The American Red Cross says more than half of America (54 percent and 67 percent of African-Americans) can't swim.

The Red Cross describes "water compentency" in five categories:

  • Being able to swim 25 yards to exit the water.
  • Being able to step or jump into water over your head.
  • Exiting a pool without using a ladder.
  • Floating or treading water for one minute.
  • Making a full circle in the water to find an exit.

The Red Cross says most Americans couldn't pass the test. And they say it's a lot harder than most people think especially when it's in an open body of water.

The Red Cross says the vast majority of 3,600 drowning deaths each year are preventable, but it's much better than a hundred years ago, when the drowning rate was 10 times higher.

The Red Cross wants to cut the drowning rate in half over the next three to five years so they're launching swim training programs across the country. To find a swim training course near you, contact the American Red Cross.

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