Aquatic Activities

Swimming Lessons

View our online catalog for current American Red Cross Swimming Lessons offerings and register.

Lifeguard Training

Interested in becoming a Lifeguard, or have you recently taken your Lifeguard Training certification class? Owatonna Parks and Recreation offers up to $150 reimbursement if you become a certified American Red Cross Lifeguard and work for the city for at least three months. View our online catalog for current Lifeguard Training offerings and register.

Lifeguard Training Pre-requisites

  • Swim 300 yards continuously (non-stop), performing either front crawl or breaststroke.
  • Swim 40 yards, pick up 10-pound brick from 10 feet of water and return it back 40 yards using only a kick, holding the brick with 2 hands on the chest.
  • Must be 15 at the time the class ends.
  • You must attend all classes to pass.
  • No refund will be issued if you do not pass.

Water Safety Instructor

Water Safety Instructors (swimming lessons instructors) are trained to teach children and adults water safety, survival and swimming skills and give community water safety presentations. It's a fun job that will help you develop teaching and leadership skills. View our online catalog for current Water Safety Instructor Training offerings and register.

Water Safety Instructor Pre-requisites

  • Must be 16 at the time class begins.
  • You must attend all classes to pass.
  • No refund will be issued if you do not pass.
  • Strokes you need to know proficiently for at least 25 yards each:
    • Back crawl
    • Breast stroke
    • Butterfly
    • Elementary backstroke
    • Front crawl

Programs

Water Aerobics

Water Aerobic classes are offered at the West Hills Tennis and Pickleball Center and River Springs Water Park (seasonally). For more information, visit the pages below.

Owatonna Middle School Lap Swim 

There will be no morning lap swim if inclement weather causes Owatonna schools to have a 2-hour late start or close. Any additional cancellations or closings will be listed under Adult Activities on the Cancellations and Closings page.

View our online catalog for current dates and times.

Family Open Swim at OMS

Middle School Open Swim is an opportunity for families to come and enjoy swim time together. During this time, there will be 2 lifeguards on duty and the diving boards will be open. All children 12 years of age or under must be accompanied by a parent. Children with lifejackets must be within arm's reach of a parent at all times and are only allowed in the shallow end of the pool. A swim test will be administered prior to entry into the deep water/diving boards.

View our online catalog for current dates and times.

River Springs Water Park Lap Swim & Water Walking

Lap Swim and Water Walking are available seasonally at River Springs Water Park. Visit the water park programs page for information.