Over 600 local kids from Central Florida Non-Profits got a swim lesson with not only Disney lifeguard cast members, but also a special lesson with ESPN’s Take Back Sports and Olympic Gold Medalist Simone Manuel. These swim lessons have become an annual tradition at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon, supported by over 100 Disney lifeguards.
For many of these kids, this was their first time at a water park, and for some, their first real swim lesson. Drowning is the leading cause of death for kids ages 1 to 4 in the U.S. and the second leading cause for ages 5 to 14, and access to swim lessons isn’t spread evenly: kids from lower-income households are far more likely to have little to no swimming ability. A day like this isn’t just a nice photo op with an Olympic gold medalist in the water. For some of these kids, it’s one of the only chances they’ll get to learn a skill that could save their life, wrapped in a Disney-sized dose of fun.
For many of these children, it was their first time ever visiting a water park. The excitement of being at Walt Disney World, paired with the expert guidance from Disney lifeguards, helps the kids build confidence in the water and enjoy swimming for years to come.
“What Disney is doing with The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson fits perfectly with my personal mission of bringing life-saving swimming skills to people. It’s so special to be here at Typhoon Lagoon with these kids and making a difference in their lives,” said Simone Manuel, ESPN’s newest Take Back Sports Ambassador,” said Simone Manuel – The Simone Manuel Foundation and ESPN work together to help kids build confidence, resilience, belonging and leadership skills while connecting with other young people in communities nationwide.
“There’s something powerful about watching a child gain confidence in the water for the first time,” said Tajiana Ancora-Brown, Director of External Affairs at Walt Disney World. “It’s even more special that for many of these kids, this is their first time ever at a water park. Our cast are creating moments for them that are not just fun, but life-changing too.”
Participants attended the event thanks to the support of five Central Florida nonprofits that Disney supports: Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida, Girls Scouts of Citrus, Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida, ELEVATE Orlando and the Alianza Center.
“We’re grateful to Walt Disney World for making experiences like The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson possible for our youth,” President and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida Jamie Merrill said. “For many of our Club members, this is their first visit to a water park and even their very first swim lesson. It’s a day filled with learning, confidence-building and unforgettable memories — and without question, one of the highlights of the year for our kids.”
After the lesson, participants enjoyed a full day at Typhoon Lagoon, experiencing Cool KIDS’ SUMMER with games, dance parties, attractions and more.
