OVERLAND PARK, Kan :– WHAT: The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson™ is celebrating its 15th year of raising awareness about the importance of teaching kids and parents how to swim and Be Water Aware. Launched in 2010, the 24-hour event coordinates the efforts of hundreds of aquatics facilities around the world to teach participants basic water safety skills and spread the message Swimming Lessons Save Lives in local communities to help prevent drowning.
WHO: WLSL Host Locations are expecting more than 39,000 kids and parents on six continents to participate during the one-day event.
WHEN: Thursday, June 20, 2024. Local event times vary by location.
WHERE: The WLSL is taking place at waterparks, swim schools, pools and other aquatic facilities in 44 states in the U.S. and 19 countries around the globe including: Australia, Bahamas, Benin, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Ecuador, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Mexico, Qatar, Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, U.A.E., UK, United States and Uruguay.
A full, searchable list of locations by market including contact information is available on the WLSL.org website. Visuals of swim instructors, aquatic specialists, children and parents learning swimming skills available at all locations.
WHY: Drowning is the single leading cause of death for children ages 1-4 in the U.S. According to the CDC, drowning deaths in the U.S. have increased overall in recent years with over 4,500 people drowning each year from 2020-2022, about 500 more each year compared to 2019. In 2022, drowning among children ages 1-4, increased by 28% compared to 2019. More drowning accidents take place in June than any other month of the year.
While research shows participation in formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by up to 88% among children aged 1-4, research conducted by the American Red Cross in 2020 showed more than half of kids (56%) ages 4-17 can’t perform the basic swim skills needed to save their life.
