Introduction
The Lawrence Aquahawks is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing a program of swimming instruction for competition for the youth of Lawrence, Douglas County, and surrounding communities. The Aquahawks is open to all youth who have completed basic swimming instruction subject to the availability of space in the program. The club is operated by the parents of swimmers who annually elect a board of directors to manage club operations. The board is responsible for hiring the head coach, providing oversight of the club’s operations, and coordinating fund raising and volunteer activities.

The Aquahawk program is affiliated with USA Swimming, an organization that governs amateur swimming throughout the country. Each Aquahawk member must join USA Swimming in order to be eligible for the Aquahawk program. In addition, the club is an active member of Missouri Valley Swimming.

While not affiliated with the City of Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department, the Aquahawks work closely with the City, USD 497, Lawrence Athletic Club, and Haskell Indian Nations University (HINU) in scheduling pool time. Without this close cooperation, the Aquahawk program would not be possible.

The Aquahawk program operates year round. Swim practices are held at the Lawrence Outdoor Aquatic Center, Lawrence Indoor Aquatic Center, Haskell Indian Nations University and Carl Knox Natatorium. Practice times and locations are established each swim season and are subject to change if weather is a factor.