A red notification dot appears on my watch face but nothing happens when I swipe down. What do I do now?

Hi CDeLong,

Welcome to Apple Support Communities. It sounds like you're taking the right steps to check your notifications as shown in Notifications on your Apple Watch - Apple Support but none appear and the red dot does not go away. Right?

In this case, it may be best to unpair your Apple Watch from your iPhone, then pair it again. This will refresh the connection and should resolve the notification issue. Guidance below is from Unpair and erase your Apple Watch - Apple Support.

"How to unpair and erase your Apple Watch if you have your iPhone

1. Keep your Apple Watch and iPhone close together as you unpair them.
2. Open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone.
3. Go to the My Watch tab and tap All Watches.
4. Tap the info button  next to the watch that you want to unpair. 
5. Tap Unpair Apple Watch.
6. Tap Unpair [your Apple Watch name].
7. For GPS + Cellular models, choose whether to keep or remove your cellular plan. 

• If you want to pair your Apple Watch and iPhone again, keep your plan. 
• If you don't want to pair your Apple Watch and iPhone again, remove your plan. If you aren't going to pair with a different watch or iPhone, you might need to contact your carrier to cancel your cellular subscription. 

8. Type your Apple ID password to disable Activation Lock, then tap Unpair."

You can then pair again, restoring from your backup when prompted. Guidance can be found in Set up and pair your Apple Watch with iPhone - Apple Support if needed.

Take care.