Scheduling Request
The Koenitzer Aquatic Center is available for birthday parties, swim meets, clinics, camps and other events.  Please read our rental and guest procedures.

Thank you for your interest in hosting an activity or event in the Koenitzer Aquatic Center at Carthage College. These procedures have been established to ensure the safety of our patrons, protect you from liability, eliminate scheduling conflicts, secure the facility and ensure that you have an enjoyable and well-run event.

Scheduling

All facility requests must be submitted at least ten days prior to the event’s scheduled date. Requests can be submitted online at www.carthageswims.com. This allows the aquatic director to check for potential date conflicts and schedule appropriate staffing for your event. Requests made with fewer than ten days will not be approved. Events with more than 100 participants require 90 days advanced notice.

Supervision

All aquatic center events must be staffed by an appropriate number of Carthage-trained lifeguards and – if necessary – supervisors. Appropriate staffing levels will be determined by the aquatic director. State law requires a minimum of two (2) lifeguards be on duty for the entire pool to be open. One guard is sufficient for events using eight lanes or fewer with 30 or fewer participants. Organizations maintaining a year-round presence at the aquatic center may provide their own lifeguards provided those guards a) have certifications on file with the aquatic director and b) have undergone an EAP orientation with the aquatic director.

Groups with ten or more participants must also provide supervision and, if necessary, discipline for their group. These individuals will not serve in a lifeguarding capacity, but instead provide supplementary support to the Carthage staff on deck and/or in the locker rooms.

Equipment

Groups are free to use the kickboards and pull bouys located in the on-deck storage benches. Use of other equipment (lifejackets, noodles, water polo goals and balls, etc) is at the discretion of the aquatic director. Tables and desks should not be removed from the classroom as they cause rust stains on the pool deck. Unless supervised by a United States Swimming-certified coach, participants may not use the starting blocks. Groups using or damaging equipment, furniture or the facility in any way will be charged all costs associated with its repair and/or replacement.

Pool Access

No groups will be permitted onto the pool deck without a lifeguard present. All groups must enter the aquatic center through the men’s and women’s swimming locker rooms. Individuals entering the pool area or opening the locker room doors without a lifeguard present will be asked to leave the facility. All patrons make shower before entering the pool.

Security

Each summer thousands of dollars of cash, clothing and athletic equipment are stolen from the locker rooms. After changing, pool users are encouraged to bring their belongings onto the pool deck or lock their belongings in one of the lockers provided. Please take care to secure your belongings as Carthage cannot be held responsible for items lost or damaged.

Rental Charges and Fees

Rental fees and other charges are assessed either by the Aquatic Center or Summer Conference Office.

Insurance and Liability

Renters are required to provide a $3 million ($3,000,000) insurance policy naming Carthage College as the insured. Carthage College organizations are covered under the existing insurance. This policy should minimally include coverage for bodily injury and property loss. This insurance documentation should be provided to the aquatic director within ten days of the event date.

Aquatic Center Rules

In addition to the above guidelines, the following rules are applicable to all groups using the aquatic center. Your cooperation in enforcing them is appreciated.

1. Running, rough play, intoxication and profanity are prohibited;
2. No diving in the shallow end of pool;
3. Open swimming is prohibited in lanes designated for lap swimming;
4. Swimsuits are required. No cut-off shorts, gym shorts, thongs or inappropriate (as deemed by lifeguards) swimwear is allowed;
5. Do not enter the pool if you have a communicable disease or an open cut;
6. Do not bring food, drink, gum or tobacco into the pool. Plastic water bottles are acceptable and food is permitted in the stands;
7. Shower before entering the pool and after use of toilet facilities;
8. Elderly persons and persons suffering from heart disease, diabetes, or high or low blood pressure should not enter the whirlpool;
9. 9. Unsupervised children and children under age ten may not use the whirlpool;
10. Persons under the influence of alcohol or drugs may not use the pool;
11. Pregnant women should consult their physician regarding whirlpool usage; and
12. Lengthy exposure in the whirlpool may be hazardous to your health and may result in nausea, dizziness, or fainting