Did you know that you can have a free private CPR party at your house? You’ve heard of Tupperware parties and skincare parties, but this is a party that can save lives!

Bring together a group of at least 5 people and The C.L.A.Y. Foundation will provide the one hour course with a CPR instructor for the party. Serve food and drinks while you and your guest learn CPR basics. While the class is free, most hosts ask for a $35-per person-donation to the C.L.A.Y. Foundation to help the organization offset costs and provide CPR parties for those who truly can’t afford it. To learn more and sign up, go to thecprparty.org.

Did you know that you can organize water safety classes where your child attends day care or school. Schedule Josh the Baby Otter classroom readings for children pre-K through 2nd grade. The story of Josh the Otter captivates children as they learn a life saving message. After the book is read, a surprise guest comes to visit…Josh the Otter! Children run to him with hugs, and then everyone sings along to the “Learn to Float” song that accompanies the book. The program concludes with the children reciting the Josh the Otter Water Safety Pledge. Parents and educators can learn more at joshtheotter.org.

Did you know that the American Academy of Pediactrics endorses swim lessons for children as young as 1. Families United members also support water training resources that educate children on how to swim, float and be safe around water. Swim lessons can provide an additional layer of protection around water.

These classes are not designed to replace constant adult supervision of children when around water, and they are only the first step in the future education of “swimming” lessons for children as they grow older.

• Float for life is a nationwide program developed through partnership with the Joshua Collingsworth Memorial Foundation. Courses teach children 9 months to toddlers to float on their back, kick to and then grab the side of the pool’s edge. For more information, go to www.float4life.com.

• Goldfish Swim schools, located mostly in the northeastern states, offers swim lessons for children from 3 months to 12 years of age. Goldfish offers a free course, Bubbles’ Babies, designed for newborns between 3 and 6 months.

Did you know you can hire a lifeguard for your pool party? There are many national lifeguard companies that will come and help ensure the safety of your pool party to provide parents with a little extra peace of mind.

It is easy to become distracted when there are a lot of people in and around the pool.

Hosts giving parties can be sidetracked from supervision duties, preparing food and drink, socializing, and answering the door.

You want everyone to have fun, but you know that drownings happen even in the midst of a crowded pool.

In fact, a crowded pool is more difficult to monitor. That’s where a professional lifeguard comes in handy. Having a trained and alert individual watching out for those in the water can mean the difference between life and death.