The American Red Cross is launching a national campaign targeting water safety in order to decrease the number of drownings nationwide.

Regional Chapter Executive of the American Red Cross of Northern Minnesota Phil Hansen says families need to make sure they have the knowledge and skills needed to be safe around water.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says 40 people across the state drowned from non-boating accidents in 2012. And with many people overestimating their swimming abilities, the Red Cross is encouraging people to be familiar with the water and take swimming lessons as needed.

The Red Cross is hoping to reduce the drowning rate by 50 percent in 50 cities in 19 states that have a high number of drowning deaths or high drowning rates.