Dover City Beach made a splash on the global stage as it joined hundreds of locations worldwide in hosting the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson (WLSL), a coordinated effort to raise awareness about water safety and drowning prevention.
The event, held under clear skies and warm weather, brought together over 300 children, parents, and instructors at Dover City Beach, all eager to participate in the world-record attempt. Organized in collaboration with local swim schools and the World Waterpark Association (WWA), the session was part of a global initiative held simultaneously across dozens of countries.
“This isn’t just about setting records. It’s about saving lives,” said Emily Carson, lead instructor and coordinator for the event. “Drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death for children ages 1-4. Teaching kids how to swim is a vital life skill.”
Participants followed a unified 30-minute lesson plan created by certified instructors, covering basic water safety skills, floating techniques, and supervised water entry and exit. Volunteers and local lifeguards ensured a secure environment throughout.
Mayor James Holloway also attended the event, cheering on the young swimmers and highlighting the city’s commitment to youth safety and public health.
The results of the world record attempt will be verified and confirmed by the Guinness World Records team in the coming weeks. If successful, Dover City Beach will become part of a historic global achievement aimed at making swimming lessons accessible and lifesaving for all.
