Living in a city bisected by a river provides many residents with recreational opportunities not found in other locations, but also provides a number of water-related dangers as well.
For the sixth year in a row, the Green River Recreation Center is joining with facilities across the world to break a Guinness World Record in hosting the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson June 18 at 10 a.m.. The lesson is free for all ages and features water safety lessons along with the actual swimming lesson. Interested students are encouraged to check in from 8:30-9:30 a.m. the morning of the event.
Sherry Schumacher, recreation supervisor for the city’s parks and recreation department, said the event does draw a number of people, saying around 50 people attended in previous years. She said the lesson is divided into similar age groups, who are then taught by recreation center employees. Schumacher said the lessons are hosted provided through the American Red Cross and the United States Swim School Association.
According to a press release issued by the city, the event was created to increase awareness that swimming lessons save lives.
“With a river running through town, it’s important to be aware of water safety,” Schumacher said. “It’s a great opportunity to learn.”
According to the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson’s website, WLSL.org, drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury related deaths for children between ages one and 14. Statistics state the risk of drowning can be reduced by 88 percent by introducing children to formal swimming lessons.
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