Welcome to Aquatic Programming at the University at Buffalo! Dive into group & private swim lessons, lifeguard courses, student jobs, and Open REC: Swim. Join us for education, recreation, and a thriving aquatic community.
Safety drills are held during all programs. Please exit the pool promptly when the air horn sounds, aiding lifeguards in swift rescues for minimal disruption.
UB Recreation's Open REC: Swim offers leisure swimming without classes or training. Visit our website's "We Have Fun!" section for details.
Should I Choose Group or Private Swim Lessons? Many swimmers wonder whether group or private swim lessons are better. The answer depends on your needs.
Think about your goals. Some people do well with one-on-one attention, while others prefer learning with their friends. Sometimes, it's helpful to start with private lessons to learn a new skill and then switch to a group when you're more confident. The UB Aquatics team understands that everyone is different and has different needs.
Are you ready to choose your lane?
For those who are building upon their skills and who prefer a Swimmer to Instructor ratio of 6:1.
Session | Fall 2024 |
Cost | $75 |
Number of Lessons | 6 |
Location: | Alumni Arena Pool, North Campus |
Days/Times | Adult Beginner:
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Private Swim Lessons for adults (must be 18 years or older) and/or the option to register for Semi-Private Swim Lessons with an adult friend.
Session | Fall 2024 |
Cost | $150 |
Number of Lessons | 6 |
Days/Times |
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Location | Alumni Arena Pool, North Campus |
Make-up Lessons? | No |
All swimmers must wear a swim cap (for hair longer than 1 inch.) One can purchase a swim cap at Recreation Member Services, local sporting goods stores, and online at websites like amazon.com.
All swimming attire that allows you to freely move in the water. There are all sorts of great options out there that promote inclusivity in the water.
Find the style that makes you feel the most comfortable and confident.
Locker rooms are available near the entrance of the pool deck in both Alumni Arena and Clark Hall.
Upon entering the pool, body products like sweat, deodorant, and makeup are released into the water. To reduce pool maintenance, showering before entering the pool helps remove these products, preventing the need for frequent draining and refilling.
Yes. We do offer make-up lessons for Private Swim Lessons on a session by session basis.
*If your session allows for make-up lessons, a link to an online form will be available to submit a make-up lesson request.
No. We do not offer make-up lessons for Group Swim Lessons.
Any lessons that are canceled by UB Aquatics will be rescheduled.
We want to hear from you about your experience with us. Please fill out our Instructor Evaluation Form at your leisure so we can address any pressing issues and reward distinguished instructors.
We are currently offering swim lessons for adults (18+) only.
For suggestions on local child-friendly swim lessons, please contact us at aquatics@buffalo.edu.
Lifeguard certification courses have the purpose of training individuals to become capable and confident lifeguards. These courses teach water safety, emergency response, rescue techniques, and physical fitness. Lifeguards learn to prevent accidents, provide first aid, and manage water-related emergencies, ensuring the safety of people in aquatic environments.
The UB Aquatics program is introducing the American Red Cross Blended Learning Lifeguarding Program. This course combines online knowledge acquisition and in-person water, first aid and CPR/AED skills training. Building on the same knowledge and skills as our traditional in-person only training, the course trains lifeguards to act with speed and confidence in emergency situations both in and out of the water.
Cost | $200 Includes hip pack, whistle and pocket mask. |
Course Textbook | American Red Cross Lifeguarding Manual |
Participant Limit | 6 - 10 max. |
Location | Alumni Arena or Clark Hall Pool |
Course | BLG1: Mondays, 8/26-10/7 or 10/21 (no class on 9/2 & 10/14) from 6:30pm - 9:30pm at Clark Hall, South Campus
BLG2: Sundays, 9/8 (11:30am-1:30pm), 9/15, 9/22, 9/29 & 10/6 from 11:30am - 5:00pm at Alumni Arena, North Campus
BLG3: Sundays 10/13 (11:30am-1:30pm), 10/20, 10/27, 11/3 & 11/10 from 11:30am - 5:00pm at Alumni Arena, North Campus |
Register | Register Online for an ARC Full Lifeguard Course |
Prerequisites
Requirements
The UB Aquatics program is introducing the American Red Cross Lifeguarding Recertification Course. This course combines classroom and practical in-person water, first aid and CPR/AED skills training. Building on the same knowledge and skills as our traditional training, the course trains lifeguards to act with speed and confidence in emergency situations both in and out of the water.
Cost | $100 |
Course Textbook | American Red Cross Lifeguarding Manual |
Participant Limit | 6 max. |
Location | Alumni Arena Pool, North Campus |
Course | LGR1: Sunday, September 8th, 2024 from 8:30am - 5:30pm
LGR2: Sunday, October 6th, 2024 from 8:30am - 5:30pm
LGR3: Sunday, November 10th, 2024 from 8:30am - 5:30pm |
Register | Register Online for an ARC Lifeguard Review Course |
Full Waterfront lifeguard classes
Discover the Waterfront Skills module – an integral part of our lifeguard training. Gain expertise in handling emergencies in nonsurf, open-water locations at parks, resorts, camps, and more.
Note: A valid American Red Cross lifeguard certification is required for enrollment. Verify your certification here: Red Cross Certificate Lookup. Elevate your lifeguarding prowess and join us in creating safer aquatic environments.
Cost | $65 |
Course Textbook | Participant Materials |
Participant Limit | 6 max. |
Location | TBD |
Course Schedule | TBD |
Register | Register Online for a Waterfront Lifeguard Course |
Requirements
Lifeguard instructor courses train and certify individuals to teach lifeguarding skills, including water safety, rescue techniques, and emergency response. Certified instructors contribute to professional growth, employment opportunities, and public confidence in aquatic facilities. Ultimately, lifeguard instructor courses play a vital role in producing capable lifeguards who can prevent accidents and respond effectively to emergencies.
The Lifeguard Instructor Course aims to equip candidates with the skills to effectively teach a range of essential courses and modules, including Red Cross Lifeguarding, Shallow Water Lifeguarding, Waterfront Skills, Waterpark Skills, CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and Health Care Providers, and Bloodborne Pathogens Training: Preventing Disease Transmission. Additionally, candidates will gain proficiency in subjects such as Junior Lifeguarding, Lifeguard Management, Safety Training for Swim Coaches, and Basic Water Rescue.
Cost | $200 |
Course Textbook | American Red Cross Lifeguarding Manual |
Participant Limit | 4 |
Location | Alumni Arena Pool, North Campus |
Course Schedule | LGI1: Mondays, 10/21, 10/28, 11/4, 11/11, 11/18, 11/25, 12/2 & 12/9 from 6:30pm - 9:30pm |
Register | Register Online for an ARC Lifeguard Instructor Course |
Prerequisites
Requirements
The Instructor Review Course is designed to comprehensively review instructional materials for courses such as Red Cross Lifeguarding, Shallow Water Lifeguarding, Waterfront Skills, Waterpark Skills, CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and Health Care Providers, and Bloodborne Pathogens Training. It also covers content related to Junior Lifeguarding, Lifeguard Management, Safety Training for Swim Coaches, and Basic Water Rescue. Instructors have the option to recertify their basic lifeguard skills as well.
Cost | $65 | LGI Review + Base Lifeguard Certification |
Participant Limit | 6 max. for each group |
Location | Alumni Arena Pool, North Campus |
Course Schedule | TBD |
Register | Register Online for an ARC Lifeguard Instructor Review Course |
Prerequisites
Requirements
The Water Safety Instructor (WSI) Course, a recognized Red Cross certification, trains swimming and diving instructors. It imparts the expertise needed to teach American Red Cross Swimming and Water Safety program courses, encompassing material use, training session management, and participant evaluation. This blended course involves online, classroom, and poolside instruction.
Cost | $200 |
Course Textbook | Participant Materials |
Participant Limit | 10 max. |
Location | TBD |
Course Schedule | TBD |
Register | Register Online for a Water Safety Instructor Course |
Prerequisites
Requirements
Ready to dive into a crucial safety role? Join us as a Lifeguard where you'll excel as both a lifeguard and/or swim instructor.
With American Red Cross certifications in Lifeguard Training, First Aid, and CPR, you'll ensure patron safety, and we'll assess your skills pre-employment. Beyond water expertise, enforce facility policies for an enjoyable, secure environment. Your diligence will shape an exceptional patron experience.
For more information about the available positions, please visit our "Meet Us" section of our website.
Nathan Bourke
Aquatics Director
Recreation
Troy Lubanski
Aquatics Coordinator
Recreation