Seven JaxParks public swimming pools will join hundreds of aquatics facilities across the globe as host sites for the 2012 World’s Largest Swim Lesson at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 14.
The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson™ (WLSL) was created as a platform to help aquatic facilities and the different regional, national and international water safety and drowning prevention organizations to work together to communicate the fundamental importance of teaching children to swim. It is presented by a coalition of the top aquatics organizations, including the American Red Cross, Aquatics International, Association of Aquatics Professionals, National Recreation and Parks Association and more.
In 2011, the number of swimmers participating in the WLSL increased by 500 percent and set a new Guinness World Record. More than 20,000 kids and adults representing 14 countries on five continents, as well as 45 states in the United States, came together to send the message that swimming lessons save lives. Florida, California and Texas had the largest participation in the U.S. Mexico and Brazil experienced the largest increase in participants from the previous year.
JaxParks WLSL locations are:
- Cecil Aquatic Center, 13611 Normandy Blvd. -- 32221
- Clanzel T. Brown Pool, 4415 Moncrief Road -- 32209
- Fletcher High School, 700 Seagate Ave. (Jacksonville Beach) -- 32266
- Lake Shore Middle School, 2519 Bayview Ave. -- 32210
- Mandarin High School, 4831 Greenland Road -- 32258
- Oceanway Pool , 12215 Sago Ave. W. -- 32218
WLSL participation is free and open to the public. Registration opens at 10:30 a.m., 30 minutes prior to the event. For more information about participation, call JaxParks Aquatics Office at 904-745-9630.