The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson was hosted at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon. Nearly 600 local kids from five Central Florida nonprofits were on hand to learn critical water safety skills from Disney lifeguards and Olympic gold medal swimmer Simone Manuel.

The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson is a yearly summer tradition that is organized by The World Waterpark Association. It takes place at locations around the world. Walt Disney World hosts the largest swimming lesson in Florida and has been a supporter of this event for many years. Through the years, thousands of kids from Central Florida have learned how to swim safely. This is a very important skill with so many pools and waterways throughout Florida.

There were around 100 Disney lifeguards participating in this year’s lesson. This combined hands-on learning and some water park fun to help the young swimmers learn important water skills. For many of these children, it was their first time visiting a water park. Couple the excitement of being at Walt Disney World with the expert guidance from Disney lifeguards, and these kids gained confidence in the water that they will be able to enjoy for years to come.

“There’s something powerful about watching a child gain confidence in the water for the first time,” said Tajiana Ancora-Brown, Director of External Affairs at Walt Disney World. “It’s even more special that for many of these kids, this is their first time ever at a water park. Our cast are creating moments for them that are not just fun, but life-changing too.”

A highlight of the day was Olympian Simone Manuel joining the young swimmers in the water and helping lead the lesson.

“What Disney is doing with The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson fits perfectly with my personal mission of bringing life-saving swimming skills to people. It’s so special to be here at Typhoon Lagoon with these kids and making a difference in their lives,” said Simone Manuel, ESPN’s newest Take Back Sports Ambassador. The Simone Manuel Foundation and ESPN work together to help kids build confidence, resilience, belonging and leadership skills while connecting with other young people in communities nationwide.

Participants at the event were able to attend thanks to the suport of five Central Florida nonprofits that Disney supports:

•  Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida
• Girls Scouts of Citrus
• Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida
• ELEVATE Orlando 
• Alianza Center.

“We’re grateful to Walt Disney World for making experiences like The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson possible for our youth,” President and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida Jamie Merrill said. “For many of our Club members, this is their first visit to a water park and even their very first swim lesson. It’s a day filled with learning, confidence-building and unforgettable memories — and without question, one of the highlights of the year for our kids.”

The swimming lesson was just the start of a very magical day for the participants. Aftewards, they were able to enjoy a full day at Typhoon Lagoon and experience Cool KIDS’ SUMMER with games, dance parties, attractions, and a whole lot more!

The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson is one example of many for how Walt Disney World is celebrating Cool KIDS’ SUMMER throughout Central Florida. Recently, Disney announced a $1.3 million investment in education programs across five Central Florida counties. This helps bring fun, access, and opportunities to local families.

Both Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach are open for families to enjoy this summer. Along with this, guests who stay at select Disney Resort hotels can get free admission to the water parks on the day of their arrival.

What do you think of this magical swimming lesson? Have you been to Typhoon Lagoon? What do you like most about it? What do you like most about events like this? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!