The American Red Cross Volunteer Life Saving Corps, also known as the Life-Saving Service of the

American Red Cross The American Red Cross (ARC), also known as the American National Red Cross, is a non-profit humanitarian organization that provides emergency assistance, disaster relief, and disaster preparedness education in the United States. It is the desi ...

, is the

lifeguard A lifeguard is a rescuer who supervises the safety and rescue of swimmers, surfers, and other water sports participants such as in a swimming pool, water park, beach, spa, river and lake. Lifeguards are trained in swimming and CPR/ AED first a ...

body of the

that began in 1912 as a response to the growing number of drowning deaths in the United States.

History

Recognizing an epidemic of water-related death, Wilbert Longfellow, in 1912, presented a plan to the American Red Cross for improved water safety. The Red Cross adopted the nationwide plan in January 1914 and established the Red Cross Life Saving Corps. The corps is the forerunner of the present-day Red Cross water safety program. Longfellow organized the lifesaving program. The Jacksonville Beach Volunteer Corps is the last of its kind in the country. The

American Red Cross Volunteer Life Saving Corps Station American Red Cross Volunteer Life Saving Corps Station is a National Historic Site (United States), national historic site located at 2 Ocean Front North, Jacksonville Beach, Florida in Duval County, Florida, Duval County. The building, constructed ...

is listed in the National Register of Historic Places Program.

References

{{reflist American Red Cross Volunteer organizations in the United States

History

See also

References