On Thursday, June 23, 2022, tens of thousands of kids and adults at aquatic facilities around the world will unite for the 13th year in a row to spread the word that Swimming Lessons Save Lives. A global event, “The World’s Largest Swim Lesson” (WLSL), will be taking place over the course of 24 hours at aquatic centers, swim schools and waterparks across the nation.
According to the American Red Cross, an increase in children's water competency and in the overall number of people taking swimming lessons has been seen but there’s more work to be done to improve safety and statistics. Research released by the American Academy of Pediatrics in 2021 shows drowning has become the leading cause of unintended death for U.S. children ages 1-4. Drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional injury-related death throughout the rest of the world. This issue is truly a matter of life and death for kids and families in every community around the world, according to Team WLSL.
When Westwood Family Aquatic Center serves as an official Host Location Facility for the WLSL 2022 event, participants will receive a free 30-minute water safety course. Courses will be held between 9 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. or 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. on June 23. Participants will leave with a free day pass to come back and enjoy the Aquatic Center. Parents are invited to learn more about this phenomenal event by visiting WLSL.org. Registration in advance at https://www.normanok.gov/residents-visitors/parks-recreation/westwood-family-aquatic-center.
“It’s so important for us to host this event at Westwood Family Aquatic Center every year because we know that risk of drowning can be reduced by 88 percent if children participate in formal swimming lessons between ages 1-4,” said Josh Holman, Aquatics Supervisor. “We want to raise awareness about the fact that learning to swim is a vital life-saving skill that everyone needs. Even if you’re currently uncomfortable in the water, think about joining us and gaining some more skill in a supportive environment.”
About: The World's Largest Swimming Lesson was created to raise awareness about the importance of teaching children to swim to prevent childhood drowning. Since its inception, more than 332,000 children and adults have participated in WLSL Lessons generating more than two billion media impressions about the importance of learning to swim. Learn more at https://www.wlsl.org//.
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