104 years ago today, water safety was brought to forefront by “Commodore” Wilbert E. Longfellow with his objective: “the waterproofing of America” through the formation of the Red Cross Life Saving Corps.
Longfellow and the Red Cross Life Saving Corps provided the local swimming communities with lifesaving training and established volunteer lifesavers for pools and beaches. Longfellow was then able to turn his attention to swim instruction and began holding large scale swimming lessons. Longfellow continued his mission, until he retired in 1947, providing swimming and lifesaving trainings throughout the country.
