Date: 06/09/11

For Immediate Release: CORRECTION OF TIME

For More Information Contact: 
Robin Harden, Recreation Specialist
City of Kirksville
660-627-7665

World’s Largest Swimming Lesson™ Set For June 14, 2011
Thousands to Participate in Record Setting Global Event

Kirksville Aquatic Center Serving as an Official Host Location

(Kirksville, MO) -- On Tuesday, June 14th, 2011, thousands of kids and adults at aquatics facilities around the globe will unite to set a new global record for The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson™ (WLSL). The Kirksville Aquatic Center is an official Host Location for the 2011 WLSL record-setting event, taking place at 10am not 4pm..

The inaugural WLSL event established the Guinness World Record for the largest simultaneous swimming lesson ever conducted in 2010 when almost 4,000 participants across 34 states, five countries and 3 continents participated to build awareness about the vital importance of teaching children to swim to prevent drowning.

Tragically, drowning is the second leading cause of unintended, injury related death of children ages 1-14 in the US. In fact, more than one in four fatal drowning victims are children 14 and younger. And, research shows if a child doesn’t learn to swim before the 3rd grade, they likely never will. The threat of childhood drowning is even greater around the globe.

The WLSL program works to promote drowning prevention through education by focusing the energy of thousands of participants on a clear and specific message all at the same time. To participate in this important and fun event sign in on the pool deck at the Kirksville Aquatic Center at 3:45pm. The lesson will begin promptly at 4pm. Lessons will be offered for infants through adults. Make sure to be a part of this special event!

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