SwimKids Participates in World's Largest Swimming Lesson

SwimKids instructors give positive reinforcement to their young swimmers.

Children at SwimKids Swim School in Gainesville were among tens of thousands who participated in “The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson (WLSL)” at aquatic facilities around the world Tuesday, June 18 at 11 a.m.

This is the fourth year of the WLSL world record-setting event and the third year that SwimKids facilities in Northern Virginia have participated.

WLSL had first set the Guinness World Record in 2009 for hosting the world’s largest swim lesson, yet they continue to break their own record each subsequent year.

“I think the goal is not to build it bigger and bigger, but the opportunity to spread the word about water safety and that drowning is a serious threat, especially to children under five; that is why SwimKids participates,” said SwimKids Regional Manager and Trainer Krissy Bartlett.

SwimKids in Gainesville had approximately 45 participants in their pool during the simultaneous swim class in which they followed the same lesson plan as swim coaches across the globe.

During the 30-minute lesson, young children learned how to blow bubbles, float, kick and push off and return to the wall. There will also be party entertainment for the kids by the pool with food, snacks and music.

“People take it for granted that we know how to take a breath (while swimming),” said Bartlette, but at SwimKids, they realize it is a necessary step to help a person feel comfortable in the water.

Although most of Tuesday’s participants were under 6 years-of-age, SwimKids teaches adults as well as children as young as 2 months old. The school even offers a free infant class to encourage water safety.

“At that age, they never have any fear of the water, and that’s the biggest reason to start early,” Bartlette said.

For preschool-aged children, SwimKids instructors help them overcome any fear they might have of the water. Children also learn water safety, while instructors ease them into basic form. From the start, SwimKids swimmers learn professional swim techniques, so children can easily make the transition from recreational to competitive swimming.

SwimKids swimmers learn to blow bubbles underwater.

Many parents who attended the swim lesson on Tuesday said they were excited to have their children participate in the record-setting lesson. They look forward to the day they can flip through the Guinness Book of World Records and remind their children how they played a part in setting that record.

Elizabeth Messner of Manassas said her daughter took a morning class, so they decided it would be fun to stay and participate.

Sondra Abraham of Gainesville said she wanted to encourage her daughter, who already loves the water, saying, “She is a natural swimmer and I swam all my life, so I know what a good experience it is.”

SwimKids is a family business founded by Dave Tonnesen, a United States Swim Coach for over 25 years, and his wife, Cindy. SwimKids, which has four locations in Northern Virginia, where their instructors teach all levels of swim classes, from infants to adults. Currently, they are taking registration for summer classes.

Those who would like more information can visit Swim Kids at www.swimkids.us, call 571-261-7946 or email Gainesville@swimkids.us.