General Information

Overview:
Marine Corps Aquatics - Henderson Hall provides aquatics programming to the local military community. Additionally, as the official training tank for Henderson Hall the Zembiec Pool Facility supports Marine Corps readiness by providing a dedicated space for swim qualification, unit training, and community aquatics programs. The Zembiec Pool Facility is open for leisure time, recreational swimming, and training to authorized patrons year-round.

Facility Use:
The Henderson Hall Zembiec Pool Facility is Open to all Uniformed Services Members, Retirees, DoD/USCG Civilians, and their family members with a core mission of serving National Capital Region Marines.

Year-Round Hours of Operation:

• Monday-Friday: 0600-1900
• Saturday-Sundays: CLOSED
• Holidays: CLOSED (Summer Holidays Exemption: 0800-1600)

Youth Access:
Open swim for patrons under 15 years of age is available year-round under the following hours:

• Monday-Friday: 0800-1700

Uniformed Services Support

The Aquatics Program supports Uniformed Service readiness through structured training and instruction. Please contact the Aquatics Director for more information regarding Unit and Individual Training options available to Uniformed Services Members to include foundational and remedial training.

• Unit Training: Individual units may reserve the facility or space therein to meet their training needs or for Unit morale and welfare. This can be done for swim qualifications or as an integrated portion of the unit’s regular fitness training. Units must make a reservation with the Aquatics Program in advance of the training date. All lane and training requests must be approved by the Aquatics Program Management and Bn S3 as applicable. Any request that would require the closure of the facility in order to be supported must be approved by the Aquatics Program Director and the local Chain of Command prior to approving the closure.


• PRT Support: Space at the Zembiec Pool Facility is available for reservation to conduct PRTs and qualification exams. This function is open to all Active-Duty and Reserve Uniformed Service Members as well as recruit candidates or cadets with their recruiter or N/ROTC representative.


• Unit Morale: Space at the Zembiec Pool Facility is available for reservation by Battalion as well as other Active-Duty and Reserve Uniformed Service Units for morale functions. This is limited to times and dates that do not interfere with training.


• Unit PT Support: Space at the Zembiec Pool Facility is available to reserve for unit PT with our in-house instructors. This function is open to all Active-Duty and Reserve Uniformed Service Members on both the individual and unit scale.

Aquatic Fitness

Aquatic fitness programs provide low-impact, high-efficiency training that supports strength, endurance, and injury prevention.

Aqua-Fit Classes: Dynamic strength and conditioning in workout courses focusing on the swimmer as an athlete. Open to all Uniformed Services Members and current DoD/USCG Civilians.

Monday-Friday: 0630-0730

• In-water strength and conditioning workout courses Mon, Wed, and Fri
• Dryland Training Classes workout courses Tues & Thurs.

Aqua Aerobics Club: Workout of the day guided water exercise for all ages to stay in shape with fun and user-friendly workouts. Open to all MCCS Patrons.

Monday-Friday: 1300-1400

Aquatics Workout of the Week: Weekly introductory workouts for competitive swimming are posted weekly in the Aquatics Facility. Each quarter we will focus workouts on training for one of the primary competitive swimming strokes.

• Lap Lane Usage & Etiquette: Lap swimming is available during all operational hours based on space availability and mission requirements. As a shared training environment, all patrons are expected to follow proper lap lane etiquette to ensure a safe, efficient, and respectful experience for all swimmers.

General Rules

• Lap lanes are reserved for continuous lap swimming only.
• Access to lap lanes is first come, first serve unless otherwise directed by Aquatics Staff.
• Active-Duty training and scheduled programming take priority and may limit lane availability without notice.
• Patrons must follow all instructions from lifeguards and Aquatics Staff regarding lane assignments and usage.
• Hanging on lane lines, obstructing lanes, or loitering in lap lanes is prohibited.
• Equipment (kickboards, pull buoys, etc.) may be used only if it does not interfere with other swimmers.

Lane Sharing:

• Patrons should expect to share lanes during peak hours.
• When joining a lane, communicate with swimmers already in the lane to determine the appropriate format (split or circle).
• Split lanes (each swimmer stays on one side) are recommended when two swimmers are present.
• Be courteous and adjust to the pace and skill level of others when sharing space.
• Circle Swimming: Circle swimming is only implemented with the consent of all swimmers in the lane. When circle swimming:
  • Swim counterclockwise (stay to the right side of the lane).
  • Pass only when safe and at the wall whenever possible.
  • Faster swimmers should communicate before passing slower swimmers.
  • If consensus cannot be reached, Aquatics Staff may assign or direct lane usage.

Best Practices:

• Choose a lane that matches your speed and ability level whenever possible.
• Allow faster swimmers to pass and be aware of others entering the wall.
• Start new sets only when clear of oncoming swimmers.
• Rest at the corner of the wall to keep the lane clear for turns.
• Maintain awareness of your surroundings at all times.

Staff Authority: Aquatics Staff reserve the right to assign lanes, require lane sharing, or modify lane usage at any time to support safety, training priorities, and overall facility operations.

Recreational Usage

The facility offers recreational swimming opportunities that support fitness and quality of life.

Family Open Swim: Family members or dependents under fifteen years of age, even though they have a valid Military ID Card, must be accompanied by a parent, legal age sibling, legal guardian. Parents, legal guardians or siblings supervising underage family dependents or members must remain in the pool area at all times. Supervision is limited to three individuals per supervising adult. Open swim for patrons under 15 years of age is available year-round under the following hours:

Monday-Friday: 0800-1700

• Swim Test Requirement: In order to ensure the safety of vulnerable populations all patrons under the age of 15 entering the pool facility must take a swim test.

Recreational use is scheduled around Active-Duty training requirements.

Pool Fees

ENTRY FEES WAVED FOR SUMMER 2026.
Enjoy the renovated Zembiec Pool Facility free of entry charges until September 8th, 2026.

The Aquatics Program operates with a combination of mission-funded and fee-supported access. Admission fees apply to all patrons 2 and up barring current Active Duty and Reservists personnel utilizing the facility for personal or unit training.  

Active Duty and Reservists
Free Admission

All Other Authorized Patrons

Regular Admissions

• Daily: $10.00
• Guest: $15.00
• Monthly: $35.00
• Family Monthly: $65.00
• Annual: $250.00
• Family Annual: $450.00

Summer Only Discount Packages

• Individual: $85.00
• Family: $150.00

*Applicable for Entry Memorial Day through Labor Day Only.

Fees support facility operations, maintenance, and recreation programming.

General Rules

All patrons are expected to follow posted rules and staff direction to maintain a safe and effective training environment. The facility operates as a military training asset, and standards reflect that mission.

General Conduct

• Follow all instructions from lifeguards and Aquatics staff
• Active-Duty training may take priority without notice
• Disruptive or unsafe behavior is prohibited
• Non-compliance may result in removal or suspension of privileges

Facility Use

• Shower before entering the pool
• Proper swim attire is required at all times
• Lap lanes are reserved for lap swimming unless otherwise directed
• Equipment must be used as intended and with staff approval
• Safety equipment is not for patron use

Safety Policies

• No running, pushing, or rough play
• Diving only in designated areas
• Follow posted signage and depth markings
• Lifeguards may stop any unsafe activity

Youth Supervision

• Children under 15 must be supervised by an adult (18+)
• One adult may supervise up to three children
• Non-swimmers must remain within arm’s reach
• Swim tests may be required for deeper water access

Health and Hygiene

• Do not enter the pool if ill or with open wounds
• Shower required prior to entry
• No contamination of pool water
• Swim diapers required when applicable

Guest Policy

• Authorized patrons may sponsor up to three guests
• Guests must remain with sponsor
• Guest fees apply

Prohibited Items

• Glass containers
• Alcohol or illegal substances
• Hazardous materials
• Unauthorized flotation devices

Enforcement
Aquatics Staff may issue warnings, restrict access, or remove patrons to maintain safety and operations.

Operational Priority
Active-Duty training, qualifications, and mission requirements take precedence over all other use.

Learn-To-Swim

The Learn to Swim program provides structured instruction for all ages and skill levels.

Program Options

• Youth Group Swim Lesson: (Monday-Friday: 1500-1800)
  • Fundamental swimming instruction for youth.
  • 1 to 4 instructor to student Ratio.
  • Provided at various skill levels.
  • 30min Classes
• Private Lessons: (Based upon Instructor Availability)
  • Remedial and advanced swimming instruction for all ages.
  • 1 to 1 Instructor to student ratio.
  • Provided at various skill levels.
  • 30min Classes

Active Duty: Foundational and remedial swimming instruction is provided under CAT-A Operations to uniformed services members at no cost. Please contact the Aquatics Director for more information.

Community Events

The Aquatics Program hosts events and programs throughout the year to promote participation and community engagement to include swim challenges, seasonal programs, aquatics clinics, and family events.

Upcoming Events