World's Largest Swimming Lesson (#WLSL2022)
0"As temperatures rise, kids and families spend more time in and around water. Whether they're taking a dip in the pool or spending time at a waterpark, on the beach or at the lake, we want everyone to know how to Be Water Aware," said Rick Root, WWA President. "Ensuring every child learns to swim is one of most crucial layers of protection a parent can provide to keep their kids safer in and around the water."
Hundreds of swim instructors at pools and waterparks on five continents -- from India to Indiana and Uruguay to the UAE – worked together to teach kids and their parents key water competency skills like how to float, how to make their way to a safe exit and how to rest and breathe.
Pro Football Hall of Famer and NFL legend Randy Moss helped kick off the lesson at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park in Lake Buena Vista, FL where 350 children from the Boys and Girls Club of Central Florida and Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida participated in one of the largest events in the U.S.
Research released by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) in 2021 shows drowning has become the leading cause of death for children ages 1-4. Drowning remains the second leading cause of unintended injury related death for kids 4-14 and the third for adolescents 15-17 in the U.S. and 3rd leading cause worldwide.
The solution? Parents and caregivers must provide layers of protection including formal swimming lessons, constant supervision, proper barriers and requiring weak or non-swimmers to wear U.S. Coast Guard approved life-jackets. The AAP's recent report encourages early participation in lessons as a vital layer of protection as research shows participation in formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning up to 88% among children aged 1 to 4.