For more than a century, the American Red Cross has prepared people to save lives through education. Each year, in courses offered at the San Diego/Imperial County Chapter's headquarters, in the community and in schools and workplaces across the two-county region, several hundred certified professional trainers educate more than 93,000 people on how to keep themselves and their families safe.
Health & Safety courses cover topics ranging from CPR for adults, infants, children and pets, to caregiving and babysitting. The Red Cross also offers innovative programs that teach lay people and professionals how to use automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to save victims of sudden cardiac arrest. Training in back injury prevention, ergonomics and managing stress is also offered. Many companies across the region take advantage of Red Cross workplace safety training, which can potentially reduce absenteeism, workers compensation claims, health insurance premiums and other costs associated with work-related injuries.
The American Red Cross has been the leader in swimming and lifeguarding since 1914. Now the tradition continues with a collection of aquatic courses held at public and private pools in San Diego and Imperial counties designed to make learning easier through use of the latest research on instructional techniques. The Red Cross Learn-to-Swim program features six levels of training to create a broad program for swimmers of all ages at all levels. Additional programs include Water Safety Today, lifeguard training, Guard Start junior lifeguarding, basic water rescue and safety training for swim coaches.