Ellicott City Ready to Break Swim Lesson Record

What do Ellicott City, Georgia, Japan and Jamaica all have in common? At precisely the same time, in the same way, on the same day, they will team up with 24 countries on five continents to break the Guinness World Record for the largest swimming lesson—ever.

The day is Thursday, the time is 11 a.m. ET (3 p.m. GMT) and the number to beat is 20,000.

If you or your kiddo is still struggling to do the doggie paddle, head to the tomorrow to work on your skills and help make history.

To register, call Carson Nickell at 410-313-4720. The event is free, Nickell said, but the Center needs to register participants' names for an official headcount.

This is the second year that the aquatic center has taken part in the drive by the World's Largest Swimming Lesson (WLSL) organization to one-up the world record and to save lives.

Drowning is the second leading cause of unintended, injury related death of children ages 1-14, according to the WLSL website. And if a child doesn't learn to swim before the third grade, they likely never will, it states.

The WLSL message is simple—swimming lessons save lives. On Thursday 500 organizations will join in getting the message out and give swimming lessons.

This is the second year that the Roger Carter Recreation Center has participated in the WLSL, Nickell said. "We want to promote water safety, and teach kids the importance of staying safe in the pool." 

Last year about 14 kids signed up, he said. To qualify, 25 people need to register, that includes students, teachers and official witnesses. So far this year, Nickell said, about 19 kids have registered.

Swim Lesson Instructions Include

• safely entering and exiting the water

• blowing bubbles, submerging the face, opening eyes under water

• floating on the front and then on the back

• working on rolling over from front to back

• getting into a position where those in the water can call for help

• basic stroke techniques, including gliding off the wall, kicking, breathing to the side, and alternating arm strokes

• trying to put it all together for the front crawl

With reporting by Patch Editor Brandie Jefferson