Aquatics - Spring 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 teaches the fundamental skills needed to play water polo. Basic rules and terminology are covered and skills taught include: swimming and treading techniques (eggbeater kick), passing and shooting, defensive techniques, and team strategy. There are a total of eighteen hours of instruction in the pool, with a mix of drills, guided practice, and scrimmages. A strong swimming background is required — typically the equivalent of a high school varsity swimmer. This is a co-ed course open to all beginners. If you have played competitive water polo before, this course is not for you. If you have any questions about your suitability for the course, please contact the instructor.

PE 1110 - Lifeguarding

This is the current A.R.C. Lifeguarding Course. It is designed for pool guarding. Emphasis is on preventative lifeguarding, surveillance methods and equipment rescues. This course also includes instruction and certification in A.R.C. First Aid, C.P.R. for the Professional Rescuer, and Automated External Defibrillator use. An option will be available for those interested in the Waterfront Lifeguarding certification. Note: this course is not for the casual participant as it will require 36 hours of scheduled class time.

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.

PE 1134 - Bahamas Dive Trip

Scuba trips to various destinations, such as the Bahamas. Locations change from year to year.