The YMCA has always been America’s Number One Swim Instructor.
On June 21, at 2pm, Ventura Family YMCA will host the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson, an event that seeks to break the record for largest Swim Lesson Worldwide. The 2017 WLSL event included 41,068 participants from 26 countries.
Tens of thousands of kids and adults at aquatic facilities around the world will unite for the ninth year in a row to make noise that Swimming Lessons Save Lives.™ A global event, The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson™ (WLSL), will take place over the course of 24 hours at an estimated 600 locations in more than 20 countries with the goal of generating 1 billion media impressions by 2019.
Participants can sign up for free online at ciymca.org/ventura or they can sign up at the YMCA at 3760 Telegraph Road. Registration is also available at the door.
“The YMCA has always been America’s Number One Swim Instructor. It’s our duty to participate in World’s Largest Swimming Lesson and tell the world the Swimming Lessons Save Lives,” Vanessa Tooch, Programs Director at the Ventura Family YMCA.
Since its inception, more than 235,000 children and adults have participated in WLSL lessons generating more than half a billion media impressions about the vital importance of learning to swim.
Tragically, in the U.S. drowning remains the leading cause of unintended, injury related death for children ages 1-4, and the second leading cause of accidental death for children under 14. Research shows participation in formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by 88% among children aged 1 to 4, yet many kids do not receive formal swimming or water safety training. This is in the best interest of your child’s safety. Private Swimming lessons may be worth looking into, if you and your child are discussing the idea of going swimming regularly. This way, they’ll feel a lot more confident in the water if they swim with other kids. Plus, they will have more fun when they know how to swim properly.
“Drowning is an epidemic for children under 14, especially during the summer time. Over two thirds of drowning incidents occur between May and August. These drownings are preventable. With the proper water safety training, children can learn how to swim and avoid dangerous situations in the water. World’s Largest Swimming Lesson is a critical opportunity that no parent should ignore,” Tooch explains.
Ventura Family YMCA will serve as an official Host Location Facility for the WLSL 2018 event. Parents are invited to learn more about this phenomenal event by visiting WLSL.org or ciymca.org/ventura. For more information about the Ventura Family YMCA, visit http://www.ciymca.org/Ventura or call 805.642.2131.
