Pools & Aquatic Programs

Children 12 and under must undergo the Note & Float swim test before engaging in recreational swimming activities.

Bryan Aquatic Center

3100 Oak Ridge Drive | 979-209-5222
Admission: Child (ages 4 – 11): $3 | Adult (ages 12+): $4

An Olympic-sized heated pool with a double-flume waterslide, the only public diving board in the area, and a zero-depth beach entry make the Bryan Aquatic Center a perfect spot for summer enjoyment. Diving board, waterslides and recreational swim activities are limited to the summer season.

Lap swim is available year-round, with hours updated each season.

Henderson Harbor

1629 Mockingbird Road | 979-209-5221
Admission: Child (ages 4 – 11): $3 | Adult (ages 12+): $4

Offering a family-friendly aquatic experience, Henderson Harbor features a zero-depth entry pool complemented by engaging splash elements and a single flume water slide. Tailored for families with small children, this pool maintains a maximum depth of four feet.

Closed for the season.

Sadie Thomas Pool

129 Moss Street | 979-209-5606
Admission: Child (ages 4 – 11): $2 | Adult (ages 12+): $3

With a zero-depth entry and invigorating splash elements, Sadie Thomas Pool is ideal for all ages. The pool provides a versatile aquatic environment with a maximum depth of five feet. On Wednesdays, the environment is sensory-friendly, with no water features, and whistles are only used during emergencies.

Pool Passes

• 25-Punch Pass: Resident: $50 | Non-Resident: $60
• Annual Individual: Resident: $250 | Non-Resident: $300
• Annual Family (up to four): Resident: $400 | Non-Resident: $480
• Each additional family member: Resident: $50 | Non-Resident: $60

Tanglewood Park

3901 Carter Creek Parkway
Admission: Free

Closed for the season.

Tiffany Park

3890 Copperfield Drive
Admission: Free

Closed for the season.

Gloria Stephan Sale Park

315 S. Main Street
Admission: Free

Closed for the season.

Our water safety campaign aims to inform the public about water safety and enhance safety at our facilities. Drowning is the number one cause of death for children under the age of 4 and is the third leading cause of death among children under age 14 within this age group. It occurs quickly and silently; 88% of drowning victims were under some sort of supervision at the time of the incident, and 75% of victims were missing for under five minutes.

Formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by 88% for children aged 1 to 4 years. We are proud to partner with the Aquatic Safety Group’s National Note & Float™ Water Safety Campaign to offer life jackets to patrons using our facilities. This program targets parents with children who cannot swim.

The heart of the program is first identifying all non-swimmers who enter the facility, and then floating those swimmers in an appropriately sized life jacket. As a part of this program, water wings or “arm floaties” are not allowed at our aquatic facilities. Only U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices will be allowed to be worn in the pools.

The program follows six simple steps:

• ALL non-swimmers must check in at the facility with a parent/guardian before or when entering the facility.
• Parents/guardians and non-swimming children should receive written and verbal site-specific water safety instructions along with “learn to swim” information.
• Parents/guardians will be advised to supervise their children and keep them within arm’s reach.
• Non-swimmers age 7 and younger (or less than 48 inches tall) must wear a clearly identifiable wristband and a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket, Type III, and remain in designated shallow water areas. They must also be within arm’s reach of a parent/guardian (at least 18 years of age) who is in the water with the child.
• Non-swimmers ages 8 through 12 must wear a clearly identifiable wristband and a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket, Type III, and must be actively supervised by a swimming parent/guardian (at least 18 years of age).
• Anyone who wishes to access deep water (greater than five feet deep) must pass the facility swim test or wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved Life jacket, Type III.

Traffic Light System

The Note & Float Program implements a “traffic light” system as follows:

Red – Stop!

Swimmers in this category must have a parent in the water within arm’s reach at all times and must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket both in the pool and on the pool deck. If you observe a child with a red wristband unattended, please promptly notify a lifeguard.

Yellow – Caution!

Swimmers in this category can be in the water without a parent and can dog paddle and/or float on their own, but they are not yet ready for deep water or to use the slide. If you notice a child with a yellow wristband heading toward deep water, please notify a lifeguard immediately.

Green – Go!

A swimmer with a green wristband has successfully passed the facility swim test and is permitted to access all areas of the pool. In the event that a lifeguard needs to enter the water for a rescue, the individual will be identified with a red wristband and floated in an appropriately sized life jacket if available.

Pool Rules

• Entry requires payment per patron or a valid pass.
• Children aged 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult, 18 years or older. Children aged 6 and under must be within an arm’s length of their adult supervisor at all times when in the water.
• Those 12 and younger must pass a swim test or wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket. A maximum of two children in life jackets per adult, no exceptions.
• All patrons must wear a swimsuit, and male suits must have a lining. Cut-offs, shorts or gym trunks are prohibited in the pool.
• Patrons may be required to take a shower before entering the pool.
• Patrons with an open sore, wounds, bandages, diarrhea or communicable conditions will be denied admittance.
• Distracting a lifeguard from their duty or falsely summoning aid is prohibited.
• Running, rough play, playing, and hanging on the ladders, partition walls, bulkhead and lap lane lines are prohibited.
• Patrons are not allowed to dive or flip into the pool, excluding the diving board. Jumping from lifeguard stands and entering the pool backward is prohibited.
• Inflatable beach balls, aquatic toys and floating apparatuses shall only be allowed at the discretion of the Head Lifeguard.
• Sticks, stones, dirt, spit, spouting water, blowing your nose, and urination or defecation are prohibited in the pool area.
• No patron or organization may provide any goods or services without written permission from the city.
• Smoking is prohibited anywhere on the premises.
• Alcohol or narcotics are prohibited on the premises. Anyone under the influence or in possession will be denied admittance.
• Abusive, loud or profane language is not permitted on the premises.
• Food, gum and drinks are not permitted in the pool. Patrons are allowed to bring their own food and drinks, but alcohol and glass bottles are prohibited. Staff reserve the right to check bags and coolers at the entrance to the facility.
• Lifeguards and cashiers, under the supervision of the Head Lifeguard and Aquatic Supervisor, have complete authority at all times to deny entry or ask patrons to leave the aquatic facility if rules are not followed.

Diving Board Rules

• Only one person is permitted on the diving board at any time.
• Divers are restricted to a single bounce on the diving board per dive.
• All diving or jumping must occur straight off the end of the board.
• Divers must wait until the diving area is clear.
• Divers should promptly exit the diving area.
• Goggles or earplugs may not be worn or held by individuals using the diving board.
• Divers may need to complete a swim test to demonstrate their swimming ability.
• Only dives with hands in the diving position are allowed.
• Inwards or gainers are not permitted.

Slide Rules

• Sliders may be required to complete a swim test to prove swimming ability.
• Sliders must be at least 4 feet tall to ride the slide.
• Only one slider is allowed on the slide at a time.
• No trains or head-first sliding are permitted.
• Sliders must ride feet first, lying down on their back.
• Goggles, earplugs, jewelry, and/or glasses may not be worn or held by sliders using the water slide.
• Sliders must follow all instructions from facility staff.
• Lifejackets and flotation devices are not allowed on waterslides.

Splash Pad Rules

• No lifeguard on duty. Children must be supervised by an adult at all times.
• No bare feet, water shoes are encouraged.
• Running and horseplay are prohibited.
• Pets, food, glass objects, alcohol, smoking, vaping and tobacco are strictly prohibited.
• Please vacate splash pad at the first sign of thunder or lightning.
• Keep out of landscaped flower beds.
• Splash pad may close at any time due to weather, maintenance, or operational concerns.
• Please report any concerns to the Parks and Recreation Department at 979-209-5528.

Pool rentals are closed for the season.

Want to become certified to teach swim lessons? The American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor, also known as WSI™, course prepares participants to teach swimming and water safety courses for all age groups. This certification is considered the gold standard for swim instruction and provides comprehensive training for current and aspiring swim instructors.

The course trains individuals how to teach American Red Cross Swimming and Water Safety programs, including Learn-to-Swim Levels 4-6 and Adult Swim, including the following: 

• Higher-level swim skills that prepare participants of all ages for a variety of aquatic activities.
• Stroke mechanics for all competitive strokes, including starts, turns and headfirst entries.
• Water safety certification courses, including Safety Training for Swim Coaches and Basic Water Rescue.
• Fundamentals of diving from a diving board.
• Aquatic fitness and training for participants of all ages.

• Ages: 15+ (Participants must be at least 15 years old by the last day of class.)
• Fees: Resident: $150 | Non-Resident: $165
• Location: Bryan Aquatic Center, 3100 Oak Ridge Drive
• Registration opens Jan. 5 and closes a week before session date.

Register for Water Safety Instructor Certification

Course Information

• Participants must successfully complete the online portion of the course prior to the in-person prerequisite session.
• During in-person training, participants execute and refine skills learned online while gaining additional instruction related to the certification.
• Attendance is required for all scheduled sessions, and participants must arrive prepared and on time in appropriate swimwear.
• One hour is allotted for lunch.
• Certifications are valid for two years from the issue date.
• Recertification courses are offered only to active staff members.

Participants should bring:

• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Water or a water bottle
• Towel
• Change of clothes
• Swimsuit (One-piece swimsuits required for females.)
• Lunch or money to purchase lunch from nearby restaurants.

Water Safety Instructor Prerequisites

Participants must successfully complete the online course and the following water competency sequence:

• Step into the water and fully submerge
• Float or tread water for one minute
• Rotate in a full circle and orient to exit
• Swim 25 yards without stopping using front crawl, breaststroke, elementary backstroke or sidestroke
• Exit the water without using steps or a ladder

Sessions

March 13 - 15

• Friday: 5 – 9 p.m.
• Saturday - Sunday: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

The City of Bryan Park and Recreation Department has been recognized by the American Red Cross as a top-level training provider in Texas for lifesaving skill certifications. This course includes lifeguarding, CPR/AED, and first aid.

• Ages: 15+ (Participants must be at least 15 years old by the last day of class.)
• Fees: Resident: $150 | Non-Resident: $165
• Location: Bryan Aquatic Center, 3100 Oak Ridge Drive
• Registration opens Jan. 5 and closes a week before upcoming session date.

Register for Lifeguard Certification Classes

Course Information

• Participants must pass prerequisites before training begins.
• Certification courses use a blended learning format, which includes online coursework completed before in-person skills sessions.
• Lifeguard manuals are provided.
• One hour is allotted for lunch.
• Shallow Water Certification covers pools up to 7 feet, while Deep Water Certification cover pools under and over 7 feet.
• Certifications are valid for two years from the issue date.
• Recertification courses are offered only to active staff members.

Participants should bring:

• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Water or a water bottle
• Towel
• Change of clothes
• Swimsuit (One-piece swimsuits required for females.)
• Lunch or money to purchase lunch from nearby restaurants.

Deep Water Lifeguard Prerequisites

Complete a swim-tread-swim sequence without stopping to rest:

• Jump into the water, fully submerge, resurface, then swim 150 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both. Swimming on the back or side is not permitted. Swim goggles are allowed.
• Tread water for two minutes using only the legs.
• Swim 50 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both.

Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds:

• Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. The face may be in or out of the water. Swim goggles are not allowed.
• Surface dive, feet-first or head-first, to a depth of 7-10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object.
• Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on the back to the starting point, holding the object at the surface with both hands and keeping the face at or near the surface.
• Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.

Shallow Water Lifeguard Prerequisites

Complete a swim-tread-swim sequence without stopping to rest:

• Jump into the water, fully submerge, resurface, then swim 50 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both. Swimming on the back or side is not permitted. Swim goggles are allowed.
• Tread water for two minutes using only the legs, floating or both.
• Swim 50 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both.

Complete a timed event within 50 seconds:

• Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. The face may be in or out of the water. Swim goggles are not allowed.
• Submerge to a depth of 4-7 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object.
• Return to the surface and walk or swim 20 yards on the back to the starting point, holding the object at the surface with both hands and keeping the face at or near the surface.
• Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.

Sessions

Session 1 | March 9 – 11

• Monday & Tuesday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
• Wednesday, 8 a.m. – noon 

Session 2 | March 13 – 15

• Friday, 4 – 8 p.m.
• Saturday & Sunday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. 

Session 3 | March 20 – 22 (Shallow Water)

• Friday, 6 – 8 p.m.
• Saturday & Sunday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. 

Session 4 | April 3 – 5

• Friday, 6 – 8 p.m.
• Saturday & Sunday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. 

Session 5 | April 10 – 12

• Friday, 6 – 8 p.m.
• Saturday & Sunday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Session 6 | April 17 – 19 (Shallow Water)

• Friday, 6 – 8 p.m.
• Saturday & Sunday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. 

Session 7 | April 24 – 26 (Shallow Water)

• Friday, 6 – 8 p.m.
• Saturday & Sunday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. 

Session 8 | May 11 – 15

• Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. 

This high-intensity, no-impact aquatic workout takes place in deep water and is designed to target the entire body. Participants focus on cardiovascular fitness, core strength, flexibility and range of motion through a variety of challenging exercises led by an AEA-certified aqua fitness instructor with more than 25 years of experience.

Equipment is provided and includes flotation belts, barbells and pool noodles. The class is designed to challenge a wide range of fitness levels while remaining low-impact and joint-friendly.

• Ages: 18+
• Fees:
  • Single class: Resident: $7 | Non-Resident: $9 (purchased at Bryan Aquatic Center)
• Days / Time: Mondays & Wednesdays, 7 – 7:45 a.m.
• Dates: Feb. 2 – May 13
• Location: Bryan Aquatic Center, 3100 Oak Ridge Drive
• Registration is not required.

The Barracudas Swim Team offers young athletes the opportunity to develop competitive swimming skills in a supportive, sportsmanship-focused environment. Coaches teach the fundamentals of competitive swimming in a supportive, sportsmanship-driven environment that nurtures social and physical growth. With an emphasis on personal goal-setting and perseverance, each swimmer is empowered to achieve their best in and out of the pool.

Swimmers are required to purchase their own swim suits and caps. A team t-shirt will be provided.

Due to the increased number of evening programming and excessive heat, summer practices will be held in the morning.

While parents are not required to volunteer, any help is would be greatly appreciated to help ensure swim meets and practices run smoothly. To volunteer, email Aquatics Coordinator Hayden Johnson at hjohnson@bryantx.gov.

Prerequisite: Participants must be able to swim the length of a 25-yard pool unassisted to join the swim team.

Northwest Aquatic League (NWAL) Season

• Ages: 5 – 18
• Fee: $115, plus additional fees for some swim meets
• Location: Bryan Aquatic Center, 3100 Oak Ridge Drive
• Registration: Jan. 2 – May 22

Register for NWAL League

Meet the Coaches Night:

• Monday, April 13
• 6 – 7 p.m.

Spring Practice Dates:

• April 20 – May 22
• Monday – Friday
• 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. / 6:45 – 8 p.m.

Summer Practice Dates:

• May 26 – June 19
• Monday – Friday (no practice on Memorial Day, May 25)
• 8 – 9:30 a.m. / 10 – 11:30 a.m.

Meet Schedule:

• Saturday, May 2 (Home): Time Trials
• Saturday, May 9 (Home)
• Saturday, May 16 (Away)
• Saturday, May 23 (Home)
• Saturday, May 30 (Away)
• Saturday, June 6 (Home)

Texas Amateur Athletic Federation (TAAF) Season

• Ages: 5 – 18
• Fee: $45
• Location: Bryan Aquatic Center, 3100 Oak Ridge Drive
• Registration: March 2 – Aug. 3

Practice Dates:

• June 22 – Aug. 3
• Monday – Friday
• 8 – 9:30 a.m. / 10 – 11:30 a.m.

Meet Schedule:

• Saturday, July 11: TAAF Region 5 Meet, Bryan Aquatic Center
• Thursday, July 30 – Sunday, Aug. 2: TAAF Summer Games of Texas (Bryan/College Station)

This coach-led aquatic workout program is designed for participants of all skill levels and focuses on stroke improvement and overall athletic development. Challenges are tailored to each participant’s comfort level and swimming experience.

Sessions are held in a year-round heated pool, providing an opportunity for families to stay active and enjoy swimming during cooler months.

• Ages: 9+
• Fees: $50 per month, per person
• Registration: Deadline is before the first class of the month.
• Location: Bryan Aquatic Center, 3100 Oak Ridge Drive
• Days / Time: Monday – Thursday, 6 – 7:30 p.m.
• Sessions:
  • Jan. 5 – 29
  • Feb. 2 – 26
  • March 2 – 26

Register for Family Fitness Swim

The City of Bryan Parks and Recreation Department is a Gold Level Provider of the American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim program, delivering swim instruction that emphasizes water safety, skill progression and confidence in the water.

During the first class, instructors ensure participants are placed in the appropriate level. Each level requires a minimum of three participants, and classes may be combined. If minimum enrollment is not met and combining classes is not possible, canceled classes receive a full refund or participants may transfer to another session at no additional cost. Eight of 10 lessons are guaranteed, even in the event of inclement weather or circumstances beyond program control.

Parents receive a handbook upon registration.

Swim Levels

Review the descriptions below to help choose the appropriate level. Instructors will confirm placement during the first class.

Preschool Level 1 (ages 3 to 5):
Introduces basic water skills in a safe and supportive setting. Children learn to become comfortable in the water while beginning foundational movements and practicing basic water safety.

Preschool Level 2 (ages 3 to 5):
Builds on basic skills with increased independence. Children practice skills for longer distances and in deeper water, improve arm and leg coordination, and begin moving independently with reduced assistance.

Preschool Level 3 (ages 3 to 5):
Strengthens previously learned skills through guided practice and repetition. Children perform skills independently, improve coordination and control, and are introduced to additional water safety concepts.

Youth Level 1 (ages 6 to 17):
Introduces basic swimming and water safety skills. Participants develop comfort in the water while learning foundational movements and safe practices.

Youth Level 2 (ages 6 to 17):
Focuses on increased skill development and independence. Participants swim longer distances, practice skills with less assistance, and improve arm and leg movements in preparation for strokes.

Youth Level 3 (ages 6 to 17):
Emphasizes proficiency and confidence through repetition and guided instruction. Participants perform skills independently, refine coordination and control, and learn additional water safety skills.

Spring Lessons

• Ages: 3 – 17
• Fees: Resident: $40 | Non-Resident: $50
• Location: Bryan Aquatic Center, 3101 Oak Ridge Drive
• Registration: Jan. 2 – April 24
• Contact: 979-209-5222

Register for Spring Swim Lessons

Sessions

Session 1 | April 6 – 17
Monday – Friday
Preschool levels: 5:30 p.m.
Youth levels: 6:30 p.m.

Session 2 | April 27 – May 8
Monday – Friday
Preschool levels: 5:30 p.m.
Youth levels: 6:30 p.m. 

The Stroke Clinic is open to swimmers who want guidance on improving swimming technique and refining their strokes before the summer season. Participants learn how to swim stronger and more efficiently in a supportive, fun environment led by Bryan Barracuda coaches.

Prerequisite: Participants must be able to swim a continuous 25 yards without assistance.

• Ages: 5+ 
• Days / Time: Monday – Friday, 6 – 7 p.m.
• Clinic: April 13 – 17
• Fee: $20
• Location: Bryan Aquatic Center, 3100 Oak Ridge Drive
• Registration: Jan. 2 – April 13
• Contact: 979-209-5222

Register for Swim Stroke Clinic

This aquatic fitness class is designed for participants of all fitness levels and focuses on aerobic conditioning and body toning using water resistance and a variety of challenging aquatic exercises. The program is a step up from traditional water aerobics and offers a low-impact workout option for those who may be limited by orthopedic concerns or who prefer water-based exercise. Equipment is provided, and sessions take place in a year-round, heated pool.

• Ages: 18+
• Fees:
  • Single class: Resident: $7 | Non-Resident: $9 (purchased at Bryan Aquatic Center)
  • 8-pack: Resident: $51 | Non-Resident: $67 (available online starting Jan. 2)
• Days / Time: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 5 – 6 p.m.
• Dates:  March 17 – mid-fall
• Location: Bryan Aquatic Center, 3100 Oak Ridge Drive
• Registration is not required.

Buy an 8-Pack Class Bundle for Water Fit