The World's Largest Swimming Lesson (WLSL) is an annual global event organized by the World Waterpark Association to promote water safety and prevent drowning, the second leading cause of unintended, injury-related death for children ages 1-14. The 15th annual WLSL will take place on June 20, 2024, with waterparks, pools, and aquatic facilities worldwide participating to raise awareness that "Swimming Lessons Save Lives".12

• The event spans 18 countries on six continents, involving over 35,000 participants at 600 locations.3

• WLSL has set multiple Guinness World Records for the largest swimming lesson, both in multi-venue and single-venue categories.2

• Walt Disney World Resort is a significant participant, hosting Florida's largest WLSL site at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park.24

Palm Bay Fire Rescue is teaming up with the Florida Swimming Pool Association to host the World's Largest Swimming Lesson at the Palm Bay Aquatics Center on June 20th, 2024, from 10 AM to 1 PM. This free, public event will feature:1

• Swim with a Firefighter: Children can swim alongside local firefighters, making the learning experience fun and memorable. 🚒🏊‍♂️

• Water Safety Swim Lessons: Professional instructors will provide essential swimming lessons focused on water safety skills. 🌍🔍

• Community Vendors: Local vendors will offer information and resources related to water safety and community services. 🤝

• Additional activities designed to engage and educate participants of all ages. 🏫

The event is especially timely as May is National Water Safety Month and new legislation has been signed to create a swimming lesson voucher program for kids in Florida.2

Drowning is a leading cause of accidental death for children, making water safety education crucial, especially in Palm Bay where canals and retention ponds are common. The WLSL event underscores the message that "Swimming Lessons Save Lives."1

Key points on water safety:

• Drowning is the second leading cause of unintended, injury-related death for children ages 1-14. Teaching children to swim can significantly reduce this risk.1

• Water safety isn't just about swimming; it includes understanding the dangers of water, learning rescue techniques, and knowing how to respond in emergencies.1

• In Palm Bay, water safety knowledge is essential for everyone, not just those with pools, due to the prevalence of water hazards like canals and retention ponds.1

The Palm Bay Aquatics Center is more than just a venue for the WLSL event; it is a cornerstone of the community, offering a wide range of activities and programs that benefit residents of all ages.

Key functions of the Palm Bay Aquatics Center:

• Hosts practices and competitions for local high school swim teams, providing a professional environment for young athletes to train and compete 🏊‍♀️

• Supports Special Olympics events and activities, offering a space for athletes with intellectual disabilities to participate in swimming and other aquatic sports 🌍

• Offers various exercise classes and fitness programs, promoting health and wellness through aquatic activities 🏊‍♂️

• Teaches children aged 6 months to 12 years to swim, ensuring every child has the opportunity to learn essential water safety skills, perhaps its most critical function 🌊12