Aquatics

Offered through a Blended Learning format, participants must complete online course work prior the skill session (length 45 min – 2.75 hours). In person session will focus on hands on practice with a certified instructor, as participants will gain confidence in caring for adults, children and infants. Participants will learn to respond and care for unconscious victims, breathing emergencies, sudden illness, bleeding, and more. After completing all requirements of the course, participants will receive an American Red Cross adult, child and infant CPR/AED and first aid certifications valid for 2 years.

Upcoming Blended Learning Skill Session Course Dates:

Tuesday, October 7 6pm – 9p
Friday, October 24 9am – Noon
Sunday, November 23 4pm – 7pm
Friday, December 5 9am – Noon
Fee per person:

$95 Community Rate

$55 UMF Student Rate

$30 FRC Employee Rate

Online Course Work MUST be completed prior to the start of the course. Failure to demonstrate the completion of online course work will result in removal from the course, without a refund.

Online Course work is emailed to participants within 48 hours of course registration (requiring full payment).

To complete registration: Participants must register and pay in full at the FRC front desk.

Some skill sessions require strenuous physical activity. If you have a medical condition or disability or if you have any questions regarding your ability to participate fully in this course, discuss this with your health care provider and at time of registration. Please wear comfortable clothing and avoid wearing dangling jewelry or jewelry with sharp edges.

** This course is NOT intended for those who have a duty to respond and maintain a CPR/AED certification. This could include, but is not limited to, nurses, firefighters, EMT’s, ski patrol personal, medical students, UMF FRC employees. THESE parties need to take CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer. ***

Participants will be trained to prepare, prevent and respond to emergencies in and around the water. Successful completion of the course will gain participants a 2-year certification in American Red Cross Lifeguard Training, First Aid and CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer.

*This is a blended learning course format, requiring participant to complete about 7 hours of online course work prior to the first day of the course. In addition to the online course work participants must participate in the all in-person skill sessions.

2025 Course Line Up

1. Sundays, 10/19, 10/26, 11/2, 11/9, 11/16 3pm – 8:30pm
   1. (11/16 reserved for the continuation of waterfront add on)

Pre-course swim requirement must be demonstrated at of the first day of the course. To set up a pre-course skills screenings contact jennifer.pageot@maine.edu, 207-778-7437. Refunds are NOT provided to those who fail the pre-course swim.  

*A minimum of 5 registered participants are required at least 4 business days prior to the start of the course.

Course fees:

Public: $250
UMF Students*: $175
FRC Employees*: FREE FALL Semester 2025! :  $75 standard rate

Free Lifeguard Certification Course – October 2025

The FRC is offering a FREE American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification Course this October to new student employees (MUST be UMF Student or area high school student. Normally $225/$175, this course is available at no cost—and you’ll also be paid for in-person training hours.

To qualify, applicants must:

• Apply for employment at the FRC to start the process :

• Complete an interview and be hired no later than October 3, 2025

• Successfully complete the American Red Cross Lifeguarding Pre-Course Swim Sequences (as part of the interview process)

This is a unique opportunity to gain valuable certification, earn while you train, and join the FRC team. Spaces are limited—don’t wait

*email jennifer.pageot@maine.edu for course registration details

Waterfront Option Additional fee: $75 *extended course end time by 5 hours.

*Course fee due at time of registration.

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What to expect:
The pre-course skill check is required to register. Participants will check in at the FRC front desk then head to the pool deck, prepared to swim.

Course days are long and participants will be most successful arriving to class with a well-rested mind and body. Lunch breaks are given each day, 45 min- 1 hour. Each day participants should bring: 2 bathing suits and towels, snacks, water bottle and lunch plans.

Under the new curriculum released by the American Red Cross, Lifeguard participants will be trained to prepare, prevent and respond to emergencies in and around the water. Successful completion of the course will gain participants a 2-year certification in American Red Cross Lifeguard Training, First Aid, and CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer.

To participate in the lifeguarding course, participants must:

o 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:

o Prerequisite 1: Complete a swim-tread-swim sequence without stopping to rest:

Jump into the water and totally submerge, resurface then swim 150 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke, or a combination of both. (Swimming on the back or side is not permitted. Swim goggles are allowed)

Maintain position at the surface of the water for 2 minutes by treading water using only the legs

Swim 50 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke, or a combination of both

o Prerequisite 2: Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds:

Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. (The face may be in or out of the water. Swim goggles are not allowed).

Surface dive (feet-first or head-first) to a depth of 7 – 10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object.

Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on the back to return to the starting point, holding the object at the surface with both hands and keeping the face out at or near the surface.

Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.

Note: If the Lifeguarding course includes training for the Waterfront Skills module, additional prerequisite swimming distances and skills are required. See the Waterfront Skills Module Fact Sheet for more information.

Lifeguarding Review: For those holding a current certification or expired, by no more then 30 days. Participants will be trained to prepare, prevent and respond to emergencies in and around the water. Successful completion of the course will gain participants an additional 2-year certification in American Red Cross Lifeguard Training, First Aid and CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer.

Participants are expected to take the lifeguard precourse skills at the start of the course. A copy of an eligible certification and photo ID are required. 

2025:

1. TBA

Course Fee:

Public: $150
UMF Students*: $100
FRC Employees*: $45

*email jennifer.pageot@maine.edu for course registration details

Waterfront module is added to end of a course. Participants will complete the waterfront pre-course skills at the start of the course and.  Additional course fee: $25 *extend course end time by 5 hour.

Lifeguard participants will be trained to prepare, prevent and respond to emergencies in and around the water. Successful completion of the course will gain participants a 2-year certification in American Red Cross Lifeguard Training, First Aid, and CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer.

To enter the course candidates must hold a current lifeguard certification (expired no more then 30 days) and pass the following pre-course swimming skills on the first day of class:

Successfully complete the two prerequisite swimming skills evaluations:

o Prerequisite 1: Complete a swim-tread-swim sequence without stopping to rest:

Jump into the water and totally submerge, resurface, then swim 150 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke, or a combination of both. (Swimming on the back or side is not permitted. Swim goggles are allowed)

Maintain position at the surface of the water for 2 minutes by treading water using only the legs

Swim 50 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke, or a combination of both

o Prerequisite 2: Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds:

Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. (The face may be in or out of the water. Swim goggles are not allowed).

Surface dive (feet-first or head-first) to a depth of 7 – 10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object.

Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on the back to return to the starting point, holding the object at the surface with both hands and keeping the face out at or near the surface.

Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.

Note: If the Lifeguarding course includes training for the Waterfront Skills module, additional prerequisite swimming distances and skills are required. See the Waterfront Skills Module Fact Sheet for more information.

1. Spring 2026

Course Fee: $400 (participate in any of our review courses for $40)

All registrations should go through the Aquatic Director, Jennifer Pageot. Space is limited.

A minimum of 6 candidates must be registered five (5) business days prior to the start of the course.

To enroll, each candidate must provide:

Proof of age (17 years old on or before the last day of the instructor course) by driver’s license, state identification card, birth certificate, passport or other government-issued photo identification.

Proof of current certifications in Lifeguard Training, which includes CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer and First aid. Candidates must demonstrate pre-course skills in alignment with the r.17 Lifeguard program. Candidates are encouraged to participate in any LG review course at a reduced fee of $40. Taking this course is recommended to ensure your skills are up to the standard and take a course with an instructor mindset.

Successfully complete online orientation prior to the first day of the course.  Online course work is sent to candidates once registration with Jennifer has occurred.  The 2.5 hours orientation to the Red Cross and 4-5 hours orientation to the Lifeguard Instructor Course must be completed 2 business days prior to the start of the course.

Successfully complete prerequisite Rescue Skill Scenarios:

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)

All online course work must be completed 2 business days prior to the start of the in-person course. Participants must bring a copy of their completed online course work certificate to the first day of class. The online course work is estimated to take between 7 and 8 hours to complete.

Course Completion:
Course completion certificates will be awarded to instructor candidates who complete the pre-course session, attend every class session, successfully perform all practice-teaching assignments and past the final written exam with a score of 80 percent or higher (correctly answer at least 40 of 50 questions). Candidates must also demonstrate maturity and responsibility throughout the course.

Medical Conditions or Disabilities:
Course work will include physical exercise. If you have a medical condition or disability or if you have any questions about your ability to participant fully in this course, discuss them with your physician or health-care provider and with Jennifer Pageot before the start of the course.

Reviewing the NEW Release material!!

2025 Upcoming Course Offerings:

1. Spring 2026

Lifeguard Program Review

Administrative Updates/Information

Written Exam

Skill Practice and Polish Session including in-water skills, drills and Multiple-Rescuer Response scenarios

Fee $50

BASIC LG Recertification available: $50

*All instructors are required to have a hard copy of the new instructor manual during the review course. New material can be purchased in addition to the course. $119 = LGI manual, participants’ book, and LGI Deck Book

Instructors are required to bring:

Lifeguard Instructor Manual r.2024 (hard or digital copy)

Current (valid) Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor certificate in the r.2017 program *A Limited-Edition Lifeguarding Recertification is available for instructors who are expired by no more than 1 year and did not qualify to participate in the r.24 Lifeguarding Instructor Update.

A swim suit, towel, and dry comfortable clothes

Adult and Infant CPR pocket masks (may be purchased at class for $15/set)

Snack, water bottle, lunch plans

A rested body and open mind

This course is dedicated to developing the skills and knowledge that is needed to plan and teach courses in the American Red Cross Swimming and Water Safety Program. Basic-level swimming skills are not taught.

Not currently in 2025

Course Prerequisites:
To participant in the Water Safety Instructor course, candidates must be at least 16 years old by the last day of the course. Please bring proof of age to the first day (driver’s license or birth certificate).

Participants must demonstrate the following skills at the pre-course at the start of the first class day:

Water Safety Instructor Full Course

1.Swim the following strokes consistent with the American Red Cross Learn to Swim Level 4 Stroke Performance Criteria:

Front Crawl-25 yard

Back Crawl- 25 yards

Breaststroke- 25 yards

Elementary backstroke- 25 yards

Sidestroke- 25 yards

Butterfly- 15 yards

2. Maintain position on back 1 minute in deep water (floating or sculling).

3. Tread water for 1 minute.

A free skills evaluation is available.
Participants are encouraged to have their skills assessed prior to the pre-course, held on the first day. Once registered and paid in full, participants will receive 2 visit passes to practice and build their endurance in the water and practice pre-course skills.

To arrange a free skills evaluation, contact Jennifer Pageot, below.

Course Fee: $400

Course completion certificates will be awarded to instructor candidates who: complete the pre-course session, attend every class session, successfully perform all practice-teaching assignments, and past the final written exam with a score of 80 percent or higher (correctly answer at least 40 of 50 questions). Candidates must also demonstrate maturity and responsibility throughout the course.

Medical Conditions or Disabilities:
Course participants will include physical exercise. If you have a medical condition or disability or if you have any questions about your ability to participant fully in this course, discuss them with your physician or health-care provider and with Jennifer Pageot before the start of the course.

Fall Youth Swim Lesson Registration is NOW OPEN!

Group Lessons, 8 total classes per session

*Mondays & Wednesdays: 3 Sessions – Meeting two times per week, 

1. 9/8 – 10/1
2. 10/15 – 11/10
3. 11/17 – 12/15 (no class 11/26)

*Thursdays October 2 – November 20

*Sundays October 26 – December 14

Fall Swim Lesson Details 2025

Registration Form

Constructed around the University of Maine Farmington academic schedule and student staff availability, our programs offerings may not be the same year to year.

Level Check Guidance:

How old is the child?

• 6 months –  3 years old: Parent & Me 1 or 2
• 4 years – 5 years: Preschool 1, 2 or 3
• 6+years or passed PS 3: Learn to Swim Levels 1-6

Q:  Can the child put their face in the water?

If Yes – Go to next question

If No – Place in Preschool 1 or learn to swim Level 1 (check age)

Q;  Can the child float on their front and back without help?

If Yes – Go to next question

If No – Place in Preschool 1 or learn to swim Level 1 (check age)

Q:  Can the child swim on their front and back 10-15 feet without stopping?

If Yes – Go to next question

If No – Place in Preschool 2 or Level 2 (check age)

Q:  Can the child swim front crawl and back crawl for 15 yards with breathing?

If Yes – Go to next question

If No – Place in Preschool 3 or Level 3 (age dependent)

Q:  Can the child swim 25 yards of front crawl, back crawl, and 15 yards of breaststroke, butterfly, and elementary backstroke?

If Yes – Level 5

If No – Level 4

Q:  Can the child swim 50 yards of front crawl, back crawl, and 25 yards of breaststroke, butterfly, elementary backstroke, and sidestroke?

If Yes – Level 6

If No – Level 5

Learning to swim outside of ones childhood comes with barriers. Our instructors will work with adults learning to swim, one on one. This individual attention allows each soon to be swimmer progress at their own pace.

Beginners are elidable for free swim lessons!

Contact Jennifer to learn more about our process and to set up your introduction lesson. 207-778-7437

Lessons are FREE, in thanks to the Sumner P. and Flora A. P. Mills Charitable and Educational Fund

Contact Samantha to learn more about our process and to set up your introduction lesson. 207-778-7437

Email samantha.amison@maine.edu

Birthday Party Information can be found HERE!

Birthday Parties/Facility Rentals

Organizations looking to rent the pool will be required to complete facility use contract and show proof of insurance. Pool rentals are booked on a first-come / first-served basis and require at least 7 business notice.

* Rentals are permitted when the Pool Schedule shows Open Pool.

Pool rentals are booked on a first-come / first-served basis and require at least 7 business notice.

For rental inquiries, please contact:

Jennifer Pageot
jennifer.pageot@maine.edu
207-778-7437

1. Children under 14 must be accompanied by a parent/care-giver, with the exception of those who have passed our youth swim competency sequence.
2. Clean swim attire is required
3. Walk around the pool deck. It gets slippery!
4. Please use all equipment for its intended purpose.
5. No hanging on the basketball rim, dunking, or shooting while jumping from the side. Rough play is prohibited.
6. The lap lanes are for lap swimming only. At busy times patrons are expected to circle swim or split the lane with other swimmers.
7. Diving is restricted to the deep end only – 9ft depth required. Diving depth area is indicated by a red line. No back flips, twists, somersaults, sailor’s dives, etc.
8. Do not play on or swim under the ramp.
9. Any person who is not toilet trained must wear a swim diaper.
10. Only plastic water bottles permitted in pool area.
11. Appropriate behavior is required at all times and is at the discretion of the lifeguard.
12. Always respect and be courteous to the other patrons and lifeguards.

The Lifeguard(s) on duty have the authorization to disallow, enforce and remove any person(s) or activity, which he/she deems to be a safety hazard.

• All patrons or swimmers having a communicable disease or displaying signs and symptoms of a communicable disease which can be transmitted through normal swimming pool use shall be excluded. No person having a communicable disease or displaying signs and symptoms of a communicable disease shall work at any type pool in a function in which there is a likelihood that they would transmit the disease to any other person.
• Diving blocks shall not be used for any purpose other than for competitive swimming.
• Glass, sharp objects, or any other items which might cause injury or accidents shall not be allowed in the pool or pool area.
• Spitting, spouting water, blowing the nose, or discharging bodily waste in the pool is strictly prohibited.
• All persons using the swimming pool must take a shower before entering the pool enclosure.
• Persons with open blisters, cuts, etc., are advised not to use the pool.

Thunder and lightning – For the protection of our patrons, the pool will close at the first sight or sound of thunder or lighting but should be reopened 30 minutes after the last sight or sound.

Loss of power – The pool will close any time the facility losses power. Once power is restored the pool will reopen.

Sanitation issues – The pool will close and be treated after any contamination in alignment with state and federal laws. The length of time is dependent on the contaminate.

Emergencies – The Fitness & Rec Center staff are trained in CPR/ AED and First Aid. If there is an emergency in the facility you may be asked to exit the pool area so the lifeguard may assist in patient care as needed. If you notice an emergency in the pool area, please notify the lifeguard on duty immediately and exit the water.