Description of Programs

Aquatic Fitness Classes 

Updated 4/21/22- 

We offer a variety of fitness classes 6x days a week. Please be sure to check our program page to see which class is taking place daily. Please note that if a substitute is teaching, the class format may change. We offer classes ranging from low impact to rigorous. As with all exercise, it is a good idea to check with your doctor before starting an exercise program.

Please contact Member Service if you are interested in registering for any of these programs: reservations@sussexacademy.org ALL of our programs require completion of the Covid Waiver and a Contact Form. 

Aquatic Program Descriptions

AQUA FITNESS CLASSES: Water exercise eliminates any pounding pressure on joints while providing a stimulating workout. Non-swimmers welcome to every class. Each class the student can modify the moves to make it appropriate for their physical needs & limitations.

Aqua Core: This class is designed to tone & tighten the core muscles & to help improve core strength, balance and flexibility. (FULL)

Deep Water: Improve your core strength, balance, strength as well as increase cardiovascular fitness (Shallow water is available).

Full Body Blast: This shallow water, high intensity workout is designed to improve whole-body fitness by challenging your core, posture, balance, and strength without stress to your joints. In this realistic approach to developing a healthy body, modifications are provided so you can customize your workouts based on your individual goals. You don’t need to know how to swim to reap cardiovascular benefits while increasing both your flexibility and strength.

Hydro-Pump & Cardio: Saturday morning mix done to popular music that concentrates on both lower and upper body.      

Low Impact/Arthritis Plus: Low impact class ideal for individuals in rehab, joint replacements and it is good for strengthening weak areas.

Red Cross Lifeguard Classes:

Fees: Lifeguard Certification $275                     *Lifeguard Recertification $149   

DATES: Posted on American Red Cross Tab. Click here: American Red Cross Trainings » Sussex Academy 

Please email Lydia A. Schmierer if you are interested in a lifeguard certification.

The purpose of the American Red Cross Lifeguarding course is to provide entry-level lifeguard participants with the knowledge and skills to prevent, recognize and respond to aquatic emergencies and to provide care for breathing and cardiac emergencies, injuries and sudden illnesses until emergency medical services personnel take over.

To enroll in the Lifeguarding course, you must be at least 15 years old before the last scheduled class session. To participate in the course, you must be able to pass a prerequisite skills evaluation by doing the following:

1. Swim 300 yards continuously demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing. You may swim using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both but swimming on the back or side is not allowed. Swim goggles may be used.
2. Tread water for 2 minutes using only the legs. You should place your hands under your armpits.
3. Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds.
   • Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. Your 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 to 10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object.
   • Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on your back to return to the starting point with both hands holding the object while keeping your face at or near the surface so you are able to get a breath. You should not swim the distance under water. Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.

The prerequisite skills evaluation will occur prior to the first day of the course. Please bring a swimsuit and towel for the skills evaluation and for every class.

Contact Lydia to schedule pre-requisite skills evaluation. Email:   lydia.schmierer@saas.k12.de.us

To successfully complete the course, you must complete the online learning prior to the first class. Also, attend the entire course, participate in all skill sessions/ drills, activities and scenarios, demonstrate competency in all required skills and scenarios, and pass the final written exams with a minimum grade of 80 percent.

The practice sessions will require some strenuous physical activity. You are encouraged to check
with your health care professional before participating in the practice sessions. If you have a medical condition or disability that might prevent you from participating in the activities, or have questions about being able to fully participate in the Lifeguarding course, please contact me to discuss this before the course begins.

Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive an American Red Cross certificate for Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED, valid for 2 years.

Lifeguard Certifications: Shallow Water, Deep Water, Waterpark, Youth Camp and Re-certification classes, Water Safety Instructor, CPR/First-Aid/AED

Water Safety Instructor: For those interested in teaching swim lessons.

CPR/First-Aid/AED group classes: We will come to YOUR facility to complete this class for your staff!

Masters Swim and Aquatic Personal Training

Masters Swim schedule Tuesdays & Thursdays 11am-12pm 

Do you miss the days of swim team or want to develop your strokes? Join this group of swimmers as we follow practices written by experts from United States Masters Swim and develop friendships along the way. Being able to swim at least a mile is recommended to join Masters Swim, but we are willing to work with any skill level. Goggles are required, caps are recommended. Reservations only.

If you are interested in a specific program that you do not see any information for or have questions about a program, please contact us at 302.856.7805