Thursday, June 25, 2026
The 17th Annual World’s Largest Swimming Lesson™ is Coming to
Island Rec Center - Pool
Join us for the 17th 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 activities with confidence and care.
WHEN: Thursday, June 25, 2026 10:00 - 10:45 am This global event spans 24 hours across multiple time zones. Local event times at Island Rec Center Pool. is 10:00 am - 10:45 am
WHO: Island Rec. Center Pool in Hilton Head Island, SC is proud to serve as an official host for this year’s World’s Largest Swimming Lesson.
WHERE: Having served over 6,300 locations across 56 countries, the WLSL is truly a global event. In Hilton Head Island, this fun, life-saving event will be hosted at 20 Wilborn Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC.
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, Hilton Head Island Pool 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 448,000 children and adults have participated in WLSL lessons on six continents, generating more than 3.3 billion media impressions about the vital importance of water safety and learning to swim. Learn more about how you can get involved at or visit www.WLSL.org.
COMMON QUESTIONS:
Cost of Lesson - $0 Free
Registration - In person on the day. Arrive 10 minutes early to the event to sign the waiver.
Time - 10:00 - 10:45 am
Date - Thursday, June 25 2026
If your child(ren) are under the age of 5, a parent or guardian (18+) must be in the water with them during the lesson.
All swimmers must be in swimming attire - no street clothes permitted.
Swim Instructors will be the lesson and lifeguards will be on deck.
Parents/Guardians must remain present/on deck at all times.
All pool rules applied during the duration of the class.
BACKGROUND
The problem is real: Drowning is fast, silent and preventable. The CDC reports that drowning is the single leading cause of death for children ages 1-4, and the second leading cause for children ages 5-14 following motor vehicle accidents. Worldwide, drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional injury death, accounting for 7% of all injury-related fatalities (WHO).
For every child that dies from drowning, another 7 to 8 receive emergency department care for non-fatal drowning. Nearly 40% of drownings treated in emergency departments require hospitalization, transfer, or further care (compared with 10%for all unintentional injuries). Outcomes of morbidity include brain damage, other serious outcomes, and long-term disability.
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).
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.
Appropriate barriers and parental supervision are key: Nearly 70% of drownings of young children occur during non-swim times. Statistics show 88% of child drowning happen with at least one adult present.
Some people have a higher risk of drowning: Drowning affects different communities disproportionately. Boys are far 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.