As families prepare for peak swim season and the July 4th holiday - historically the most dangerous time for water-related accidents – Serengeti Springs at the Hattiesburg Zoo is taking action to equip kids with essential skills and water safety knowledge. On Thursday, June 26th, local children will join tens of thousands worldwide in The World’s Largest Swim Lesson ™ (WLSL), a synchronized 24-hour event designed to save lives.
Serengeti Springs water-safety personnel, including its lifeguards with support from the City of Hattiesburg Parks and Recreation Department, will teach WLSL lesson protocols to 100 children between the ages of 1 – 4 on Thursday, June 26th from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Each participating child must have one parent or guardian accompanying them and be able to participate with them in the water. Each child participating in WLSL will have free admission to Serengeti Springs for the day if they stay at the park following the ‘swim lesson’. The accompanying parent and/or guardian will receive a reduced admission price. Registration is open to the first 100 children registered for WLSL. Parents or guardians can secure spots for this potentially life-saving event at https://serengetisprings.connectngo.com/en/tag/special-events.
The American Academy of Pediatrics reports drowning as the leading cause of death for children ages 1-4 and the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children 5-14. Globally, drowning ranks as the third leading cause of unintentional injury-related death.
“Serengeti Springs’ participation marks a local milestone in this global safety movement,” said Krista Kolter, Aquatics Coordinator at Serengeti Springs. “Every child deserves the protection that swim skills provide.” “We’re providing practical skills and knowledge exactly when they need it most,” continued Kolter.
The timing is deliberate. Research shows the days surrounding July 4th represent the peak of summer drowning risk in the U.S., as families flock to the water. This initiative delivers crucial safety skills precisely when risk levels soar.
Quick Facts:
Drowning remains the leading cause of accidental death in children 1-4
Research shows swimming lessons can reduce drowning risk by 88%
July 4th weekend consistently sees an increase in water related accidents
About: The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson>TM:
Since its inception, WLSL has equipped over 413,000 children and adults in 54 countries with essential water safety skills. This global movement spans six continents, uniting communities in the fight against childhood drowning through education and awareness.
Note: Serengeti Springs will have a delayed opening of 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 26th due to The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson>TM, taking place from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
