Otsego Aquatic Center

Group Lessons teach children age-appropriate skills to become comfortable, strong, and agile swimmers. Water safety is also incorporated into classes to be sure that outside of class, children are water safe and prepared in case of an aquatic emergency.

We do not use lifejackets or cubes in our swim lesson program. Parents can watch their child's swim lessons from the upstairs mezzanine.  If your child uses diapers, please have them wear swim diapers while in the water. Our pool is also relatively cold, a swim shirt is recommended. 

• For ages 4 and older, 3 and under with no previous lesson experience will be referred to private swim lessons

• 2-4 swimmers per instructor, 3:1 ratio for beginner lessons, 4:1 for advanced/+ lessons

WINTER 2024-2025 GROUP SWIM LESSONS

GROUP LESSONS will return this December! We are trying something new this season, with the hope of getting kids in the water at least once per week for a swim lesson. Due to pool and instructor avaialbility, lessons will be held on THURSDAYS December - March between 6:30-7pm. 

These lessons will have instructors for Beginner Level 1, Advanced Level 1, & Level 2. 

December Session
Thursdays 12/5, 12/12, 12/19, 12/26 (Make-up 1/2)

January Session
Thursdays 1/9, 1/16, 1/23, 1/30

February Session
Thursdays 2/6, 2/13, 2/20, 2/27

March Session
Thursdays 3/6, 3/13, 3/20, 3/27

Group Lesson Registration

Do you want to become a stronger swimmer?  Is your son or daughter timid in the water?  The Otsego Aquatic Center staff is offering Private & Semi-Private Swim Lessons. Lessons are scheduled based on student, instructor and pool availability. 

We do not use lifejackets or cubes in our swim lesson program. Parents can watch their child's swim lessons from the on-deck seating.  If your child uses diapers, please have them wear swim diapers while in the water. Our pool is kept at 80 degrees - which can feel cool to some, a swim shirt is recommended. 

Private Lessons are taught Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday mornings. 

Current Availability: Wednesdays between 8am - 10:30am

We currently have 20 + families on the waitlist for Satruday morning lessons. Due to pool availability, multiple swim meets, and instructor availability we have been slow to move families on and off the waitlist. We look forward to spring and summer when our facility has more pool and instructor availability. Thank you for your interest and we appreciate your patience as we streamline our lesson offerings. 

OAC Private Lesson Waitlist & Availability Form

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Private Swim Lessons

One on one teaching style with experienced instructors

Ages: 1 year + up

Price: $20/30 minutes, 

• • Bundles: 4 lessons for $70, 8 lessons for $130

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Semi-Private Swim Lessons

Ages 1 year + up,  2-3 swimmers of similar level

Price: $30/30 minutes, 

•  Bundles: 4 lessons for $110, 8 lessons for $200

Price: $50/60 minutes

•  Bundles: 4 lessons for $190, 8 lessons for $360

Diving Opportunities return this winter! - Information updated 11/20/24

We will offer a DIVE CLINIC this December to Elementaty & Middle School aged athletes!

Divers will work on stretching, approaches, entries, and more introductory diving skills.

December Dive Clinic

Tuesdays & Thursdays

12/10, 12/12, 12/17 & 12/19

5-6pm

Price: $30 per athlete - Limit 6 participants

More Learn to Dive, Dive Lesson, and Otsego Aquatic Club- Diving opportunities coming in 2025!

Dive Clinic Registration

Have your party at the OAC!

Availability: Saturdays 1-3pm or 4-6pm

Cost: $190

Includes:

• 2 hours in the pool & community room
• 30 minutes before & after to set-up/clean-up
• 2 lifeguards (additional guards needed if over 60 swimmers) 
• all pool toys/noodles/basketball hoops/balls/lifejackets
• feel free to give the staff your music requests!

Available to use:

• blue linen tablecloths (upon request)
• assorted cutlery & napkins
• assorted serving utensils
• tables & chairs
• fridge & sink
• matches (for candles)

What do I do if I make an advance reservation and have to change, cancel or adjust my reservation?
Email mdarnell@otsegops.org for all rental communications.

How do I calculate the number of people in my party?
The number of people registered for your party/rental is based on the total number of people in attendance, regardless of whether or not they will be getting in the pool. Each person attending accounts for 1 admission. 

Can I bring outside food/drinks into the facility for the pool rental?
Yes, you can bring in light snacks, drinks, and desserts. Birthday cakes are permitted. All food and drink must stay in approved areas.

Where and when will we eat?
When you eat is determined by you, but all food must be consumed in the community room, the lobby, and/or the mezzanine (large parties only).
NO FOOD IS ALLOWED ON THE POOL DECK or IN THE LOCKER ROOMS. 

Can we add decorations to the area?
Yes. Limited decorations are allowed in community room. Wall-safe tape must be used. Any damage will result in additional fees. All decorations must be removed at the end of your event.

When do I make payment?
Payment must be made in full one week prior to your event. 

What times are rentals available?
The Aquatic Center can be rented anytime during regular business hours, as long as it does not conflict with regular aquatic class times, swim meets or practices. We try to reserve Saturdays from Noon-6pm for rentals, but we're happy to work with you on your reservation needs.

Please call or email Maggie Darnell to inquire.

Will lifeguards be on duty?
Yes. We will always staff two lifeguards per rentals with 60 attendees or less. Additional lifeguard(s) are required for reservations over 60 people (one per 30 guests). This will be an additional charge.

Email Maggie Darnell, Aquatics Director, mdarnell@otsegops.org with your rental  inquiry. Please include time, date, and how many attendees you expect to have at your event.

You may also fill out the Facility Use Rental Request Form at the link below. (You will need to create an account on FMX and then submit your rental request.)

FACILITY USE RENTAL REQUEST PAGE

 

The following actions are strictly prohibited and may result in loss of privileges:

• Endangering the well-being and safety of others

• Engaging in any form of assault, harassment, intimidation, or treats towards an individual or group

• Using inappropriate, offensive, and/or disruptive language or behavior

• Committing theft, causing damage, or vandalizing OAC property

• Possession of alcohol, drugs, controlled substances, as well as cigarettes/vaping products, or being visibly under the influence of drugs or alcohol

• Possessing, storing, making or using  weapons of any kind

Please report any instances of misconduct to an OAC staff member. No refunds will be issued for loss of privilege. OAC reserves the right to deny entry to any individual at any time. 

• Engaging in activities for personal gain is prohibited. Only authorized OAC staff members are permitted to conduct activities such as teach swim lessons, coach athletes, and give instructions within the facility. 

• No pets or animals are permitted on the premises, with exception of ADA-approved service animals (must have documentation).

• Please adhere to all posted signs. The pool, pool deck, community room, and changing rooms come with specific guidelines.

• Children under age 8: An adult must be within arms reach of all children under age 8, or who are not proficient swimmers, while the child is in the water.

• A responsible adult must accompany any child age 8-16 in the aquatic center and on the pool deck.

• All Otsego Aquatic Center patrons are required to sign a liability waiver upon arrival.

• Professional or commercial photography, including the usage of drones, is not allowed without prior authorization from management.

• Pool Capacity: 200

• Floor Capacity: 680

 

General Pool & Open Swim Rules

• SWIMMING ONLY ALLOWED WHEN  LIFEGUARD IS ON DUTY

• Everyone must obey the rules and lifeguards

• Any injury must be reported to a lifeguard or the pool supervisor immediately.

• Showering is required before entering the pool, on-deck showers are available.

• No running, horseplay (pushing, dunking, spitting etc.)

• Dive only in designated areas (deeper than 5 ft.)

• Must wear appropriate swimwear (no t-shirts, cut off shorts, street shoes, etc.)

  • See Aquatic Director if you need swim apparel

• All flotation devices must be United States Coast Guard approved and labeled. 

• Stay off lane lines and pool divider

• No food or drink on pool deck

• Children not yet potty trained and adults who are incontinent must wear a swim diaper.

• All swimmers must be able to pass a swim test upon request to swim in the deep end and use the diving board

• Children under the age of 8 must have an adult (16+) in the pool with them

  • Adults “if you are more than an arm's length away, you have gone too far"

• Children 9-16 must have an adult present (in the pool, on pool deck, or in the balcony)

Diving Board

• One person allowed on the diving board at a time

• No running on the diving board

• One bounce only

• No flips or inward dives

• Make sure area is clear before diving, once you have gone off the diving be ladder

• Must go straight off the end of the board (toward the center)

Lap Swim

• Lap Lanes are intended for multiple swimmers. Lap swimmers should arrange themselves by speed in the lanes (1 slow - 6 fast) it is not uncommon to swim four or more people to a lane if similar pacing is used. 

• Please practice proper swimming etiquette. Circle swim when more than 2 swimmers are in a lane. To circle swim it is like you are driving, you stay to the right side of the lane

• Only stop at walls and move to the side to allow others to pass, flip, turn and continue. Turns are made in the center of the lane at the wall, stop at the shallow end to rest

• Lifeguards may ask you to move to another lane to more closely match your swimming pace. Please comply as this will make everyone's swim more enjoyable

The above rules and regulations have been established for the benefit of all users of the swimming facilities to assure the safe operation of the pools and to provide enjoyable recreational opportunities for all. Patrons are requested to cooperate in observing these rules and to obey the instruction of the OAC staff. Patrons violating rules are subject to the revocation of their swimming privileges and will be asked to leave the pool immediately.

• All reservations must be made in advance with the Aquatics Director and through the designated booking system
• Reservations are subject to availability and are made on a first-come, first-serve basis
• Community Room Capacity is 45

• Users are responsible for leaving the community room in the same clean & tidy condition as they found it. This includes disposing of all trash properly. 

• Decor is permitted, but must be non-destructive; no tape, tacks, or nails may be used on the walls. Please use removable adhesive.

• Food & beverages are allowed, but users are responsible for their own catering arrangements.

• All food & beverages must be consumed within the community room.

• Users must adhere to the designated time slot of their reservation. 

• Users are financially responsible for any damages incurred during their reservation.

• An adult (18 years or older) must be present at all times during events involving minors.

• Users must familiarize themselves with the location of emergency exits, evacuation procedures, and safety precautions.

• Guests must adhere to all rules and policies of the aquatic center in addition to those specific to the community room.

• Users are encouraged to provide feedback or report any concerns to the Aquatics Director.

• The community room is open to all individuals and groups regardless of race, gender, religion, or disability.

 

These rules are designed to ensure a safe, enjoyable, and respectful environment for all users of the community room. Failure to comply with these rules may result in the suspension of future reservations.