Where to Learn CPR and Why It Matters for Drowning

You can learn CPR through the American Red Cross (search classes at redcross.org/take-a-class/cpr (opens in a new tab)) and the American Heart Association (search its Atlas class finder (opens in a new tab)), and New York City residents can take a free 30-minute FDNY class. For drowning, choose a course that teaches rescue breaths, and one that covers children and babies if you care for young kids.

Why drowning CPR is different

Most people picture CPR for a sudden heart problem. Drowning is a different kind of emergency: it starts with breathing.

• The 2024 American Heart Association and American Academy of Pediatrics drowning guidance says resuscitation must focus on restoring breathing as much as it does circulation (opens in a new tab).
• Water Safety USA recommends that everyone learn CPR with both chest compressions and rescue breaths (opens in a new tab), plus first aid.
• The National Drowning Prevention Alliance names CPR training with rescue breaths (opens in a new tab) as part of emergency preparation, one of its five layers of protection.

A short hands-only class, like the free FDNY class below, is a useful start. If you swim, supervise swimmers or own a pool, aim for a full course with rescue breaths as well.

The CDC's reason to train is simple: your CPR skills could save someone's life in the time it takes for paramedics to arrive (opens in a new tab).

Course options for parents and caregivers

The American Red Cross (opens in a new tab) offers courses for different needs, including:

• Adult and Pediatric (Child and Baby) First Aid/CPR/AED. Covers adults, children and babies. A good fit for parents, grandparents, nannies and camp staff.
• Pediatric (Child and Baby) First Aid/CPR/AED. Focused on children and babies.
• CPR for a Baby or Child, and Hands-Only CPR.
• Babysitting and Child Care courses for teen babysitters and caregivers.

The Red Cross says that unless you sign up for a class focused on one group, its CPR training covers caring for both adults and children.

The American Heart Association's Atlas (opens in a new tab) lists CPR, first aid and other courses by location, course and date. Its training centers set their own prices.

Online, blended or in person?

Red Cross classes come in three formats:

If you need certification for a job, such as camp counselor, lifeguard or child care worker, choose blended or in person. Even if you don't need a certificate, hands-on practice is the best way to build confidence.

What to expect in a class

You don't need any experience. The Red Cross describes its classes as a mix of instruction, interactive scenarios, peer-to-peer learning and hands-on skills practice, with weekday, weekend and online options. In blended and in-person courses you practice the skills in front of a certified instructor, which is what earns the 2-year certification.

Practical tips: dress comfortably for kneeling on the floor, and if you have an injury or health condition that makes that hard, mention it when you book so the instructor can plan for it.

Where to find a class

1. American Red Cross class search. Go to redcross.org/take-a-class/cpr (opens in a new tab), enter your city or ZIP code, choose a format and search.
2. American Heart Association Atlas. At atlas.heart.org (opens in a new tab), enter a location, pick a course and choose a date.
3. Your workplace, school or community group. Many groups bring an instructor to them. If you organize a group, see how to host a water safety workshop.

Free CPR in New York City

The FDNY Free CPR Program (opens in a new tab) offers New Yorkers a 30-minute class on hands-only CPR, taught by certified FDNY EMS members at locations across the city. Classes include:

• skill demonstrations and hands-on practice for hands-only CPR;
• basic instruction on using an automated external defibrillator (AED);
• information on recognizing a person who needs CPR.

The program does not offer certification. Groups of 15 or more can ask for a special class, and the FDNY's Mobile CPR Training Unit (opens in a new tab) can come to an organization's venue (not a private home) for classes of 15 to 50 people. Ask at least 14 days ahead.

This is a strong fit for a mosque, temple, church, school or community center. Pair it with a full course later for the people who supervise children in water most often.

Keep your skills fresh

The Red Cross is honest about this: if you don't use your skills regularly, you're likely to lose them (opens in a new tab). It offers online refresher materials, and its certifications last 2 years.

• Put your renewal date in your calendar.
• Review your course materials each spring, before swim season.
• Practice with your family's emergency plan: who calls 911, who gets the AED, who meets the ambulance.

Teach the people who watch your kids

Grandparents, babysitters, older siblings and nannies often watch children near water. Share the class finders with them, and offer to pay for or book a course together. Our guide to water safety rules for babysitters, nannies and grandparents covers the rest of what they need to know.

What you can do today

• Search for a CPR class near you on the Red Cross or AHA site, and book one.
• Ask a friend or relative to take it with you.
• If you're in NYC, ask your workplace, school or place of worship to request an FDNY class.
• Add CPR to your family water safety plan.
• Read what to do in the first minutes of a drowning emergency so you know where CPR fits.