SAVE THE DATE!
Thursday, June 26, 2025 The 16th Annual World’s Largest Swimming Lesson™ is Coming to The Nashville Gordon Jewish Community Center
*The indoor pool will be closed from 8:30am-1pm for the event
WHAT: Join us for the 16th Annual World’s Largest Swimming Lesson™ (WLSL) – a global event dedicated to water safety and drowning prevention. The WLSL brings together people of all ages and skill levels for a fun, life-saving event that promotes essential water safety skills, empowering individuals to enjoy water ac8vi8es with confidence and care. Public Safety workers will be present to show rescue equipment and demonstrate techniques, and swim lessons will be donated
WHEN:
Thursday, June 26, 2025 This global event spans 24 hours across multiple 8me zones. Local event times at the J are 9:30am-12pm.
WHO:
The Gordon Jewish Community Center Aquatics team, in Nashville, Tennessee is proud to serve as an official host for this year’s World’s Largest Swimming Lesson, in partnership with The Nashville Dolphins, SeaLovesSwim, Ms. Amy’s Swim School, Nashville Swim Academy, Ms. Anna’s Swim School, Camp Davis, Akiva Nashville, Scuba Shack Nashville, Henry Horton State Park, Worden Aquatics, and the Fairview Boys and Girls Club.
WHERE:
Having served over 5,900 locations across 54 countries, the WLSL is truly a global event. In Nashville, Tennessee, this fun, life-saving event will be hosted at Gordon Jewish Community Center, 801 Percy Warner Blvd. Nashville Tn. 37205.
WHY:
Drowning is a leading cause of preventable death, especially for young children. The WLSL works to raise awareness about the life-saving power of formal swimming lessons and the critical role of water safety education for kids and adults alike. By participating, Gordon JCC Aquatics is joining a global movement to spread the message that Swimming Lessons Save Lives™.
About The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson™ Since 2010, more than 413,000 children and adults have participated in WLSL lessons on six continents, generating more than 3 billion media impressions about the vital importance of water safety and learning to swim. Learn more about how you can get involved by calling Amy at Gordon JCC Aquatics (615)418-6220 or visit www.WLSL.org.
BACKGROUND
•The problem is real: Drowning is fast, silent and preventable. The CDC reports that drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1-4, and the second leading cause for children ages 5-14. Worldwide, drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional injury death, accounting for 7% of all injury-related fatalities (WHO).
• Swimming lessons make a difference: Research shows that formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by up to 88% for children ages 1-4.
• Many lack basic swimming skills: Over 54% of kids in the U.S. (ages 4-17) cannot perform basic water safety skills, putting them at greater risk in and around water (ARC).
• Appropriate barriers and parental supervision are key: Nearly 70% of childhood drownings happen during non-swim times. Even when parents are present, less than half (49%) maintain constant supervision and stay within arms’ reach.
• Some people have a higher risk of drowning: Drowning affects different communities disproportionately. Boys are more likely to drown, and children with autism are at significantly higher risk. Rates are also higher among Black and Native American/Alaska Native children compared to their White peers.