American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim Program

The American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim Program offers swim lessons, including swim lessons for infants, children, teenagers, and adults. Red Cross training providers can help participants learn to swim in a safe environment, and families can visit their local pool and ask for Red Cross swim lessons. Classes are for those ages six months and older, and the program aims to help participants gain the knowledge and skills to become water competent, which includes being water smart and knowing how to prevent and respond to water emergencies.

• Ages: 0–18 years old

Launched in 2014, the American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim Program marked a century of swimming safety education. The program is taught by Water Safety Instructor certified professionals, commonly referred to as a WSI. Red Cross swim lessons are available throughout the country. Red Cross Swim, sponsored by The ZAC Foundation, is a free app that can help children and adults learn to be safer in and around water and track kids’ progress as they learn to swim. The Red Cross Centennial Campaign is increasing impact in communities with high drowning rates or numbers of drownings and helps training providers reach families who would not otherwise have the opportunity to access this training. The Red Cross Centennial Campaign aims to create an ecosystem of water safety in each community that starts with teaching children and adults to become water competent.

Last updated May 14, 2026.