As Penn State Harrisburg continues to prepare for the phased return of students and employees to campus for the fall semester, the decision has been made that the Aquatics Center on campus will remain closed at least through December 31, 2020. We apologize for any inconvenience. The closure will enhance the college's ability to implement all health and prevention measures for the Capital Union Building, by reducing the amount of traffic in and around the pool, locker rooms, and other public spaces.
For additional information, please contact Craig Merkey, Associate Director of Recreation & Aquatics, via email at [email protected].
Current Programs
Youth Swimming Lessons
Visit the Youth Swimming Lessons page for complete schedule information and online registration.
- Stroke Development (ages 7-13)
- Stroke Refinement (ages 10+)
- Swim Conditioning (ages 7-18)
Water Fitness Classes
Water Fitness Classes for Men and Women (18 years and older) will be held at the following times:
- Class times for FALL 2019 beginning August 26
- Monday/Wednesday/Friday 9:00 - 9:45am
- Tuesday & Thursday 5:30 - 6:30pm
- Class times for Summer 2020 beginning May 11
- Monday/Wednesday/Thursday 12:00 - 12:45pm
- Tuesday & Thursday 5:30 - 6:30pm
FREE to current Penn State Harrisburg students with ID.
Classes are on-going throughout the semester.
Download our
American Red Cross Courses
Water Safety Instructor
Water Safety Courses
The purpose of the American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor course is to train instructor candidates to teach courses and presentations in the American Red Cross Swimming and Water Safety program by developing their understanding of how to use the course materials, how to conduct training sessions and how to evaluate participants’ progress.
Email us to be notified of next class.
For more information on the American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor Training course, please contact Craig at [email protected].
Lifeguarding
Lifeguarding Instructor Courses
Email us to be notified of next class.
The purpose of the American Red Cross Lifeguarding Instructor course is to train instructor candidates to teach the American Red Cross Lifeguarding, Lifeguarding Blended Learning, CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and Health Care Providers, Administering Emergency Oxygen, and Bloodborne Pathogens Training Courses and/or modules.
For more information on the American Red Cross Lifeguard Training course, please contact Craig at [email protected].
Lifeguarding Courses
The purpose of the American Red Cross Lifeguarding course is to provide entry-level lifeguard participants with the knowledge and skills to prevent, recognize and respond to aquatic emergencies and to provide care for breathing and cardiac emergencies, injuries and sudden illnesses until emergency medical services (EMS) personnel take over.
For more information on the American Red Cross Lifeguard Training course, please contact Craig at [email protected].
Review Course
The purpose of a review course is to give individuals the opportunity to review the course content within a formal course setting. The review course format optimizes a participant’s ability to successfully complete the knowledge and skills evaluations. The responsibility for preparing for the final written exam is shared by the instructor and the participant.
NOTE: Registered participants must be CURRENTLY certified in lifeguarding, first aid, and CPR/AED for the professional rescuer.
For more information on the American Red Cross Lifeguard Review Training course, please contact Craig at [email protected].
Open and Lap Swim
Open/Lap — Four lanes are available for lap swimming and a two lane area is open for water walking, exercising, therapy, and recreational swimming. During this time and to insure all patrons have the opportunity to swim, a circle swim system will be required.
Recreational Lap / Open Swim — A minimum of 3 lanes will be available for circle swim, and 3 lanes will be open for water walking exercises, therapy, and recreational swimming for children.
Please see current pool schedule for more information.
Locker Room Facilities
Lockers and locks may be reserved by students enrolled in Kinesiology classes. Community members may use lockers on a daily basis only and must provide their own lock. Children under the age of 5 may accompany a parent of the opposite gender into their locker room. Children 5 and up must use their appropriate gender locker room or make use of the single restroom on the pool deck.
Kinesiology Classes Offered
See Class Search within LionPATH for current class information.
Statement of Participation Agreement/waiver of Liability
Applicant understands that The Pennsylvania State University, through its Capital Union Building Aquatics facility, offers exercise that can be potentially dangerous. Therefore, it being the intent of the Applicant to hold Pennsylvania State University, its trustees, officers, agents and employees harmless, Applicant hereby releases, waives and forever discharges the same from any and all liability for injury suffered by Applicant related to the use of the Capital Union Building Aquatics facility and the locker rooms at his/her own risk.
It is recommended that Applicant become knowledgeable of all pool rules prior to using the facility.
Pool rules are posted in the facility.
Applicant also understands that due to emergencies in the pool area that the pool may need to close for the lifeguards on duty to attend to the victim(s).
Additionally, applicant authorizes Penn State personnel to photograph, videotape, and/or audiotape in promotion of The Pennsylvania State University’s Aquatic Programs.
Credit and Refund Policy for Programs
- Refunds will be issued if a class is cancelled due to insufficient enrollment.
- In the event that a program participant cannot continue to attend a class due to health reasons, he/she may receive a credit that can be applied at a later session. A doctor's excuse must be provided. Credits expire one year after the date issued. Refunds will only be issued under special circumstances.
- If you choose to cancel your registration for a program, a refund will be only issued if written notice is received at least two (2) weeks prior to start date. Refunds will not be provided for cancellations made within two weeks of the start date. Refunds will not be issued to those who registered and do not show up for the program.