Feature Story

November 2014

Red Cross Invites Aquatic Facilities to Promote Classes Online

The American Red Cross announced that it is opening its website to Aquatic Partner facilities, or approved Aquatic Providers, that want to promote their Red Cross course offerings.

Aquatic Partner facilities with a current Red Cross Authorized Provider or Licensed Training Provider agreement can now post classes on RedCross.org. The website receives 900,000 visitors weekly, with nearly 20 percent (170,000) specifically searching for courses.

Once facility information is uploaded to the Red Cross website, aquatic providers can select from two enrollment options. Online enrollment will redirect customers to the facility's website to complete registration and payment. As an alternative for facilities without online registration capabilities, a pop-up box will appear when the customer selects "registration" with instructions for phone or in-person registration with the facility.

"We are thrilled to be able to offer an option that allows customers to easily find and register for classes," said Catherine Barry, director of Aquatics Product Development at the Red Cross. "We tested the program earlier this year, and providers have reported increased year-over-year enrollments of 30 to 150 percent as a result of their listings on our site."

Andy Slutsky, owner of Aquatic Solutions Inc., confirmed the value of listing courses on the Red Cross website. "We are able to maximize our enrollment and fill our classes with close to zero expenditures for advertising by partnering with the American Red Cross. This partnership is our single most important advertising tool we utilize."

Classes may be posted up to one year in advance and will appear for registration 60 days prior to the start of the class. The following courses are available to list on the Red Cross website:

• Red Cross Lifeguarding (includes add-on modules and Junior Lifeguarding)
• Red Cross Water Safety Instructor
• Red Cross Learn-to-Swim courses
• Red Cross Safety Training for Swim Coaches
• Red Cross Basic Water Rescue
• Red Cross Small Craft Safety
• Red Cross Water Safety Presentations

Eligible Red Cross Aquatic partners can request access to post classes on the Red Cross website by visiting www.arcphss.org/LTPonRCO. Facilities interested in more information or in becoming a Red Cross Aquatics Provider should contact a Red Cross Aquatics representative. A listing of Aquatics representatives by state can be found at www.redcross.org/aquaticsrepresentatives.

The Red Cross has been the gold standard in lifesaving, water safety and swimming instruction for 100 years. It is the largest aquatic training provider in the United States, offering courses for both aquatic professionals and those learning to swim, as well as services for aquatic facilities ranging from traditional pools and multi-use facilities to waterparks, community centers, camps, country clubs and schools/universities. The Red Cross certifies more than 300,000 lifeguards each year, nearly 10 times as many as any other provider.