Tampa To Host World's Largest Swimming Lesson

TAMPA, FL – When it comes to fun in the summer sun, Florida has few rivals in the United States. Unfortunately, the state also has no rivals when it comes to accidental drowning.

In 2013, Florida had the highest unintentional drowning rate in the nation in the 1-4 age group, according to the Florida Department of Health. The state also had the second highest per-capita rate of drowning in the nation for children younger than 14.

Year over year, these same statistics ring true for Florida. This year, the City of Tampa Parks and Recreation Department’s Aquatic Team is looking to reverse the trend by hosting The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson on Friday, Jun 24 at five Tampa pool locations. Registrations will start at 9:15 a.m. and the lesson will begin at 10.

The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson is free and open to all ages.

One way experts say to keep children safe is to teach to swim. Even if children do not have convenient access to a pool every day, the ability to swim will help them on the occasions when they are near water.

The five locations the event will take place are:

• Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Pool: 2200 N. Oregon Ave., (813) 259-1640
• Spicola Family Pool: 2615 Corrine St., (813) 242-5355
• Cyrus Greene Pool: 2101 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., (813) 242-5305
• Copeland Pool: 110001 N. 15th St. (813) 975-2734
• Loretta Ingraham Pool: 1611 N. Hubert St., (813) 348-2080

Image via the City of Tampa website

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