Pool Programs

American Red Cross Lifeguarding 

This professional level course is designed to prepare lifeguard candidates using a dynamic presentation of the latest science in first aid, emergency cardiovascular care, water rescue skills, safety protocols and preventative lifeguarding strategies so they may seek employment as qualified lifeguards.

American Red Cross Lifeguard Training Blended Learning Extended Outline requires online modules and book assignments to be completed by each participant at home between in-person classroom sessions at the pool. Content is approximately 7 hours total online to be completed in shorter sessions (typically 30-60 minutes week) between classes  and approx. 24 hours in person including breaks and time for changing in and out of bathing suits. Participants MUST gain access to the online content through appropriate technology and assume sole responsibility for completing online content throughout the course.
Attendance at, and full participation in ALL in-person sessions is required to successfully complete this training. In person sessions focus on hands-on skill practice and scenario based learning to apply broadly acquired knowledge; during online sessions, activities, demonstrations, guided discussions and physical practice. Candidates will work together as rescuers and serve as the drowning / ill or injured person in a variety of role play scenarios to learn physical rescue skills. Attendance is critical to learning for the whole class.

**Schedule:  In person sessions for SUMMER 2026 are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM July 7th-23rd. There is built in time in this schedule so if lightning, weather or health and safety issues impact use of the facility, or any one morning of class is cancelled for those reasons, we will be on track by having a rescheduled full class make up. There are NOT individual make ups for this training.

**Registration opens June 8, 2026**

Fees: $200 Deer Park Resident OR $240 Non Deer Park Resident.
Payments accepted as cash or 2 separate checks ONLY upon successful demonstration of course pre-requisites. DO NOT write any checks until pre-requisites have been demonstrated. 

1. Course materials: $160 per participant pays for American Red Cross manual, required training materials and the certification fee. This check paid to "cash"

2. Facility fee:  $80 Non Deer Park Residents / $40 Deer Park Resident with proof of residency (by school ID, drivers permit/license, utility bill). This check paid to "DEER PARK UFSD" 

**Request enrollment by email starting June 8th and by June 26th**
Potential candidates email Aquatic Director & American Red Cross Instructor Jeanne-Marie Kavanagh to request an appointment where you will demonstrate the pre-requisite skills listed below.   kavanagh.jm@deerparkschools.org   

**CC-ing a parent on this email is appropriate but not required, parents are welcome to encourage, not accept, responsibility for the candidate throughout the course.*

Pre-course Skill Requirements Tested at DPHS Aquatic Center by appointment lasting approximately 20 minutes. *Due to the closure of this facility for Regents exams, the appointment will take place prior to June 17th or between June 29th-July 2nd Before in person sessions begin. 

• SHOW PROOF OF MINIMUM AGE. Candidate must be older than or turn 15 YEARS OLD ON OR BEFORE July 24, 2026.  (BIRTH CERTIFICATE, STATE ID, PASSPORT OR DRIVERS PERMIT / LICENSE).
• Jump into the water, submerge and recover. PERFORM A CONTINUOUS SWIM-TREAD-SWIM SEQUENCE comprised of; 150M FRONT CRAWL and / or BREASTSTROKE DEMONSTRATING  BREATHING AND OVERALL ENDURANCE  (6 LENGTHS) a pause to TREAD WATER 2 minutes using legs only (whip, scissor or rotary kick, not flutter kick) Keeping a mostly vertical position with head out of the water during the 2 minutes - then RESUME SWIMMING FRONT CRAWL and / or BREASTSTROKE 50M.
• COMPLETE A TIMED, SIMULATED "RESCUE AND RETRIEVAL" FROM DEEP WATER; STARTING IN THE WATER SWIM 20 YDS., PERFORM A FEET FIRST OR HEAD FIRST SURFACE DIVE TO RETRIEVE A 10 LB. BRICK FROM THE DIVE TANK. BRING IT TO THE SURFACE, KICK BACK TO THE STARTING POINT WITH THE OBJECT HELD IN BOTH HANDS AND EXIT THE WATER WITHOUT USING A LADDER OR STEPS. (THE DIVE TANK IS 13 FT. DEEP). NOTE: DURING THIS SIMULATED RESCUE SKILL, THE PROSPECTIVE CANDIDATE MUST HOLD THE 10 LB. OBJECT WITH BOTH HANDS, HOLDING IT OVER HIS OR HER CHEST, AND MUST KEEP HIS OR HER FACE ABOVE THE WATER WHILE USING ONE OF THE FOLLOWING KICKS TO SWIM ON THEIR BACK: SCISSOR KICK (INVERTED), WHIP KICK, ROTARY (AKA EGG BEATER) KICK. THE PROSPECTIVE CANDIDATE MUST EXIT THE WATER USING HIS OR HER OWN STRENGTH.  THE TIME IS COMPLETE ONCE HE OR SHE HAS EXITED THE WATER AND IS STANDING UP ON THE POOL DECK. ) 

Prospective candidates who fail to successfully perform the pre-requisite skills cannot be accepted in this training.
The course will be cancelled if minimum enrollment is not met, a wait list will be established if a more than the maximum permitted number of enrollment requests are received. 

There are strict American Red Cross requirements on class size. Minimum enrollment is required for this course to run. Payments will be returned if the course minimum enrollment is not met. When the course minimum is met, the candidate will be sent a link for online content to create an American Red Cross account and begin the online content. A full outline of topics and assignments for the entire class will be given at the first in person session.

A PERSONAL EMAIL ADDRESS IS REQUIRED FOR THE AMERICAN RED CROSS ACCOUNT. SCHOOL EMAIL ADDRESSES ARE NOT APPROPRIATE. 

 Group Youth Learn to Swim - For Ages  4-13

*TIP: Fun "practice time" during public swim hours can change your swimmers comfort and / or skill level.  Ask for an evaluation OR re-evaluation at public swim hours.You will NOT enroll during that evaluation.

Summer Enrollment open by email request as outlined below!

Session I: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday June 30th-July 9th (6 days)

Session II: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday July 14th-23rd (6 days)

*Class Schedule here will remain the same for both sessions.  Enroll separately for each session. Some classes will be combined as staffing requires. 

1:00-1:30  Flamingos, Osprey, Seahawks (Dive Tank restricted NO Falcons)

1:35-2:05  Sandpipers, Skimmers, Plovers, Puffins, Pelicans, Gulls, Petrels

2:10-2:40  Sandpipers, Skimmers, Plovers, Puffins, Pelicans, Gulls, Petrels

2:45-3:15  Sandpipers, Skimmers, Plovers, Puffins, Pelicans, Gulls, Petrels

3:20-3:50  Plovers, Puffins, Pelicans, Gulls, Petrels 

Per Session Registration Fees: Cash, Checks and/or Money orders accepted. 
Deer Park Residents: $40 each swimmer / Non-Residents: $80 per swimmer

1. Email your enrollment request for Session I by June 26th. Upon confirmation, payment will be accepted AT public swim hours June 29th and at class on the first day ONLY for confirmed enrollment. 
Send Email to:   kavanagh.jm@deerparkschools.org

Session II enrollment is open until July 10th or till classes are full. Upon confirmation, payment will be accepted AT public swim hours July 6th -10th ONLY for confirmed enrollment.
Send Email to:   kavanagh.jm@deerparkschools.org

Email Requests MUST include this information (copy and paste the bullet points, then fill in your answers highly recommended):

• Participant's Name, age and date of birth
• The mailing address for this family
• Class level and time you are requesting. If more than one time is offered please indicate first and second choice of time.  *If you wish to enroll multiple children please indicate the information for EACH child in this same email.*
  
  

2. When we send a confirmation email, it will have an attached fact sheet including any current guidelines.  Please DO NOT attend without confirmation.

3.  Registration forms (for your family) are to be verified and signed with payments collected for each session as outlined above. 

Once we start the session, if a child is found to be enrolled in a class that is potentially unsafe or not an appropriate challenge, changes will be made. Every effort will be made to properly accommodate that child by switching class, but withdrawal will be recommended for safety if accommodations cannot be made. 

Parent observation from within the pool area permitted only on the first day and the last day of classes to minimize distractions, to enhance the safety of all participants and to comply with Health Dept. requirements.

**We do not offer make ups unless we cancel and will only make up a cancellation if we can fit it in the operational schedule. We cannot accommodate make up attendance at different times, swimmers must come for the class for which they are enrolled.**  

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Read HERE for Swim Level Descriptions and More about our program:

This customized swimming program incorporates American Red Cross guidelines and provides a positive learning experience for swimmers ages 4-13 following a developmental pattern of progressive skills over an expanded set of levels. We do not issue American Red Cross certificates at this time.

Sandpipers is an introductory level with no pre-requisites other than age. This class is for 4 and 5 year old beginner swimmers. If your 4 or 5 year old has never been in a formal class, they belong here. Swimmers will be oriented to the structure of a group class. They will be encouraged to gain comfort in the water, to put parts of their faces in and to try different body positions to experience buoyancy and floating. Children not yet 4 years old should enroll as Ducklings with a parent or other familiar adult.

Skimmers is a beginner level for swimmers ages 4-5 building on the routines and skills learned in Sandpipers. Skimmers could, in rare cases, be a recommended first level for a child from Ducklings. Swimmers at this level will be expected to put their faces in the water during bobs and floats and will be encouraged to demonstrate significant independence with basic skills compared with swimmers new to lessons. 

Plovers is both an age appropriate starting place in shallow water for beginning level students ages 6 and over and an appropriate class for swimmers age 6 and up who need extra practice with fundamental skills in shallow water after Skimmers or between Puffins and Pelicans. Skills at this level include breath control, floating on front and back and coordination of arm and leg patterns. Swimmers in this level will gain water skill competency to move to a deeper water class in the future. (Similar to Red Cross Level 1 Beginner and 2 Beginner)

Puffins and Plovers are somewhat advanced beginner levels that are not necessarily sequential. For example; some swimmers will never do Plovers, some will be in that level between Skimmers and Puffins, some may start at Plovers and go directly to Pelicans without ever doing Puffins.  The individual progression will be totally dependent on each child's needs and the appropriate challenge for that child. There is no typical number of classes participated in indicating progression at these levels. Swimmers here gain experience and independence floating and swimming increasingly longer distances from a few body lengths to half way across the pool or more. There is a significant depth increase from 3 1/2-4 ft of water at Puffins and another depth increase from 4 - 5 feet for Pelicans. (Puffins/Plovers roughly match up with Red Cross  Level 2 Beginner +)
 

Pelicans, Gulls, and Petrels are intermediate levels that all require experience and skill proficiency from previous levels or previous swim lesson experience to build on. These are the most specifically sequential in our program. Pelicans is one of our most sought after classes and is the most critical hurdle in the progressive levels for many participants trying to achieve water competency. Controlled, well coordinated technique and overall endurance develop here and there is a significant increase in the depth of water where each of these classes are held from 4 -5 1/2 ft. Pelicans swim partial widths - full widths by the end of the session, Gulls start with full widths and increase in repetition each class, Petrels start with widths and work up to swimming pool lengths by the end of a session. Students sometimes get "stuck" at one or more of these levels for several sessions until there is an appropriate balance in their skill competency and overall strength and endurance showing readiness for the next progressive level and indicating safe participation in the corresponding deeper water. (Progress through these three classes matches up to Level 3, 3+  and starting level 4, covering stroke development - stroke improvement)

Flamingos, Osprey, Seahawks and Falcons are advanced level classes swimming lengths of the 25 meter pool that require instructor recommendation or verification of skills prior to enrollment. If your child has been in our program we have record of their readiness for these levels. These advanced levels require students to swim multiple lengths (25 meters each) of the pool during the 30 minute class. Good fundamental technique must be demonstrated in front crawl, elementary backstroke, breaststroke, back crawl, butterfly and sidestroke with increasing consistency and increasing endurance to progress through Flamingos (stroke improvement) and Osprey (stroke refinement). Then, Seahawks (swim and focus on Personal Water Safety) and Falcons (swim and focus on Fundamentals of Diving)  are together the highest level and can be options for the most advanced swimmers. (These advanced levels match closely with Red Cross levels 4-6 including the level 6)

Advanced Levels

 Group Youth Learn to Swim Advanced levels are for skilled school aged swimmers up to age 13 who can demonstrate the appropriate swimming during participation in lessons or at an assessment during public swim hours prior to enrollment deadlines for any seasonal session. These classes swim the length of the pool (25M) and require increasing competency in front crawl, backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly stroke, starts & turns. Diving is an optional component that will be presented in steps at these levels. 

School aged swimmers who are verified to be eligible for Advanced levels can also enroll in Youth Fitness Swim through their senior year of high school to stay in good physical condition through drills and laps.
Older beginner / intermediate swimmers may be recommended to enroll in Teen /Adult Swim Instruction (TASI) for appropriate instruction. 

To have your child's skill level assessed prior to enrolling, please ask for an evaluation at public swim hours. Once classes start, if a child is found to be enrolled in a class that is potentially unsafe or not an appropriate challenge, changes will be made. Every effort will be made to properly accommodate that child by switching class, but withdrawal will be recommended for safety if accommodations cannot be made. 

Advanced levels Flamingos, Osprey, Seahawks, (Falcons remains off our schedule until further notice)

Summer 2026 has two weekday afternoon sessions. These classes are scheduled 1:00-1:30 PM.

Session I: TWTH June 30th-July 9th (30th, 1st, 2nd, 7th, 8th, 9th)

Session II: TWTH July 14th-23rd (14th, 15th, 16th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd)

Registration Fees: Deer Park Residents: $40  / Non-Residents: $80 per student

Enrollment instructions: 

1. Email enrollment accepted. kavanagh.jm@deerparkschools.org

Requests MUST include this information (copy and paste, then fill in your answers highly recommended):

• Participant's Name, age and date of birth
• The mailing address for this family
• Class desired. If more than one time is offered please indicate first and second choice of time. 
  

2. When we send a confirmation email, it will have an attached fact sheet including any current guidelines. 
Please DO NOT attend without confirmation.

3.  Registration forms (for your family) are to be verified and signed with payments collected  at the FIRST DAY of this class.

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Ducklings: Children 9 months - 48 months with an adult  partner in the water 

Ducklings is a water orientation class for infants and toddlers aged 9 months - 48 months. It is also appropriate for some slightly older children and children with separation anxiety or other special needs. Each student in this program is accompanied in the water by a responsible adult partner (i.e.: parent, grandparent or other known and trusted adult over the age of 16).  Face coverings for adults are permitted OUT of the water if you desire but are NOT permitted in the water. 

 Adult partners learn techniques for securely holding and supporting the child in the water as well as ways to create a safe structure for swimming activities. This class can benefit your child by helping them to be appropriately comfortable and confident around water while developing basic skills that can translate to a greater readiness to swim as they age and grow. There is no such thing as "water-proofing" a child, this class helps develop a safety conscious mindset for your entire family around water.

Swim diapers are required for all children who are not yet toilet trained in order to maintain a clean and safe swimming environment for all bathers and for the health of the child wearing them. NO regular diapers; they fall apart in the water and can cause a rash due to chemical interactions. Bathing suits with an elastic leg should be worn over a swim diaper - NO REGULAR DISPOSABLE DIAPERS ALLOWED IN THE POOL. There are changing table stations in each the men's and women's locker rooms and the designated spaces on the bleachers will be cleaned before and after you are at the pool. We recommend that you come to class wearing bathing suits whenever possible, there is more access to change after class than before it. 
Appropriate bathing attire is required of ALL participants (Please see our facility rules). 

Please bring only what you need as space will be limited, but always include an upbeat, positive attitude. Your child will learn from your demeanor, facial expressions and reactions. For example, if you get into the water and wince or make an unpleasant face when you are splashed, your child may learn that water is "yucky". Positive reinforcement is the most effective method of encouraging your child at this stage; tell them how well they are doing and show them, by being excited about appropriate actions and efforts. You set the tone. If you get water in your face, smile and act like you like it! Your child will learn to like it too!

SUMMER Ducklings Tuesdays AND Thursdays June 30th - July 16th IS FULL

   Fees:  Deer Park Resident $40 per adult/child pair

Non-Resident $80 per adult/child pair

  Enrollment Instructions:

1. ENROLLMENT IS CLOSED

Upon confirmation payment will be accepted AT the first day of the program. kavanagh.jm@deerparkschools.org

Requests MUST include this information (copy and paste, then fill in your answers highly recommended):

• Participant's Name, age and date of birth
• The mailing address for this family
• Enrollment desired: Specify Just Mondays or Just Wednesdays if you do not wish to enroll in the full offering. 
  
  

2. When we send a confirmation email, it will have an attached fact sheet including any current guidelines. 
Please DO NOT attend without confirmation.

3.  Registration forms (for your family) are to be verified and signed with payments collected  at the FIRST DAY of this class.

Teen and Adult Swim Instruction

This program format is small group instruction with some individualized attention for beginner and intermediate swimmers ages 13 and over. Occasionally we will recommend this program for a Tween who is better served by a more grown-up setting.

Each swimmer is assigned to a lane, family members are encouraged to share a lane. There are spaces on the bleachers for belongings, locker rooms and curtains for privacy and personal space when changing. Face coverings are permitted OUT of the water if you desire, face-coverings are NOT allowed in the water.

Teens and Adults can learn floating, gliding, how to put together the mechanics of swim basics and how to polish those skills to gain water competency in this program. Swimming is a fitness activity often referred to as a gateway exercise, this could be your introduction to lifetime fitness!

Properly cleaned equipment will be provided by the facility for use. If you do have your own kickboard, fins, goggles or floats you are welcome to bring them but should NOT share any personal belongings. Please carry out whatever you carry in.

Summer Session : Monday and Wednesday 7:45-8:15 PM June 29th-July 15th  *Enrollment is FULL* 

Enrollment Fee for Summer: Deer Park Resident $40   Non Resident $80

1. Enrollment is now closed for summer. Upon confirmation, payment will be accepted AT the first day of the program. kavanagh.jm@deerparkschools.org

Requests MUST include this information (copy and paste, then fill in your answers highly recommended):

• Participant's Name, age and date of birth
• The mailing address for this family
• Class desired. If more than one time is offered please indicate first and second choice of time. 
  
  
  

2. When we send a confirmation email, it will have an attached fact sheet including any current guidelines.  Please DO NOT attend without confirmation.

3.  Registration forms (for your family) are to be verified and signed with payments collected  at the FIRST DAY of this class.

Individual Swim Instruction - For Swimmers starting with age 6-106 years old

This instructional setting is for swimmers ages 6 - Adults. This program will accommodate individuals with a wide variety of special needs more appropriately than our small group offering but some swimmers could be uncomfortable with the intensity of this individual attention. This is a great format for someone who is stuck or needs work on a very particular skill, but group lessons are actually best for most school aged children who benefit from a positive peer environment.  Each swimmer will work one on one with an aquatic staff member for a customized swim lesson over a four day schedule. 

Enrollment is  limited. The set up is for a 1/2 hour instruction each class day for a total of 4 classes. Time slots will be colored in RED as they close (this does not happen instantly, this website is manually updated).

Summer 2026

1/2 hour lesson on each Monday June 29th-July 20th

10:45-11:15 AM

11:15-11: 45 AM CLOSED

1:00 PM - 1:30 PM

1:35 PM - 2:05 PM

2:10 PM - 2:40 PM

2:45 PM - 3:15 PM

* Request Summer Enrollment by Email through June 27th. The pool will be closed June 17th-28th I will be working remotely and will reply as soon as I am able to confirm your request. There are a limited number of openings at each time slot in the schedule. 

Email the following information to Aquatic Director Jeanne-Marie Kavanagh. Enrollment will be confirmed by email reply prior to attendance.  A fact sheet outlining current guidelines will be attached. Enrollment forms and fees will be collected at the first day for each participant. Do NOT come to pool without a confirmed appointment. 

Email: kavanagh.jm@deerparkschools.org

1. Please name the swimmer, list their age, date of birth, address and home phone number.

2. Mention specific the previous experience, any good and not so good for this swimmer. Describe the desired skills / techniques (this info can help determine assignment of an instructor).

3. Identify your preferred time. Identify first and second choices please.

Enrollment is very limited. Enroll in ONE lesson. Fee includes the four 1/2 hour practice dates in the session.

$40 per Deer Park Resident    $80  per Non-Resident

Cash, check or money order payable to Deer Park UFSD submitted in person at the first lesson

*DO NOT attend without confirmation*

Youth Fitness Swim

Appropriately challenging, fun, guided workouts for experienced youth swimmers and off season school team swimmers interested in fitness opportunities. 

Generally this program is appropriate for swimmers aged 6-18 who have previously participated in our Youth Learn to Swim Gulls, Petrels, Flamingos, Osprey, Seahawks or Falcons or an American Red Cross level 4 and above at another facility. This is NOT lessons and does not include that type of direct contact or physical support.  Swimmers will be assigned lanes and space on the bleachers so that everyone has personal space. Workouts consist of a stretching warm up, drill and endurance sets, and a cool down. Swimmers will learn about heart rate and a perceived exertion scale as tools for assessing physical fitness. Kickboards, pull buoys and fins are some of the equipment they will use. 

Pre-requisite skills (potential participants evaluated during public lap & recreational swim hours upon request)

-Feet first entry into chest-deep water with complete submersion and recovery to surface

-Swim front crawl stroke for 25 meters (1 pool length),

-Demonstrate maintained position on back for 1 minute in deep water while floating or sculling

-Swim backstroke for 15 meters while maintaining a horizontal body position. 

-Safely exit the water  

Summer Session: Monday and Wednesday evenings 6:30-7:30 PM  June 29th-July 15th

Enroll for the full session OR Just Mondays OR Just Wednesdays by email June 8th - June 26th 

Enrollment Fee: Deer Park Resident: $50  Non Deer Park: $100 for both days (1/2 for one day a week Monday OR Wednesday)

Enrollment Instructions:

1. Email your enrollment request June 8th-June 26th. Upon confirmation, payment will be accepted AT the first day of the program. kavanagh.jm@deerparkschools.org  Requests MUST include this information (copy and paste, then fill in your answers highly recommended):

• Participant's Name, age and date of birth
• The mailing address for this family
• Enrollment desired: Specify Just Mondays or Just Wednesdays if you do not wish to enroll in the full offering. 
  
  

2. When we send a confirmation email, it will have an attached fact sheet including any current guidelines. Please DO NOT attend without confirmation.

3.  Registration forms (for your family) are to be verified and signed with payments collected  at the FIRST DAY of this class.