University of North Florida Aquatic Center

I only visited the aquatic center on one occasion for one of my courses and I have to say I wasn’t very impressed with this facility. The pool itself was clean, but the locker rooms are atrocious. Trash was strewn about all over the floor and there were also puddles of water on the floor (you could practically swim in there). Thankfully after the class was over, I’ve never had to set foot in that place again. Honestly, I’m not surprised this place is closing.

Great for the university and community. Very run down. The pool area will be undergoing a massive renovation soon and will be closed for some time.

Psst, we have an indoor swimming pool in Jacksonville. Actually we have two that I know of: UNF’s pool and the one at YMCA Brooks branch (I’ve seen it, but I haven’t used it yet).
Even if you are not a student, you are welcome to enjoy the pool for only $ 5 for adults and $ 4 for kids age 3 – 12.
I took my son for swimming lessons since he was about age 2. For a session of about a month or so, the group meets for about 8 classes, each lasting 30 minutes long. The price is pretty good at about $ 60/​$ 70 per session.
There are 3 or 4 instructors. The class starts with a verbal lesson about swimming safety for the first few 5 or so minutes. Then the kids are divided into 3 or 4 groups, so that there is 1 instructor per group.
The instructors really care about the kids and want to see them do well. My son was always greeted by his name and the instructors were patient with him if he had trouble learning the techniques.
Important: Make sure you practice at home. If you do not have a pool, at least come back and practice one other day outside of swim class. My son had to repeat one level a few times because he couldn’t grasp some techniques and had no outside practice.
If you have some extra dough, you can get private swimming lessons at $ 30 per 30 minute class.
But for most of us, especially students and stay-​at-​home parents, it’s nice to know some things are still free. Parents can swim with their kids FREE on Friday mornings for the Fall 2011 semester. If you are a UNF student or faculty you can come anytime on Sunday or on Saturday afternoons for FREE.