, North and South sides of the building). Access to second floor bleacher area is through a staircase at West end of building. 

Restrooms & Locker Rooms- Accessible Men’s and Women’s restrooms with baby changing stations and showers located off the pool deck. Accessible family and gender neutral bathrooms with showers located on the pool deck.

Pool Access: Chair lift and stair case available for limited mobility pool entrance. 

Parking- There are 3 nearby parking lot options (122, 120, & 134) Lots 122 and 120 are meter spaces, while lot 134 is available for community parking after 5pm M-F and all-day Saturday & Sunday. Lot 120 is the closest distance to the front entrance of the Aquatic Center via a concrete sidewalk. Please note that lot closures may occur during Ohio University special events. Accessible parking spaces are available in each lot. To review a campus parking map, please visit the Athens Campus Parking Map.