Walt Disney World is kicking off its Summer of Sharing with a splash. The resort hosted nearly 1,000 students from seven Florida nonprofits at Typhoon Lagoon before the water park opened for The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson.
The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson is an annual event held at a variety of locations across the world. It is designed to empower children with the skills and knowledge they need to swim safely and help prevent drowning – a top priority for the state of Florida.
“We are surrounded by water in Florida. It’s critical for children in our community to know how to swim,” Tajiana Ancora–Brown, director of external affairs at Walt Disney World, said. “We’re taking action to address that need by pairing skills-based learning with the fun of our water parks.”
This year, Disney World hosted the largest swim lesson site on the planet. For many participants, this was their first time learning about swim safety.
“Hosting a swim lesson of this size is no easy feat, but more than 60 of our incredible lifeguards came together to make it happen,” Grisell Carballido Lamadrid, general manager of Walt Disney World Water Parks, said. “It’s our hope that students leave with memories that will last a lifetime and knowledge that helps prevent incidents from ever taking place.”
The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson is just one of many ways Walt Disney World is giving back this summer. From unique community events like this, to Disney Grants and other donations, it’s shaping up to be the best summer ever.
