The YMCA of Rock River Valley will be participating in the 10th annual World's Largest Swim Lesson (WLSL) on Thursday, June 20. The goal of this international event is to spread the vital message – Swimming Lessons Save Lives. In hopes of educating Rockford residents on water safety, the WSLS event will take place at five area pools. The community is invited to join the fun for a free swim lesson at one of the following locations.

12:00 p.m. Harlem Middle School, 735 Windsor Road

2:15 p.m. Harkins Aquatic Center, 910 Acorn Street

4:00 p.m. SwedishAmerican Riverfront YMCA, 200 Y Boulevard

4:00 p.m. Northeast Family YMCA, 8451 Orth Road

5:30 p.m. Alpine Park Pool, 4310 Newburg Road

 

This adventure will take place in more than 20 different countries on five continents over the course of 24 hours. From Rockford, IL to South Korea, the goal of the WLSL is for children to learn how to swim and have exposure to water safety skills, which provides a lifelong foundation for drowning prevention. Not only will kids learn about water safety, parents learn some valuable skills, too.

 

Tragically, drowning remains the leading cause of accidental death for children ages 1-4, and one of the top five causes of death for children under 14, due in large part to lack of basic water safety and swimming skills, and lack of constant adult supervision while children are in the water. Research shows participation in formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by 88% among children ages 1 to 4, yet many children do not receive formal swimming or water safety training.

 

“We are proud to continue the Rockford Park District tradition of participating in the World’s Largest Swim Lesson,” said Jamie Lowery,  Association Aquatic Director, YMCA of Rock River Valley. “Our YMCA has recognized the value and importance of water safety. By participating in this event, it is a great way for our community to become part of a world record while building awareness of water safety and learning to swim.”

The YMCA offers group and private swim lessons to adults, youth and infants. No one is turned away because of the inability to pay. 

For more information about the YMCA of Rock River Valley and this event visit  www.rockriverymca.org. For more information on The World’s Largest Swim Lesson visit www.wlsl.org.