Aquatics - Fall 2026

PE 1100 - Beginning Swimming

An entry level class for those with little or no swimming experience. Instruction and practice in the basic skills necessary to meet the University Swim Requirement. Areas of emphasis are: developing proper body position on the front and back, proper breathing technique, Front Crawl, Elementary Backstroke, treading and swimming in deep water.

PE 1101 - Advanced Beginner Swimming

Ideal for all who have taken Beginning Swimming or have some basic knowledge of how to swim, regardless of whether the University Swim Requirement was successfully met. Areas of emphasis are the Front Crawl with rotary breathing, Back Crawl, Elementary Backstroke, diving, treading water, and underwater swimming. The primary objective is to strengthen the student's confidence and competence.

PE 1102 - Intermediate Swimming

Practice and perfection of the techniques for the five basic strokes: Front Crawl, Back Crawl, Elementary Backstroke, Breaststroke, Sidestroke. Students should already know how to swim on their front and back, be comfortable in deep water and be able to swim six (6) lengths of the pool (150 yds.) without stopping.

PE 1104 - Swim Conditioning

Introduction to and practice of different types of training methods. Final objectives: 2,500 yards in one class period. This is primarily a conditioning course and not an instructional course on stroke technique. The focus will be on workouts, workout planning and different types of training methods. This course is intended for more advanced swimmers. Students who have completed Beginning or Advanced Beginner Swimming may have a very difficult time in this course.

PE 1106 - Introduction to Water Polo

This course introduces the fundamental skills needed to play water polo. It covers basic rules and terminology, and teaches essential techniques including swimming and treading (eggbeater kick), passing and shooting, defensive play, and team strategy. The course includes a total of eighteen hours of in-pool instruction, combining drills, guided practice, and scrimmages. A strong swimming background is required; participants must be able to remain in the water and swim comfortably for an hour. This is a co-ed course designed for beginners. If you have previously played competitive water polo, this course is not appropriate for you. If you are unsure about your suitability, please contact the instructor.

PE 1130 - Open Water Scuba

Program includes knowledge development and skill training in the pool. All classes are referral only (no open water dives), meaning students will need to pickup their paperwork and complete four additional dives in open water within one year from the last training section to receive a PADI Open Water Diver certification. For more information, please see: www.pe.cornell.edu/.Knowledge development will be completed independently before lecture/lab sections via e-learning. Lecture will include checking required paperwork, taking a quick review quiz, reviewing any missed questions, completing the swim/tread requirement, getting a mask/snorkel and gear for the next day in the pool. Please note: Pool dates for each section are listed in the specific lab section.Scuba diving requires a minimum level of health and fitness. Chronic health conditions, certain medications and/or recent surgery may require you to get written approval from a physician before diving. Avoid disappointment, download and review the Diver Medical form to ensure you won't need a physician's approval to dive before enrolling in a scuba course. Instructors, divemasters and dive shop staff are not physicians and should not be asked for medical advice; only medical professionals can give medical clearance to dive.