Dozens of young children take part in The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — With summer officially here, many beat the heat by taking a dip in the pool. For some young children in Wilmington on Thursday, they did that while learning as well.

At the Legion Stadium Pool, dozens of children joined in on The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson. The free community event provided swim and water safety lessons for all ages. Life guards were in the water teaching kids how to float, kick their legs, and get comfortable in the water.

Josh Gravette, Executive Director of the Nir Family YMCA, said there is so much value in teaching kids about how to swim at such a young age.

“Access to water is a big issue in these communities. Really seeing these kids, some of them walk through the gate and this is their first time swimming, first time seeing a pool. So, they’re really able to learn about water safety.”

Gravette added that drowning is the second leading cause of death in children 14 and under.