Organizers of the 17th annual World’s Largest Swimming Lesson estimate that tens of thousands of children from 25 countries participated in the global event.
Every year this event kicks off swim season, with swim schools around the globe pledging to hold a lesson on the same day.
“The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson is proof that local action can create global impact,” said Rick Root, president of the World Waterpark Association, which organizes the event. “Thanks to the thousands of aquatic professionals who shared their time and expertise, children around the world gained essential water competency skills that can help save lives. Every lesson taught strengthens our shared commitment to drowning prevention.”
As always, locations for the lessons ranged from dedicated swim schools to first-class waterparks. The largest was held in the U.S. at Dollywood’s Splash Country Water Park in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., where 1,442 kids and families participated.
Another highlight took place at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park in Orlando. Olympic gold medalist and ESPN’s newest Take Back Sports Ambassador Simone Manuel joined the lesson with more than 600 children from five local nonprofit organizations.
