Hawai'i's beautiful beaches and pools mask a tragic statistic: About 30 Island residents drown each year.

And for every resident who drowns statewide, there are two near-drownings that require hospitalization and another 17 needing emergency room visits, according to the state Department of Health.

That stark reality is the push behind free Red Cross swim classes being offered this summer at Ala Moana Beach Park. The weekday classes for adults and Saturday classes for children, ages 4 to 14, will be held in June and July.

"It is vital for everyone to learn how to swim and be able to save their own life," said Coralie Chun Matayoshi, chief executive officer for the Hawai'i chapter of the Red Cross. "Some people think they don't need to know how to swim because they don't go near the water, but sometimes the water comes to you." Matayoshi gave the example of a flash flood or tsunami as the kind of unavoidable event that could be fatal in the absence of swimming capability.

The adult program, which offers lessons for nonswimmers, advanced beginners and intermediate swimmers, will be held from 5:15 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays between June 12 and July 19.

The children's program is from 8:45 to 9:45 a.m. Saturdays between June 16 and July 21.

To register, pick up a pamphlet at O'ahu Jamba Juice locations, fill out a form at www.hawaiiredcross.org or call 739-8151.

Reach Mike Gordon at mgordon@honoluluadvertiser.com.