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Guinness Declares It's Official: World's Largest Swimming Lesson Record Set

By Patty Wetli | November 6, 2014 3:20pm | Updated on November 6, 2014 3:53pm
 The World's Largest Swimming Lesson, held in June, has been verified by Guinness as a world record.
World's Largest Swimming Lesson
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LINCOLN SQUARE — An event billed as the "World's Largest Swimming Lesson" back in June, with Chicago participants adding to the splash, was officially verified as a world record, local officials said Thursday.

The record was verified by Guinness, the Chicago Park District announced.

On June 20, some 36,564 children and adults dove into pools around the globe on their way to the record books, topping the previous record of 32,450. In Chicago, 930 participants contributed to the final tally, with swim lessons taking place at 72 locations across the city.

The event was created to reduce the risk of drowning and pool-related injuries among children by emphasizing the importance of learning to swim.

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GIFT GUIDE
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"In addition to the many health benefits, swimming is a critical life skill that all children should master,” said Michael Kelly, Park District general superintendent and CEO.

During the record-breaking attempt in June, lifeguards at Welles Park, 2333 W. Sunnyside Ave., led more than 40 participants — ranging from toddlers to grandparents — in a series of exercises aimed at getting the youngsters comfortable in the water.

"We live in a city with a lake," said Welles Park supervisor Becky Kliber. "It's important for kids to learn to swim so they can be safe around water."

Welles Park runs "learn to swim" classes for all ages — from 18 months on up. Nearly 100 kids ages 6 to 17 compete for the park's swim team and more than 200 adults and seniors register for aquatic exercise classes, according to Kliber.

"It's never too late to learn how to swim," Kliber said.

Registration for the Park District's next round of swimming lessons begins Dec. 1; available classes can be viewed online starting Nov. 17.

That'll leave plenty of time to get in shape for World's Largest Swimming Lesson 2015 — mark your calendar for June 18.