Mizzou Aquatic Center Guidelines

General Guidelines
  • Mizzou Aquatic Center Staff has final authority on all matters in the Mizzou Aquatic Center
  • In case of emergency, the Emergency Action Plan is activated by one long whistle blast from a Lifeguard. All patrons are required to exit the pool immediately, and follow instructions from Mizzou Aquatic Center Staff.
  • Patrons with contagious skin diseases, infections or open sores, or who have had diarrhea within the last two weeks are discouraged to use the pools for health concerns. Bandages are discouraged in pools
  • Glass objects are strictly prohibited: This includes masks with glass faceplates
  • Showers are encouraged before entering any body of water to maintain sanitary conditions.
  • Use of any part of the Mizzou Aquatic Center is prohibited unless supervised by a lifeguard.
  • Proper swimming attire is required in all Mizzou Aquatic Center bodies of water unless prior approval of an exception has been granted. Proper swim attire is defined as clothing that is designed for use in the water; specific item examples are listed below for reference. In addition, all swim wear must not indecently expose parts of the body or be transparent.
    • Items made of material that is designed for use in the water that are allowed:
      • Women’s one and two piece bathing suits
      • Men’s Jammers or Speedo
      • Board Shorts/Swim Trunks
      • Rash Guards
      • Religious swim wear (Ex. Burkini)
    • Items listed below are not allowed to be worn in the water at the aquatic facilities:
      • Athletic shorts and pants (Ex. Running, Basketball, Volleyball, Yoga etc.)
      • Undergarments (Ex. Sports Bras, Underwear, Compression Shorts, Boxers, Briefs, etc.)
      • Clothing with grommets (Ex. Denim, Khaki shorts or pants, etc.)
      • Cotton Shirts (Ex. T-Shirts, tank tops, etc.)
  • To maintain safety, the Mizzou Aquatic Center Staff may require patrons to demonstrate swimming ability
  • Only Coast Guard approved flotation devices are permitted. Lifejackets are available upon request.
  • Outside of emergency need, hanging onto lane lines is discouraged.
  • Nose blowing and spitting in the pool or gutters is prohibited
  • Voluntary hyperventilation prior to underwater swimming and underwater breath holding are dangerous activities and can lead to unconsciousness and death during dives. Swimmers are prohibited from engaging in hyperventilation prior to either practice
  • Water polo or other water games, which require the use of a ball, are not be permitted in any of the Mizzou Aquatic Center bodies of water without prior authorization from the Mizzou Aquatic Center staff
  • Tennis balls, footballs, hard balls, squirt guns, etc. are prohibited in the Mizzou Aquatic Center.
  • Running, horseplay or other dangerous activities are not permitted in any areas of the Mizzou Aquatic Center
  • Only MizzouRec TigerSwim lessons or other prior approved instructional lessons are permitted in the Mizzou Aquatic Center
  • Direct supervision and active engagement are required for minors in the Student Recreation Complex and Mizzou Aquatic Center
  • Blocking doorways and emergency exits is prohibited
  • Footwear is required outside of the pool decks, hallways and locker rooms
  • Failure to comply with Mizzou Aquatic Center required or prohibited guidelines may result in removal from the Mizzou Aquatic Center, suspension or termination of MizzouRec membership following repeated or egregious occurrences
50M Pool
  • Lane usage is permitted only during posted hours in designated lanes
  • Lap swimmers should swim in a counterclockwise, circular pattern to allow shared usage.
  • Starting blocks are for the sole use of approved groups under the supervision of a coach
  • No diving is permitted. All individuals must use a feet-first entry during Open Swim in the 50-meter pool
  • Swimming under the bulkhead is prohibited. Patrons are not permitted to walk across the bulkhead while it is centered in the pool
Diving Well
  • Lap swimming is permitted only during posted hours in designated lanes
  • Diving from the side is permitted in designated lap lane areas only or in other parts as determined safe by the Mizzou Aquatic Center staff
  • Tower and diving boards are for approved group/event use only
Tiger Grotto Pool, Dry Sauna & Steam Room
  • Diving is not permitted in Tiger Grotto Pool as injury may occur.
  • Exercise is not permitted in the Dry Sauna or Steam Room
  • Attire is required in the Dry Sauna & Steam Room and must not indecently expose parts of the body or be transparent.
    • Permitted attire
      • Proper swimwear
      • Lightweight/athletic attire that will not be damaged or cause an aroma under high temperatures.
      • Cotton t-shirt and athletic shorts.
      • Water shoes and flip-flop type shoes
      • Excessive or constrictive clothing are not recommended
    • Prohibited
      • Sweaters & Sauna suits
      • Street shoes
  • Sitting on a towel while in the sauna and steam room is recommended
  • Individuals with health problems, who are pregnant, or who are taking medication should consult their physician before using the dry sauna or Steam room
  • For safety, the use of the dry sauna or steam room should not occur immediately after strenuous exercise
  • Limiting use of the dry sauna and steam room to no more than 15 minutes is recommended
  • To prevent dehydration, it is recommended that members consume plenty of fluids before and after dry sauna and/or steam room use
  • Pouring water on or tending the sauna rocks is prohibited, dangerous and damaging as these are electric units.
Hot Tub (Diving Well & Tiger Grotto)
  • Use of the Hot Tubs are only permitted for those 18 years of age and older
  • For safety, use of the Hot Tub for more than 15 minutes is not recommended
  • Submerging your head in a Hot Tub is not recommended due to the extreme water temperature
  • Individuals with health problems, who are pregnant, or who are taking medication should consult their physician before using the Hot Tub
  • For safety, the use of a Hot Tub should not occur immediately after strenuous exercise