BOULDER CITY - On the heels of Boulder City High School’s Boys Swim Team winning first, Girls team second place in Nevada, staff is getting ready to train someone who could be the next Zane Grothe (professional swimmer) or swimming twins, AJ and Rose Pouch (competing at Virginia Tech). Once again this summer, Boulder City swimmers will join tens of thousands of others at aquatic facilities around the world for the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson™ (WLSL).
The event is scheduled on Thursday, June 22, 2023, from noon until 12:30 p.m., at the Boulder City Pool, 861 Avenue B. WLSL will be held at an estimated 600 locations in more than 20 countries. “Boulder City is home to hundreds of backyard pools and our community sits along Lake Mead,” said Cheree Brennan, Boulder City Aquatics Coordinator. “Water safety is a priority for many youth and adults in our community. There are always risks in and around the water. We all need to play a part in education, safety and drowning prevention.”
Research shows that formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by 88% among children ages one to four. If children are near a pool, hot tub, lake or river:
- Never leave kids alone, and give them 100-percent of your attention. Put the cell phone away, turn off the TV and get rid of distractions.
- Have young children or inexperienced swimmers wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets around water. Do not rely on water wings.
- Make sure pools have appropriate fencing and safety equipment, as well as protection from hazards.
- Learn what to do in an emergency, including CPR.
According to the American Red Cross, water competency skills have increased significantly in the U.S. in the past eight years, jumping from 46% to 56% of people possessing key, lifesaving water competency skills in 2020. “Swimming is a healthy, fun way to get a workout, and learning safety and techniques while young can last a lifetime,” said Roger Hall, Director of Boulder City Parks and Recreation Department. “We’re proud to once again be a host site for this special event.”
Pre-registration begins an hour before the lesson starts: 11:00 a.m. on June 22. There is no charge to participate. Parents are invited to learn more about this phenomenal event by visiting WLSL.org.
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