Children and parents in Chatham-Kent are being invited to take part in the world's largest swim lesson in Wallaceburg.
The World's Largest Swimming Lesson is an annual event held on June 20 that takes place at pools in over 20 countries across the world within a 24-hour period.
According to Nic Hay, coordinator of aquatic services with the municipality, this is the first time Chatham-Kent has participated in the event since it started 10 years ago. Hay explained that they will be teaching vital water safety skills including how to properly use a life jacket, boat safety skills, and what to do if someone is in a water emergency.
"The event is in conjunction with a number of other pools who are all trying to provide the opportunity to people who may otherwise not have the ability to get to swim lessons. To get into the pool and receive some instructions and to learn some basic skills about how to stay safe around water and if you get yourself in a tough situation, how to get out of it," he explained.
According to the World Health Organization, drowning is the third leading cause of accidental death worldwide. Hay said with summer just around the corner, this is the perfect time for people to learn life-saving drowning prevention tips.
"In Chatham-Kent, there is a lot of open water and in my opinion, the more people that know how to be safe around water, and it's not even all about knowing how to swim," he said. "We don't expect people to learn how to swim in half an hour, but if they can take some water safety skills away and [are] able to make wise choices around the water this summer, that's what we're really hoping for."
The lesson is open to children of all ages and skill level. According to Hay, children will be put in separate groups in accordance with their swimming experience. He also said parents are invited to join in on the lesson.
"While the parents won't be actively participating in the water, the boat rescue and water safety skills, the parents are encouraged to hang out and learn that skill with the kids," he said.
The event is free to attend and takes place on June 20 at the Wallaceburg Sydenham Pool. The lesson begins at 4:30 p.m. and is half an hour long. Registration is required and can be done by calling 519-627-1606.