For nearly a century, the American Red Cross has prepared people to save lives through health and safety education and training. From first aid, CPR and blood borne pathogens training to swimming and life guarding, HIV/AIDS education and Babysitter's Training, American Red Cross Preparedness programs help people lead safer and healthier lives. The Red Cross constantly strives to respond to the preparedness concerns of Americans at home, in school and in the workplace.

Swimming Lessons

The American Red Cross Swimming and Water Safety Program features six levels of learn to swim instruction to help swimmers of all ages and abilities develop their swimming and water safety skills. The objective is to teach people to swim and to be safe in, on and around the water. The six learn-to-swim levels and the objectives for each level include:

Level 1 - Introduction to Water Skills. Helps students feel comfortable in the water and to enjoy the water safely.

Level 2 - Fundamental Aquatic Skills. Gives students success with fundamental skills.

Level 3 - Stroke Development. Builds on the skills in Level 2 by providing additional guided practice.

Level 4 - Stroke Improvement. Develops confidence in the strokes learned and to improve other aquatic skills.

Level 5 - Stroke Refinement. Provides further coordination and refinement of strokes.

Level 6 - Swimming and Skill Proficiency. Refines the strokes so students swim them with ease, efficiency, power and smoothness over greater distances. Level 6 is designed with "menu" options. Each of these options focus on preparing students to participate in more advance courses, such as Water Safety Instructor and Lifeguard Training. These options include:

Personal Water Safety

Lifeguard Readiness

Fundamentals of Diving

Fitness Swimming

Upon completion participants will receive a Putnam County Red Cross Recognition Award for the completion of their particular swim level. The cost is determined by your local village.