It is a new year and a time for making—and far too often breaking—resolutions. The American Red Cross in Nassau County is asking Long Islanders to make a resolution they can easily keep by learning skills that can save a life.

Located at 195 Willis Avenue in Mineola, the Nassau Red Cross offers a variety of courses including first aid, CPR, the use of an AED (automated external defibrillator) and even babysitting. Many courses can even be completed online in the comfort of your home. Instruction is also now available at the Freeport Recreation Center.

“The Red Cross wants the public to know that everyone has the power to save a life, says Matthew Crimmins, health and safety director of the Nassau Red Cross. “It can take emergency personnel minutes to arrive on scene. For someone who is choking or has stopped breathing that may be too late. By learning simple rescue skills, you can go from being a helpless bystander to a person with the ability to take control and help someone during an emergency.

To learn more about the many courses available to the public, Long Islanders can visit their local Red Cross chapter or call (516) 747-3500. Registration for courses can also be completed online at www.nassauredcross.org.