Whether you only swim in the summer, or you hit the pool, lake or ocean all year long, knowing how to handle yourself in the water – and help those in need – will make it a safer, more enjoyable experience for everyone. That's why, we offer year-round swim classes at select locations across the country. Designed for those ages six months to adult, Red Cross swimming classes can equip you with the skills needed to swim with confidence. Visit Our Learn to Swim Provider’s Page.
Learn More About: Swim Lessons | Water Safety
The Learn-to-Swim program gives adults, and children ages 6 months and older, the opportunity to learn to swim in a safe environment. The program is designed to allow students to learn at their own pace and master the skills at each level before attempting the next challenge.
Get even more from your Red Cross swim classes with our free Swim App. Designed to complement the Learn-to-Swim program, the app allows you to stay motivated and progress to the next level. Additionally, it delivers water safety information that can help keep your family safe in, on, and around the water.
The Red Cross has a long history of promoting water safety through local swimming lessons and awareness and education of safety needs around pools and open water.
Find out how you can join an American Red Cross water safety or swim class in your area. See our list of Red Cross Learn-to-Swim providers, here.
Want to enroll your facility in the 2016 Learn-to-Swim Program? Click here.
If you’re interested in teaching Red Cross Swimming and Water Safety classes, search for “Water Safety Instructor” classes in your area by clicking the “Aquatic Instructor Training” option at the top of this page.
For the past century, the American Red Cross has helped millions of people learn to swim and be water smart. To honor our 100 years of water safety we launched the Centennial Campaign – a multi-year action to lower drowning rates by 50% in 50 local communities where those rates exceed the national average.
American Red Cross Swimming, Lifeguarding and Water Safety programs are offered throughout the country. For questions or information about any of the Red Cross aquatics programs in your area, contact your local aquatics representative, here.
Reid Heiser, Life Saver
One week after 17-year-old Reid completed his Red Cross CPR training, he needed to use it. In November 2011, Reid saved the life of Jim Hammer after he collapsed at the recreation center where Reid worked. Now friends, they share their story.
Red Cross Training Matters.
For more than a century, we've prepared families and individuals, as well as healthcare workers, like CNAs and EMTs, to respond to emergencies of all sizes. Join the millions we train every year and learn the skills that can save a life.
"Without my friend's training, I would not be here" - watch Bre Dumke's story
"I'm really glad she survived that" - watch the Snyder Family's story