Aquatics & Safety

Butler Aquatic Center lap pool swimming lanes with blue and white dividers separating them.

Be Part of Butler’s Aquatic Tradition

For nearly a century, aquatics has been part of the Butler experience – a place to learn, compete, connect, and recharge. From the historic pool in Hinkle Fieldhouse to today’s HRC Aquatic Center, that legacy continues with every person who steps into the water.

Find your place through swim lessons, lap swimming, team activities, aquatic recreation, or safety education. Whether you’re building confidence, pursuing a goal, or enjoying time with friends, you’re helping carry that tradition forward. Together, we’re shaping a future where water safety, well-being, and belonging are at the heart of Butler Aquatics.

Female instructor Ali Quinn stands in pool speaking with child swimmers who are sitting on the edge of the pool.

Swim Lessons

It’s never too late to learn how to swim—or swim better. Our certified instructors teach both children and adults the basics as well as advanced skills for those who want to refine their swimming techniques. Lessons are designed to build comfort, safety, and confidence as students progress through five different skill levels.

Swim Lessons
Two people per lane swimming in the Butler Health and Recreation Complex pool.

Facility Hours & Reservations

The Aquatic Center offers several ways to swim, play water sports, or simply relax with a six-lane lap pool, leisure pool, and spa. Learn more about the facility and when it is available to use.

Facility Features & Hours
Lifeguards Steven, Emily, and Hannah performing a swim rescue and bring swimmer to pool edge.

Certifications & Trainings

We teach high-quality safety training programs to make sure you know water safety and can handle emergencies wherever people are swimming. Learn how to become a certified lifeguard or lifeguard instructor, renew your lifeguard certification, teach children and teenagers how to swim, and perform CPR, first aid, and more.

Certifications & Trainings
Aquatic Center spa with a large Butler University banner and the BU Be Well banner and logo above it.

Policies, Rules, & FAQs

What can you wear in the pool, can children be poolside alone, and is diving allowed? Discover the answers by exploring our policies and rules that help protect people and the facility from harm. Learn more about the Aquatic Center itself and best practices to have a safe, enjoyable experience.

Policies, Rules, & FAQs

Contact Us

Butler Recreation & Wellness

recwell@butler.edu
317-940-4472

Assistant Director of Aquatics & Safety

Steven Thompson
sthompson2@butler.edu