Children around the world dove into lifesaving lessons during the 16th Annual World’s Largest Swimming Lesson™, a global initiative aimed at preventing childhood drowning through water safety education. Spanning 24 hours across 22 countries and 46 U.S. states, the event united thousands—from Doha to Dallas—under one mission: Swimming Lessons Save Lives.
The event comes at a critical time. Drowning remains the third leading cause of unintentional injury-related death globally, and in the U.S., it is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4. July, in particular, is the deadliest month, responsible for nearly 17% of all annual drowning incidents.
“As we head into the month of July, more families will be spending time in and around the water,” said Rick Root, President of the World Waterpark Association. “Whether it’s a lake, a waterpark, or a backyard pool, it’s vital for kids and parents to understand basic precautions. Teaching every child to swim is one of the most effective ways to prevent tragedy.”
Participants learned key water safety techniques—such as floating, proper breathing, and identifying the nearest exit—through hands-on instruction at waterparks, public pools, swim schools, and beaches.
One of the largest gatherings took place at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon, where 1,000 children from seven Florida-based nonprofits joined the lesson. “Hosting an event like this gives our cast members a chance to connect with kids and share what they’re passionate about,” said Tajiana Ancora-Brown, Director of External Affairs at Disney World. “It’s about combining safety with fun—and those are lessons that stick for life.”
Since launching in 2010, the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson™ has reached over 413,000 participants in 54 countries, with a continued mission to educate, empower, and help reduce childhood drowning through awareness and action.
