Aquatics and Safety

The Department of Campus Recreation offers a 10,400-square-foot aquatics facility that includes an indoor pool with six lap lanes, a diving well and a whirlpool. Saint Louis University also provides an outdoor pool facility known on campus as SLUruba that includes two pools and a sand volleyball court.

The swim club is one of the largest club sports at SLU, providing new and experienced swimmers alike the opportunity to train together and compete against other universities in club swim meets.

SLU offers complete aquatic and safety programs including courses for all ages and abilities. Swimming is a total body workout that offers life-saving skills that can help you and others in emergencies. Our programs include:

Private swim lessons for adults and youth
CPR/AED/First Aid and Lifeguard Certification

All aquatic programs offered through SLU’s Department of Campus Recreation are open to current SLU students and members of Simon Recreation Center. Non-member faculty, staff, alumni, and their spouses and children may participate in aquatic programs at the non-member rate.

Adult and Youth Swimming Lessons

Private swimming lessons are a great way to tailor swim instruction to your specific needs. Whether your interest is in learning to swim, or perfecting your stroke, you will benefit from this program. Days and times are based on your schedule and are coordinated directly with your assigned swimming instructor. All lessons occur during open swim hours. For any questions, please contact us at campusrec@slu.edu.

SLU’s Department of Campus Recreation reserves the right to cancel or reschedule any class due to low enrollment.

Swim Instructors

Ava Dunlavy

My name is Ava, and I'm originally from Indianapolis, Indiana. I'm a junior at SLU studying nursing. I have been swimming forever and have been a swim instructor for going on five years now. My goal while teaching swim lessons is to help swimmers feel safe and confident in the water, all while having fun. I want my swimmers to love the water as much as I do. I'm so excited to work with you, and I can't wait to meet you.

Ryan Huacuz

My name is Ryan, and I am originally from the Bronx, New York. Currently, I am a senior/ first-year grad student here at SLU studying aeronautical science. I have been swimming since I was 3-years-old and swam competitively in high school. Now, I swim when I can for fun and to stay in shape. My primary goal as an instructor is to get my students confident in themselves to continue swimming on their own when outside of swim lessons.

Laura Stephens

I am Laura and I am from Joliet, Illinois. I am studying forensic science and anthropology and I am a junior this year here at SLU. I have seven years of swim team experience and nine years of total swimming experience. I have been teaching swim lessons for five years and have experience teaching all ages and all swimming levels and comfortability. My goal is to help others meet their personal swimming goals!

Amelia Wiitanen

My name is Amelia, and I'm from the land of 10,000 lakes: Minnesota. I am currently a sophomore at SLU in the physical therapy program. While in high school, I was part of my school's dive team, but now I enjoy lap swimming for the health benefits. I am experienced in teaching lessons from age 5 through adulthood. I love using games to keep younger kids engaged, but I also have great tips for adults who may feel hesitant about learning to swim for the first time. I can’t wait to meet you.