Where fun, wellness, and physical activity collide.
Aquatic Programming
Join us for education, recreation, and a thriving aquatic community.
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ARC Lifeguard & Instructor Courses
For Your Safety
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.
Swim Lessons
Trying to decide between group or private swim lessons? The best option depends on your goals and comfort level. Some adults (18+) prefer the personalized attention of private lessons, while others enjoy learning alongside friends in a group setting. Many participants even start with private lessons to build confidence before transitioning into a group class.
No matter your experience level, UB Aquatics offers supportive instruction designed to help you feel comfortable, confident, and successful in the water.
Ready to choose your lane?
For adults (must be 18 years or older) who are building upon their skills and who prefer a Swimmer to Instructor ratio of 6:1.
| Session | TBD |
| Cost | Free* |
| Number of Lessons | 6 |
| Age | Adults (18+) |
| Location: | Broadview Arena Pool, North Campus or Clark Hall Pool, South Campus |
| Days | TBD |
| Make-up Lessons? | No |
*UB is proud to be a recipient of Governor Hochul’s NY Swim Grant Initiative for Spring and early Summer 2026. Adult Swim Lessons and select American Red Cross courses will be offered at reduced costs for a limited time. Space is limited, so register today!
Register Online:
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 | TBD |
| Cost | Free* |
| Number of Lessons | 6 |
| Age | Adults (18+) |
| Location | Broadview Arena Pool, North Campus or Clark Hall Pool, South Campus |
Days/Times | TBD |
| Make-up Lessons? | No |
*UB is proud to be a recipient of Governor Hochul’s NY Swim Grant Initiative for Spring and early Summer 2026. Adult Swim Lessons and select American Red Cross courses will be offered at reduced costs for a limited time. Space is limited, so register today!
Register Online:
Swim Lesson FAQ's
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.
- Wondering why you need to wear a swim cap? Read our Wear a Swim Cap article for more information.
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.
- Here are a few options that you can order online from Amazon.
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 Broadview Arena and Clark Hall.
- Locker rooms are equipped with lockers, bathrooms, and showers.
- You will need to bring your own lock to secure your belongings.
- Please be aware that we do not provide a family changing room.
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.
The NY SWIMS Initiative is a New York State program launched by Governor Kathy Hochul focused on expanding access to swimming, water safety education, and aquatic recreation across the state. The initiative supports projects that help more people learn to swim, improve public pool access, and address lifeguard shortages, especially in underserved communities.
Through this initiative, organizations and institutions like the University at Buffalo received grant funding to offer swim lessons and aquatic certification courses at reduced costs, helping make water safety and swim education more accessible.
Hear directly from UB Recreation Aquatic Director Nate Bourke about what receiving the NY SWIMS grant means for the UB community.
Watch the full interview on YouTube:
Lifeguard & Instructor Courses
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.
This American Red Cross 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.
Course Prerequisites:
To participate in the Lifeguarding (Including Deep Water) course, participants must*:
- Be at least 15 years old on or before the final scheduled session of the Lifeguarding course.
- Successfully complete the two prerequisite swimming skills evaluations:
| Prerequisite 1: Complete a swim-tread-swim sequence without stopping to rest: |
|
| Prerequisite 2: Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds: |
|
*Required by American Red Cross Training Services.
Details
| Cost | Free* Includes hip pack, whistle and pocket mask. |
| Participant Limit | 12 max. |
| Location | Broadview Arena Pool, North Campus OR Clark Hall Pool, South Campus |
| Course | TBD |
*UB is proud to be a recipient of Governor Hochul’s NY Swim Grant Initiative for Spring and early Summer 2026. Adult Swim Lessons and select American Red Cross courses will be offered at reduced costs for a limited time. Space is limited, so register today!
Register Online
No courses available.
This American Red Cross 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.
Course Prerequisites:
To participate in the Lifeguarding (Including Deep Water) course, participants must*:
- Be at least 15 years old on or before the final scheduled session of the Lifeguarding course.
- Successfully complete the two prerequisite swimming skills evaluations:
| Prerequisite 1: Complete a swim-tread-swim sequence without stopping to rest: |
|
| Prerequisite 2: Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds: |
|
*Required by American Red Cross Training Services.
Details
| Cost | Free* |
| Participant Limit | 12 max. |
| Location | Broadview Arena Pool, North Campus OR Clark Hall Pool, South Campus |
| Course | TBD |
*UB is proud to be a recipient of Governor Hochul’s NY Swim Grant Initiative for Spring and early Summer 2026. Adult Swim Lessons and select American Red Cross courses will be offered at reduced costs for a limited time. Space is limited, so register today!
Register Online
No courses available.
The purpose of the Waterfront Skills module is to teach lifeguards the skills and knowledge needed to prevent and respond to emergencies in nonsurf, open-water areas found at public parks, resorts, summer camps and campgrounds.
Elevate your lifeguarding prowess and join us in creating safer aquatic environments.
Note: A valid American Red Cross lifeguard certification is required for enrollment.
Verify your certification here:
Course Prerequisites:
To participate in the Waterfront Skills Module, participants must*:
- Have a current American Red Cross certificate for Lifeguarding (that included training in deep water 7 feet or deeper).
- Be at least 15 years old on or before the final scheduled session of the Waterfront Skills Module.
- Successfully complete the three prerequisite swimming skills evaluations:
| Prerequisite 1: Complete a swim-tread-swim sequence without stopping to rest |
|
| Prerequisite 2: Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds |
|
| Prerequisite 3: Complete an underwater swim |
|
*Required by American Red Cross Training Services.
Details
| Cost | Free* |
| Participant Limit | 6 max. |
| Location | Broadview Arena Natatorium, North Campus |
| Course Schedule | WFF24-04: Saturday, June 6, 2026 from 12:00pm-6:00pm |
*UB is proud to be a recipient of Governor Hochul’s NY Swim Grant Initiative for Spring and early Summer 2026. Adult Swim Lessons and select American Red Cross courses will be offered at reduced costs for a limited time. Space is limited, so register today!
Register Online
This is a 3-hour REVIEW course. (Full Waterfront Lifeguard classes in the revised 2024 curriculum are 8 hours in length.)
The primary purpose of a recertification course is to give participants who are currently certified American Red Cross Lifeguarding (Including Deep Water) and Waterfront Skills the opportunity to review the course knowledge and skills within a formal course setting to maintain their American Red Cross Waterfront Skills certification.
Elevate your lifeguarding prowess and join us in creating safer aquatic environments.
Note: A valid American Red Cross lifeguard certification is required for enrollment.
Verify your certification here:
Course Prerequisites:
To participate in the Waterfront Skills Recertification course, participants must*:
- Have a current American Red Cross certificate for Lifeguarding (that included training in deep water 7 feet or deeper.)
- Be at least 15 years old on or before the final scheduled session of the Waterfront Skills Recertification course.
- Successfully complete the three prerequisite swimming skills evaluations:
| Prerequisite 1: Complete a swim-tread-swim sequence without stopping to rest |
|
| Prerequisite 2: Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds |
|
| Prerequisite 3: Complete an underwater swim |
|
*Required by American Red Cross Training Services.
Details
| Cost | Free* |
| Participant Limit | 6 max. |
| Location | Broadview Arena Natatorium, North Campus |
| Course Schedule | WFR24-02: Saturday, June 20th, 2026 from 2:30pm-5:30pm |
*UB is proud to be a recipient of Governor Hochul’s NY Swim Grant Initiative for Spring and early Summer 2026. Adult Swim Lessons and select American Red Cross courses will be offered at reduced costs for a limited time. Space is limited, so register today!
Course Textbook:
American Red Cross digital class materials are provided free of charge to the public. These materials reflect the standard of knowledge and accepted emergency practices in the United States at the time they were published and were designed to support the learning experience in Red Cross courses.
Register Online
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.
This American Red Cross 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.
Course Prerequisites:
To participate in the ARC Lifeguard Instructor Course, participants must*:
- Be at least 17 years old on or before the final scheduled session of the Lifeguarding Instructor course.
- Possess a current basic-level certification in American Red Cross Lifeguarding (Including Deep Water) with CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and First Aid. (Note: r.17 Lifeguarding certification accepted)
- Obtain instructor and participant course materials before starting the course.
- Successfully complete the online session of the Lifeguarding Instructor course prior to the precourse session.
- Successfully complete the prerequisite skill assessment scenario to continue in the course.
- The prerequisite skill assessment scenario evaluates the following skills: Entry, Swimming approach, Surface dive in deep water (7 to 10 feet,) Passive submerged rescue, Rapid extrication (with an assisting rescuer,) Rapid assessment, Single-rescuer CPR (3 minutes.)
*Required by American Red Cross Training Services.
Course Length:
The Lifeguarding Instructor course is delivered in a blended learning format, consisting of an online session (completed independently by the candidate) and in-person sessions (led by an American Red Cross certified instructor trainer).
The online session for the instructor course takes approximately 2 hours to complete. The instruction time for the in-person sessions, including the precourse session, is 16 hours.
The instruction time does not include time for breaks or transitions. When scheduling the in-person sessions, additional time must be added to accommodate breaks and transitions.
Details
| Cost | Free* |
| Participant Limit | 6 max. |
| Location | Broadview Arena Pool, North Campus |
| Course Schedule | TBD |
*UB is proud to be a recipient of Governor Hochul’s NY Swim Grant Initiative for Spring and early Summer 2026. Adult Swim Lessons and select American Red Cross courses will be offered at reduced costs for a limited time. Space is limited, so register today!
Register Online
No courses available.
This American Red Cross 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.
Course Prerequisites:
To participate in the ARC Lifeguard Instructor Review Course, participants must*:
- Possess a current, or expired by no more than 1-year, American Red Cross Lifeguarding Instructorcertification.
- Successfully complete the online session of the Lifeguarding Instructor Recertification course prior to the in-person session.
*Required by American Red Cross Training Services.
Course Length:
The Lifeguarding Instructor recertification course is delivered in a blended learning format, consisting of an online session (completed independently by the candidate) and in-person sessions (led by an American Red Cross certified instructor trainer).
The online sessions for the instructor recertification course takes approximately 6-8 hours to complete. Note: the online sessions include two courses:
- Basic-level Lifeguarding blended learning online content
- Lifeguarding Instructor Recertification blended learning online content.
The instruction time for the in-person session is 6 hours, 30 minutes. The instruction time does not include time for breaks or transitions. When scheduling the in-person session, additional time must be added to accommodate breaks and transitions.
Course Materials:
Lifeguarding instructor recertification candidates should review the following r. 24 American Red Cross course materials prior to attending the Lifeguarding Instructor Recertification course:
- Lifeguarding Instructor's Manual (candidates should bring this manual, digital or print version, to the in-person session of the course)
- Lifeguarding Instructor's Deck Book (optional)
- Lifeguarding Manual (digital or print version)
Details
| Cost | Free* |
| Participant Limit | 6 max. for each group |
| Location | Broadview Arena Pool, North Campus |
| Course Schedule | LGIR-03: Sunday, June 7, 2026 from 10am-4:30pm |
*UB is proud to be a recipient of Governor Hochul’s NY Swim Grant Initiative for Spring and early Summer 2026. Adult Swim Lessons and select American Red Cross courses will be offered at reduced costs for a limited time. Space is limited, so register today!
Register Online
This 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.
Course Prerequisites:
To participate in the Waterfront Skills Module, participants must:
- Be at least 16 years old on or before the last day of the instructor course.
- Successfully complete the In-Water Pre-course Session, which includes being able to swim at least at the American Red Cross Level 5 proficiency.
- Successfully complete the online Orientation to the Red Cross.
- Successfully complete the online Orientation to the Water Safety Instructor Program.
Course Requirements:
To participate in the Waterfront Skills Module, participants must:
- Attend every class.
- (Any participant that misses a class will not receive certification. No exceptions, no refunds.)
- Achieve 80% or better on all written exams.
- Successfully complete all physical requirements with respect to lifeguarding skills.
- Exhibit professionalism at all times during the course
- (Inappropriate behavior will result in dismissal of the course. No exceptions, no refunds.)
Details
| Cost | Free* |
| Participant Limit | 6 max. |
| Location | Broadview Arena Natatorium, North Campus |
| Course Schedule | TBD |
*UB is proud to be a recipient of Governor Hochul’s NY Swim Grant Initiative for Spring and early Summer 2026. Adult Swim Lessons and select American Red Cross courses will be offered at reduced costs for a limited time. Space is limited, so register today!
Register Online
No courses available.
Questions?
Become a Lifeguard or Swim Instructor
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.
Learn More:
Explore roles that match your interests, gain practical experience, and play a real part in how UB Recreation runs day to day.
How to Apply:
Lifeguard of the Week!
Faith Hamilton
Nathan Bourke
Aquatics Director
Recreation
Joshua McCord
Aquatics Coordinator
Recreation