Big swim lesson coming soon
Published 10:30 am Saturday, June 16, 2018
Everybody into the pool!
Really, everybody.
Tens of thousands of kids and adults at aquatic facilities around the world — including Bainbridge Island — will unite for the ninth year in a row to make noise that “swimming lessons save lives.” A global event called “the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson” will take place on Thursday, June 21 over the course of 24 hours at an estimated 600 locations in more than 20 countries. The Bainbridge Island Aquatic Center will be serving as an official host location facility for the WLSL 2018 event.
Registration for the free event begins at 9:15 a.m. June 21 at the aquatic center.
The event starts at 10 a.m. and Parker, the park district mascot will also be there to cheer on the swimmers.
Since its inception, more than 235,000 children and adults have participated in World’s Largest Swimming Lesson events, and last year’s swim-in included 41,068 participants from 26 countries.
Organizers note the importance of learning to swim. Tragically, in the U.S. drowning remains the leading cause of unintended, injury related death for children ages 1 through 4, and the second leading cause of accidental death for children under 14.
Research also shows participation in formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by 88 percent among children aged 1 to 4, yet many kids do not receive formal swimming or water safety training.
Parents are invited to learn more about the Bainbridge event by visiting WLSL.org and biaquatics.org.
Call 206-842-2302, ext. 102 for more information.
