Disney Hosts Nearly 1,000 Florida Youth at Typhoon Lagoon Water Park for World’s Largest Swimming Lesson

Walt Disney World Resort hosted almost 1,000 Florida youth from seven nonprofit organizations for The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson (WLSL) this week.

The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson

A lifeguard interacts with three children wearing life vests in a swimming pool, with palm trees and another lifeguard in the background.
Image Source: Olga Thompson, photographer

The annual, global event is designed to teach families the importance of learning to swim and promote safe water practices. It took place this Thursday at 600 locations in 18 countries with more than 35,000 participants.

A group of children in matching green shirts walk by a line of adults giving high-fives outdoors in a forested area.
Image Source: Olga Thompson, photographer

Disney invited nearly 1,000 students to Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park before it opened to regular guests. Typhoon Lagoon was the largest event site on the planet.

A group of children in red shirts and life jackets participate in a swimming lesson in a shallow pool, guided by lifeguards in red shorts and white shirts, with palm trees in the background.
Image Source: Olga Thompson, photographer

More than 60 lifeguards taught the exclusive swim lesson. It was the first time many of the participants learned about swim safety.

Instructor and child in blue life jackets share a moment in a swimming pool with others in the background on a sunny day.
Image Source: Olga Thompson, photographer

Hosting a swim lesson of this size is no easy feat, but our incredible lifeguards came together to make it happen. It’s our hope that students left with memories that will last a lifetime and knowledge that helps prevent incidents from ever taking place.

Grisell Carballido Lamadrid, general manager of Walt Disney World Water Parks

Four children wearing life jackets pose with a person in a Stitch costume in front of a lush, tropical backdrop. All are smiling and waving at the camera.
Image Source: Olga Thompson, photographer

The kids also got to interact with Mickey Mouse and Stitch. After the swim lesson, they enjoyed Typhoon Lagoon.

We are surrounded by water in Florida. It’s critical for children in our community to know how to swim. We’re taking action to address that need by pairing skills-based learning with the fun of our water parks.

Tajiana Ancora–Brown, director of external affairs at Walt Disney World

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