That course is a great way to get into better shape, too. Swam my posterior off, often towing a "victim," every day for a solid month.

Also, consider taking a first aid course before CPR, if you've never had any FA training before. Rescue breathing is often included in FA classes, and it is the more important part of CPR, in the sense that rescue breathing is more likely to save a life than CPR.

CPR can and does work, but the sad fact is that only a small percentage of out of hospital cardiac arrest victims survive to walk out of the hospital. Again, CPR does sometimes work, and is a skill well worth learning. It's not that hard to learn, either.

I'm just saying consider taking FA first, since that's slightly more likely to be useful, then take CPR. But do take both, if you can. It's a good idea to take one that includes AED (automatic external defibrillator) instruction, as well. Most do these days, since AEDs are becoming more commonplace.

Jeff