Indian River County, FL – More than 40,000 children across six continents will simultaneously take to the water on Thursday, June 26, for the 16th Annual World’s Largest Swim Lesson™ (WLSL), a global event aimed at raising awareness about the life-saving importance of learning to swim.
The Board of County Commissioners is proud to announce that locally, the County will join the movement with approximately 200 children and families participating at two locations: Gifford Aquatic Center and North County Aquatic Center.
Organized to combat the staggering statistics surrounding childhood drowning, the World’s Largest Swim Lesson delivers a critical message: Swimming lessons save lives!
“Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4 in the United States,” said Bob Welch, Indian River County Aquatics Manager. “This event not only teaches water safety—it empowers children with a life skill that can reduce their risk of drowning by 88%, according to the National Institutes of Health. We are proud to be part of this global movement.”
Details: Thursday – June 26, 2025
Gifford Aquatic Center North County Aquatic Center 4895 43rd Ave, Vero Beach, FL 32967 9450 Co Road 512, Sebastian, FL 32958 09:40am: Media check-in begins 12:40 pm: Media check-in begins 09:50 am: WLSL pre-event kickoff 12:50 pm: WLSL pre-event kickoff 10:00 am: WLSL begins 1:00 pm: WLSL begins
“We often think of swimming as a summer activity or sport, but it’s so much more,” said Assistant Director of Parks, Recreation and Conservation, Gustavo Vergara. “It’s a vital survival skill. Events like the World’s Largest Swim Lesson™ and the County’s Aquatic facilities also bring attention to the incredible work done by lifeguards, swim instructors, and aquatic professionals every day to keep our communities safe.”
Held over a 24-hour period, the World’s Largest Swim Lesson™ spans hundreds of aquatic facilities, swim schools, and water parks across six continents. In addition to boosting swimming proficiency, the event aims to highlight the crucial role of lifeguards and trained aquatic staff in promoting water safety. Living in Florida where water bodies are everywhere means it is even more important to promote water safety. “Every child should know how to swim,” stated Beth Powell, the Department’s Director. “We are so proud of our staff and committed to ensuring that all residents have access to swim lessons regardless of ability to pay.”
Group swim lessons are available at both North County and Gifford Aquatic Centers with scholarships available. “We are proud of the fact that during a national lifeguard shortage, our aquatic facilities have been fully staffed for two summers in a row,” stated Vergara.
“Lifeguards are the unsung heroes of summer,” said Welch. “But water safety begins before kids ever enter the pool—it starts with education. That’s why swim lessons matter.”
Please register by going to: https://indianriver.gov/services/parks_and_recreation/index.php and click the green GO button. You may also call North County Aquatic Center at (772) 226-1752 or Gifford Aquatic Center at (772) 2226-1175.
