Novice and Expert Swimmers Alike Invited to Join World Record Attempt at World’s Largest Swimming Lesson

Help break a world record — and get a free swim lesson in the process. On June 18, people in more than 500 pools, including 46 states, 24 countries and five continents, will pool their efforts for an attempt at the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson world record.

Come to River Hill Pool (6330 Trotter Road, Clarksville) at 11 a.m. to take part while others join in around the globe. Instructors and lifeguards will be present for the lesson. Those that already know how to swim are still welcome. The record attempt will be part of a morning of free swim lessons at the pool as Columbia Association’s (CA) swim lesson instructors undergo training.

“Drowning is the second leading cause of accidental death of children ages 1-14,” according to the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson website. “Research shows that if a child doesn’t learn to swim before the third grade, they likely never will.”

To register for the River Hill event, go to WorldsLargestSwim.EventBrite.com. Last year brought a record number of 24,873 participants worldwide. This year can bring a brand new record!

Columbia Association’s commitment to safe swimming continues throughout the year with its Columbia Swims program, which offers $2 lessons on water safety and introductory swimming instruction. These lessons are held at Faulkner Ridge Pool (Sundays, 5 to 6 p.m., Mondays, 6 to 7 p.m.) and Talbott Springs Pool (Tuesdays, 6 to 7 p.m., Saturdays, 5 to 6 p.m.).

Register in person at those two pools, or by calling 410-312-6332 or going online at ColumbiaAssociation.org/login. The $2 price is for CA members or residents with the free Columbia Card. Lessons for non-members and non-cardholders are $8.