Source: World Waterpark Association
Overland Park, Kansas -- On Tuesday, June 18th, 2013, tens of thousands of kids and adults at aquatic facilities around the world will unite for the fourth year in a row to set a new Guinness World Record. The global record attempt for The World's Largest Swimming Lesson™ (WLSL), will take place at 3 pm GMT (11am ET, 8 am PT.)
Team WLSL holds the current Guinness World Record for the largest simultaneous swimming lesson, which stands at 24,873 participants representing 15 different countries across five continents. The 2012 WLSL event generated more than 29 million media impressions, spreading the event's important message to hundreds of thousands of families.
Tragically, drowning remains the leading cause of unintended, injury related death for children ages 1-5, and the second leading cause of accidental death 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 WLSL event is designed to reach out to parents and kids with the key message that Swimming Lessons Save Lives™ near the start of the summer swimming season. Waterparks, aquatic facilities, swim schools, Ys,--all have served as host locations.
Facilities interested in serving as an official Host Location for The World's Largest Swimming Lesson™ 2013 record breaking attempt have until May 19th to register online at: www.wlsl.org.
"We're thrilled to see the tremendous support continue for this important water safety event," said Rick Root, President of the World Waterpark Association. "The greater the participation, the more families we're able to reach with this crucial message."
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.
This event is supported by the following industry leaders in water safety:The American Red Cross (ARC), Amusement Today (AT), Aquatics International (AI), Athletic Business, the Association of Aquatic Professionals (AOAP), The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP), Canadian Red Cross, Center for Disease Control's Healthy Swimming Program (CDC), Colin's Hope, INATI, International Swimming Hall of Fame (ISHOF), International Swim Instructors Association (ISIA), Independent Pool & Spa Service Association (IPSSA), Jeff Ellis & Associates, National Aquatic Safety Company (NASCO), National Recreation & Park Association (NRPA), Park World Magazine, Pool Safely, Resort and Recreation Magazine, Starfish Aquatics Institute, Swim For Life Foundation, United States Swim School Association, USA Swimming and the World Waterpark Association (WWA)
