(Mirror Daily, United States) – Swimming is still a problem for many people because they do not know what to do when they are in the water. Many countries organized the seventh World’s Largest Swimming Lesson to help citizens overcome this fear and prevent as many deaths as possible because of drowning.

Around 500 locations from over 20 different countries hosted the event. Officials aimed to help and encourage children to learn how to swim for their safety. Everyone was invited to the event, even adults.

Until now, more than 155.000 adults and children have attended this event and learned how to swim. The admission was free and especially children had the most fun during the swimming lessons. Last year the event was organized earlier, on June 18^th.

It is also worth mentioning that an impressive number of 38,170 participants from 22 countries attended the WLSL. Unfortunately, the statistics showed that drowning is the primary cause of death among United States children from the ages of 1 to 4.

In addition to this, it is also the second cause of death among children under 14 years old. Based on the data gathered by scientists, swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by 88 percent in children between 1 and four years old. That is why the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson is one of the primary initiatives that promote safety and education.

According to the experts, knowing how to swim is vital for children as they will feel safer and less likely to panic. The sense of fear is the worst enemy when people find themselves in deeper waters. Plus, some children tend to freeze because of fear.

Nevertheless, even if kids know how to swim, scientists advise parents to keep an eye on their children to avoid any danger. Plus, regardless of the fact that you might be a good swimmer, it is highly recommended that everyone should pay attention to the water activity and never swim too far from the shore.

Currents are almost always stronger than people’s ability to swim, so experts strongly suggest everyone always to be aware of them. A lot of people drown every year even if they know how to swim, especially because they are oblivious to the fact that there might be currents that can drag them under the water.

Fortunately, lifeguards offer children and adults not only swimming lessons but also vital information regarding the safety guidelines that everyone should stick to regardless of age or swim skills. The lessons include kicking, breathing, how to glide, strokes training, basic locomotion, back and front floating, submergence, breathing, and last but not least, safe water entry.

Image Source:Willoughby