Want to try paddle boarding or kayaking? Do you know how to sail or want to take a lesson? Looking for a calm and scenic place to study?
Then visit the waterfront to check out some of our recreational equipment or take advantage of our beautiful facilities.
There’s also the James P. Muldoon River Center, the home base of our National Championship sailing team and a great place to relax, study, read, chat with friends, or take a class.
The River Center
James P. Muldoon River Center is an 11,667 square feet building built for sunlit conferences, classes, and leisure activities.
There’s a series of restrooms on both floors, for easy access of both students and those returning from the waterfront. There’s a well-lit and nicely-outfitted Seminar/Conference room upstairs, and a great hall (Affectionately nick-named “The Awesome Room”) for leisure and study. The River Center supports tidal river studies, sailing programs, and general recreation including kayaks, stand up paddleboards, and sailboats.
First floor
- Outdoor deck overlooking the riverfront
- Boat repair facilities and equipment storage
- Locker rooms for both varsity and recreational use
- Team room for the Sailing Team
- Coaches and faculty offices
- Classroom
Second floor
- Multi-purpose room with a fireplace and seating for 75 people
- Gallery Hall for display of awards, trophies and art work
- Biology Lab to support St. Mary’s River Project
- Catering kitchen
- Seminar/conference room
Hours
8:30am – 5:00pm, Monday – Friday
Swim Test – before checking out waterfront equipment
Everyone must able to swim in order to check out waterfront equipment.
You have the option of taking a swim test at the Aquatics Center, but we will also accept equivalent proof of swimming ability- specifically: US Sailing Level 1 and Red Cross Lifesaving Certifications, as well as membership in the SMCM swim team.
Faculty/Staff who have previously taken the swim test before it was suspended will also be passed.
Special needs will be addressed by the Waterfront Staff on an individual basis. This policy is strictly enforced. Waterfront staff will check for proof by swiping your One Card.
Taking the Test
Be sure and go take the swim test at the Aquatics Center. You may take the swim test at the Aquatics Center anytime they are open.
Aquatic Center Hours
Noon – 2pm, & 6pm-9pm Weekdays
12-4pm Saturdays
Closed on Sundays
When to Take the Test
- During fall orientation, all new students (physically able) will take the swim test in the Aquatics Center.
- People holding valid Red Cross Lifesaving & U.S. Sailing Level 1 Instructors certificates and SMCM Varsity Swim Team members will be marked passed.
- Those new students unable to take the test during orientation will be given opportunities during pool hours similar to returning students.
Returning students, faculty, and staff:
- Grace Period: Before September, returning students, faculty, and staff will be able to use all watercraft without having passed the swim test.
Equipment Checkout
Equipment can be checked out by current students, faculty, and staff free of charge.Please review the policies of usage and complete the swimming assessment before using the equipment.
Note: You must pass a swim test before checking out any equipment.
Those swimming passing the test will be marked as such in the One Card system. During Orientation, Student Activities will mark ‘passed’ in the system for new students who pass the swim test. Throughout the semester, Rick Loheed will also enter passed into the system for the remaining new students, returning students and any faculty/staff who pass the swim test.
* Waterfront staff will “swipe” the One Card thru a card reader to identify those who have passed the swim test and allow them to check out watercraft.
* As per Maryland Law, those under the age of 13 must wear a PFD at all times in any watercraft.