The first week of June is CPR & AED Awareness Week. From June 1-7, we’re taking the opportunity to spotlight this essential skill that we believe every family should have in their back pocket.

When most people think of Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, they picture lifeguards, doctors, or emergency responders. But the truth is CPR is also for everyday heroes, like parents, grandparents, babysitters, and even older siblings.

Why Is CPR An Important Skill?

A common misconception about CPR is that you’ll probably never need it. And while we hope that’s true, you never know when an emergency can arise, and often, there’s no healthcare professional around to immediately help.

Most cardiac arrests happen at home, where family members and friends are the first ones able to help. Our question for you is, are you prepared?

Let’s Talk Numbers

Cardiac arrest happens unexpectedly, and many believe this issue doesn’t affect younger people. The reality is that it can happen at any age as a result of different emergency situations like drowning or choking.

A look at the stats:

  • CPR administered within two minutes of a cardiac emergency increases the rate of survival by 81%.
  • 70% of cardiac arrests happen in the home.
  • Only 2.4% of Americans are trained to perform CPR annually.
  • An estimated 23,000 children experience cardiac arrest annually in the US.
  • For adults who became certified in CPR, AED, & First Aid, 69% felt more prepared for an emergency.

The more people who learn CPR, the more lives we can help save together.

Who Can Learn CPR?

You’re never too young or too old to learn CPR, however, to be properly certified, you do need to be physically able to perform the skill.

Whether you’re a teen looking to start babysitting cousins and neighbors, or a new parent eager to learn emergency skills, CPR is incredibly valuable for anyone caring for others.

Even if you don’t find yourself in a position of care on a day-to-day basis, there’s no telling when and where an emergency can arise.

At Watermelon Swim, we encourage every able-bodied adult to enroll in and complete a CPR certification course. It’s one of the simplest ways to make your home and community a safer place.

Where Can I Take a CPR Class?

Getting certified is easier than you might think. Trusted organizations like the American Red Cross and the American Heart Association offer CPR classes both in person and online, so you can find an option that fits your schedule.

Organizations in the Tampa Bay area like BayCare offer Infant and Child CPR classes at a low cost.

A quick search for local classes in your area is also a great place to start. Future you will be glad you did.

Watermelon Swim is Building a Safer Community

At Watermelon Swim, we require 100% of our employees to hold a current CPR Certification, whether they’re teaching in the pool or working behind the scenes.

We believe that when more people are prepared, everyone is safer. And that’s what we’re all about: growing confident swimmers, informed families, and a community that’s ready to look out for one another.