‘A life-saving skill.’ World’s Largest Swim Lesson highlights drowning prevention

Summer means time in the swimming pool. With the fun, however, can come danger, especially for those who can’t swim.

On Thursday people around the world were scheduled to splash into pools for the 15th edition of the World’s Largest Swim Lesson. This included a host of pools in the Fort Worth area.

Coordinated by the WLSL organization, the annual event highlights the crucial role that swimming lessons play in preventing drowning.

The event is held on the first official day of summer for all ages.

Why participate?

“For us personally here in Grapevine it is about bringing awareness for water safety and not just for kids but families, too,” Grapevine Aquatic Supervisor Emily Marecle said. “We want our community to learn to always have that designated water watcher at your home pool or in a public pool, because it will save lives.”

Grapevine’s event was scheduled for Pleasant Glade Pool. Participants were to receive a free swimming lesson led by certified instructors, designed to teach fundamental water safety skills, such as proper breathing techniques, floating, and basic swimming strokes.

For a popular water park in North Richland Hills, participation in this event is old hat, but it never gets old as it once again prepared to host it.

“NRH20 is one of only five parks who have participated in the 15 years it has been happening — in the whole world!” said marketing and sales manager Chelsea McClain.

In Arlington, the event was scheduled for Allen Bolden Swimming Pool, part of the city’s Longest Day of Play.

“This is a great opportunity for our aquatics team to build awareness about water safety and the importance of teaching everyone to swim,” Arlington Aquatics Manager Courtni Anderson said. “Swimming is a life-saving skill and a vital tool in drowning prevention.”

Leading cause of death

More children ages 1-4 die from drowning than any other cause of death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For children ages 5-14, drowning is the second-leading cause of unintentional injury/death after motor vehicle crashes.

▪ According to a World Health Organization study, drowning is the third-leading cause of unintentional injury death worldwide, accounting for 7% of all injury-related deaths.

▪ A study by the American Red Cross showed that 54% of youths ages 4-17 cannot perform the basic water safety skills they need to save their life.

“We are passionate to share the message that swimming lessons save lives,” said Euless Aquatic/Senior Superintendent Richard Sharnsky, whose event was to be held at Euless Family Aquatic Park.

According to a 2016 Safe Kids Worldwide report, despite the fact that lack of supervision played a role in the majority of drowning deaths, less than half of parents (49%) indicate they remain within arms’ reach of their child in the water.

The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson provides a unique opportunity for parents and their children to learn vital water safety skills in a fun and engaging environment.

“Swimming is not only a crucial life skill but also a wonderful way to promote family bonding and physical fitness,” Marecle said. “By participating together, families can support each other while learning essential techniques that can help prevent drowning and improve overall confidence in the water.”