3 ways to learn water rescue and lifesaving skills

Do you love swimming? Do your kids? If so, that’s reason enough to consider signing up for lifesaving courses. Here’s what you should know.

1. Water safety training
If you’re a fixture at the pool, spa, beach or lake and you want to keep you and your fellow swimmers safe, you can learn basic lifesaving skills by taking water safety classes. The American Red Cross offers a number of certifications, including Basic Water Rescue, Small Craft Safety and Water Safety Instructor.

2. Lifeguard training
If you’re a strong swimmer and you want to learn how to effectively prevent and respond to water emergencies, sign up for lifeguard training classes. Certification with the American Red Cross is valid for two years and includes First Aid, CPR and automatic external defibrillator (AED) training. Organizations such as the YMCA and the American Lifeguard Association also offer courses.

3. CPR and first aid training
A medical crisis may occur on or near the water. If you want to be in a position to help should an accident, injury or medical emergency arise, take a CPR class, a first aid class or both. Often, these two types of training are offered together.

The skills you develop in these classes will serve you and those you care about for many years. If you’re already trained, keep in mind that it’s a good idea to take a refresher course every two years or so.