Looking for a place to beat the heat?  Check out University Recreation’s aquatics programs! 

The UREC Natatorium is open for a variety of open swim times this summer. Monday to Friday, the Natatorium is available for lap swim and free swim from 8:45 a.m. until 2 p.m., and then again from 5-9 p.m. On Saturdays, the Natatorium is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and on Sundays from 2-7 p.m. Long course swim is offered Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings from 8:45-10:45 a.m. 

Aquatics program offerings include Beginning Swim Lessons for youth ages 5-12 on Saturdays from 11:15 a.m. to noon. This five-week session begins on May 24 and ends on June 21. Cost is $25 for UREC members, and $35 for non-members who have an active U of A affiliation (faculty/staff or Arkansas Alumni Association members). This beginner-oriented session is designed to introduce participants to aquatic environments and develop basic skills including floating, breathing, and basic locomotion. 

Can’t make it to group swimming lessons? Try private lessons. UREC offers private swim instruction for adults and children age 5 and up.  See the UREC website for more information. 

Had so much fun at swim lessons that you want to have a private party in the UREC Natatorium?  We do birthday parties! Prices start at $60 per hour for facility rental and lifeguard staffing. 

University Recreation also offers UREC members a coached stroke development and fitness swim clinic on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 5:30-6:30 p.m. This assistance is useful for the swimmer who wants to hone their strokes and learn how to put together fitness-oriented swim workouts. There is no charge, and participation is on a drop-in basis. UREC staff will be available on the south end of the lap lane section to help you.

University of Arkansas students and UREC members are eligible to use the Natatorium at any posted open swim time with valid ID. Non-members who have an active U of A affiliation (faculty/staff and Arkansas Alumni Association members) are eligible to register for swim lessons and facility rentals, but are not able to access the Natatorium outside of specified lesson/rental times.  For more information about UREC membership or any other UREC programs, please contact Katie Helms at 575-4684 or khelms@uark.edu.