World's Largest Swimming Lesson Set for June 20

Source: World Waterpark Association

[Overland Park, KS] -- On Friday, June 20th, 2014, Team WLSL will usher in the first official day of summer as they attempt to set a fifth Guinness World Record™ for the largest simultaneous swimming lesson ever conducted.  The international team, made up primarily of kids, is coming together to prevent childhood drowning by participating in a global swim lesson to spread the vital message Swimming Lessons Save Lives™. 

Team WLSL holds the current Guinness World Record™ for the largest simultaneous swimming lesson, which stands at 32,450 participants hosted by 432 facilities in 13 countries. The 2013 record saw a 30 percent increase over the previous year's record of 24,873 and generated more than 50 million media impressions. 

Tragically, drowning remains the leading cause of unintended, injury related death for children ages 1-5, and the second leading cause for children under 14. Research shows participation in formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by 88% among children aged 1 to 4, yet many kids do not receive formal swimming or water safety training.

The World Waterpark Association supports Team WLSL™ in their mission and encourages waterparks and aquatic facilities to join the effort by registering as an official WLSL Host Location or volunteering for the 2014 event.  More information and registration is available at www.wlsl.org. 

About The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson™:

The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson™ was created as a platform to help aquatic facilities and the many different regional, national and international water safety organizations work together to communicate the fundamental importance of teaching children to swim. Visit www.wlsl.org to learn more.