NY Swims Programs
Lifeguard Preparation (Fall 2026)
This optional course helps students build swimming technique, endurance, and confidence to meet American Red Cross lifeguard prerequisites. Includes practice with the 300-yard swim, 2-min tread, and deep-water brick retrieval. Ideal for those unsure of their current skill level. Participants receive a readiness assessment for next-step certification preparation.
Session #1
10/7 - 5:00PM - 7:00 PM
10/14 - 5:00PM - 7:00 PM
Price: $40
Registration Link TBA
Session #2
12/2 - 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
12/9 - 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Price: $40
Registration Link TBA
Lifeguard Training (Fall 2026)
Classes are provided in a blended learning format which combines online and in-person sessions conducted by a Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor. New students must be evaluated to ensure proper class level placement.
Course Prerequisites
- Be at least 15 years old on or before the final scheduled session of the Lifeguarding course.
- Successfully complete the two prerequisite swimming skills evaluation:
- Prerequisite 1: Complete a swim-tread-swim sequence without stopping to rest
- Prerequisite 2: Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds
Session #1
10/16 - 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
10/17 - 1:00 PM - 7:00 PM
10/18 - 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
10/24 - 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Price: $100
Registration Link TBA
Session #2
12/11 - 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
12/12 - 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
12/13 - 10:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Price: $100
Registration Link TBA
Water Safety Instructor (WSI) Training (Fall 2026)
The Water Safety Instructor Course is offered in a blended learning format that includes 2 options:
- The Instructor Led (which includes online work for the candidates) blended version
of this course is designed to be taught in approximately:
- Facility time: 31 hours, 15 minutes (including the Precourse Session)
- Online time: 2 hours
Course Prerequisites Level 4
- Must be at least 16 years old on or before the final scheduled session of the course
- Demonstrate the ability to perform the following swimming skills:
- Must be able to swim 25 yards freestyle, backstroke, front & back crawl, breaststroke, elementary breastroke, sidestroke
- Must be able to swim 15 yards butterfly
Sessions: TBA
Price: $150
Registration Link: TBA
Learn to Swim (Fall 2026)
We offer lessons for every level and all ages:
Pre-school: 3-5 yrs (Level 1, 2, 3)
School Age: 6-12 yrs (Levels 1-6)
Adults: 13+ yrs - Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced
Each lesson is 30 to 40 minutes depending on skill level.
Assessment/Orientation: September 12 (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM)
Session dates: 9/19, 9/26, 10/3, 10/17, 10/24, 10/31, 11/7
Session Time: 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Price: $50
Basic Life Support r.25 (Fall 2026)
The American Red Cross Basic Life Support (BLS) program is designed to train responders including nurses, physicians, EMS professionals, and other healthcare and public safety personnel to respond to cardiac and other life-threatening emergencies in adults, children and infants. The BLS program equips responders with the skills to quickly recognize cardiac arrest, provide high-quality CPR, and use an automated external defibrillator (AED) to improve patient outcomes. This training also addresses other life-threatening emergencies than can lead to cardiac arrest if not promptly managed. These include respiratory arrest, drowning, opioid overdose, myocardial infarction, life-threatening bleeding and obstructed airway.
Blended Learning (Online + Classroom) is divided into two sessions: an online session and a subsequent in-person session or self-directed skill session.
- Participants are required to complete the online session, including successful completion of an online final exam with a score of at least 84 percent prior to attending the in-person session or before participating in the self-directed skill session. Participants are required to demonstrate skill competency during skill practices and testing scenarios.
Session #1
9/30 - 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Price: $75
Session #2
10/21 - 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Price: $75
Session #3
11/18 - 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Price: $75
Session #4
12/16 - 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Price: $75
Session #5
1/7 - 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Price: $75
Registration Link TBA
SUNY Orange Aquatics Diversity Statement:
At SUNY Orange Aquatics, we celebrate and embrace diversity in all its forms. We believe that our strength lies in the unique backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives of our community members, employees, and visitors. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their best. Diversity is not just a concept, but a cornerstone of our organization, enriching the experiences we provide and enhancing the quality of life in our community. In our facilities, programs, and services, we strive to reflect the diversity of Orange County and to ensure equitable access for all. We recognize that promoting diversity requires ongoing effort, and we are dedicated to continually improving our practices to better serve the needs of everyone we engage with. By embracing diversity, we not only strengthen our organization but also create a welcoming and vibrant community where everyone can thrive, explore, and connect with nature and each other.
The facility has multiple ways to access the pool and learners of all abilities are welcome in the classes.
Feel free to contact Dr. Sheila M. Stepp with any questions:
Phone: 845-341-4245
Email: sheilastepp@sunyorange.edu
- PUBLIC RECREATION
- Edwin Sud
- (845) 341-4242
- AQUATICS
- Dr. Sheila M. Stepp
- (845) 341-4242