YMCA takes part in the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - The YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina partnered with the YWCA Lower Cape Fear, NSEA Swim, and Waves of Wilmington to host The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson on Thursday, June 20.

Children and adults came to learn important water competency and safety skills to combat drowning.

“A lot of these kids and these families don’t have access to pools and water safety and drowning is currently the second leading cause of death for children under 14 years of age and that’s part of the Y’s mission to really work on curbing those statistics,” Nir Family YMCA Executive Director Josh Gravette said.

Tens of thousands of children and adults from communities around the world participated in this global event at aquatic centers, swim schools, and water parks, including the Nir Family YMCA, Robert Strange Pool, Legion Stadium Pool, and the YWCA Lower Cape Fear.

“Being a part of The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson is exciting for the YMCA,” says Tami Carpenter, aquatics director at the Nir Family YMCA. “Imagine people all over the world advocating for water safety on the same day. Working with local organizations to make this day a huge success is one of the highlights of my summer. Together, as a unit, we can reach out to hundreds of families, promoting drowning prevention and teaching people how to be safe around pools, lakes, the ocean — any type of body of water. We are teaching lifelong skills and educating parents on the steps to keep children safe.”