Learn pool safety online

To help saves lives and prevent home drownings, the American Red Cross and the National Swimming Pool Foundation have developed a new interactive online computer course titled "Home Pool Essentials: Maintenance and Safety."

The approximately two-hour course covers the basics of operating a home pool, raises awareness of how to make a safer environment and teaches basic rescue techniques.

Participants will learn how to identify and manage common water problems and perform water testing, sanitation and other pool maintenance tasks.

By following simple procedures, individuals will also discover how to reduce costs in operating pools, prevent accidents and respond to an emergency situation.

In addition, the course includes a printable resource guide with photos that can be printed for future reference, video demonstrations and links to online resources.

The cost of the online course is $19.95. The course can be completed and reviewed for up to six months.

The course may be accessed through the website of the American Red Cross of Ventura County at www.arc-ventura.org, or go directly to www .homepoolessentials.org.