Walt Disney World Resort hosted nearly 1,000 Florida youth from seven nonprofit organizations for The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson on Thursday, an annual event designed to promote safe water practices worldwide. Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park was the largest event site on the planet.
Students took to the water before Typhoon Lagoon officially opened for the day for an exclusive swim lesson with more than 60 Disney lifeguards. For many participants, this was their first time learning about swim safety.
“Hosting a swim lesson of this size is no easy feat, but our incredible lifeguards came together to make it happen,” said Grisell Carballido Lamadrid, general manager of Walt Disney World Water Parks. “It’s our hope that students left with memories that will last a lifetime and knowledge that helps prevent incidents from ever taking place.”
Participants also interacted with beloved Disney characters like Mickey Mouse and Stitch. After the event, they spent the day enjoying the magic and watery attractions at Typhoon Lagoon.
“We are surrounded by water in Florida. It’s critical for children in our community to know how to swim,” said Tajiana Ancora–Brown, director of external affairs at Walt Disney World. “We’re taking action to address that need by pairing skills-based learning with the fun of our water parks.”
This is just one of many ways Walt Disney World is giving back during its Summer of Sharing to support communities across Florida.
Clint Gamache is the owner of ThrillGeek. He started ThrillGeek to share his love of theme/amusement parks and pop culture with the world. You can find him at Halloween Horror Nights. Also, be sure to follow him on Twitter @iamcg83