Find a Red Cross swim class in your area

Learn how to be safe at home pools

Take our Water Safety Quiz

Learn to swim!
The best thing anyone can do to stay safe in and around the water is to learn to swim. The American Red Cross has swimming courses for people of any age and swimming ability. To find a Red Cross course in your area, click here.

Always swim with a buddy!

• Enter feet first at all times unless you are very familiar with the swimming area
• Learn the correct way to dive from a certified instructor

Watch for "dangerous too's"

• too tired
• too cold
• too far from safety
• too much sun
• too much strenuous activity.

Use common sense about swimming after eating

• You do not have to wait an hour after eating before you swim unless it was a very large meal or you plan to swim strenously
  

Alcohol impairs your judgement, balance, and coordination

• Alcohol affects your swimming and diving skills and reduces your body's ability to stay warm

Know how to prevent, recognize and respond to emergencies

• CHECK the victim
• CALL 9-1-1 or your local emergency number, and
• CARE for the person until help arrives