The Shaw Park Aquatic Center was chosen as one of over 500 host locations around the world for The World’s Largest Swim Lesson, which attempted to break the Guinness World Record for the largest simultaneous swim lesson. Host sites represented five continents, 24 countries and 46 states in the United States. Waterparks, pools and other aquatic facilities from around the globe held this event at the designated time taking into consideration various time zones.

This was the third year for Shaw Park Aquatic center to host this event.

Kristen Walker, certified American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor, talked about her goals for the event.

“I just try to help get kids more comfortable in the water. We showed them how use their body properly and how to kick and use their arms. We want to make it a fun experience for them.”

Walker stated that some children are afraid of the water and feel intimidated at first. Soon they become more comfortable in this group experience and learn from other kids.

“They learn to float so they are not scared of the water,” said Walker “My experience is that the earlier they start swim lessons, the faster they progress,” said Walker.

The nation’s top water safety and training organizations joined together at the World's Largest Swim Lesson to raise awareness about the importance of teaching children how to swim to prevent drowning. According to WLSL’s website, drowning is the leading cause of injury-related death for children ages 1-5 and the second leading cause of unintended, injury-related death for children ages 1-14.

The World’s Largest Swim Lesson was created to serve as a platform to help local, regional and national aquatics facilities and drowning prevention organizations work together to share on a national level the message that teaching children to swim is vitally important in drowning prevention.

For more information about swim lessons at the Shaw Park Aquatics Center click here.