Gastonia, N.C. — Children across our area took part in the world's largest swimming lesson today. Swimming centers in 24 countries took part in the annual event. This was the first year that swimmers at the YMCA in Gastonia participated. Organizers says it’s an important initiative that focuses on drowning prevention, which is the second leading cause of death among children.
"Water safety is one of our top priorities. Teaching drowning prevention. Safety in and around the water is something that we teach,” said aquatics director Candace Hyde.
Organizers say children who take swim lessons are eighty eight percent less likely to drown.