Sink or Swim: Why We Should All Join the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson

Whenever I am asked if I know how to swim, my immediate response is “I know how to not drown.”

I started interning at Safe Kids Worldwide about three weeks ago. Since then I’ve learned many things. I’ve learned that drinking one 20 ounce bottle of Coke is equivalent to eating 18 cookies – so it’s not the best way to hydrate when playing sports. I’ve learned that the Starbucks Baristas in our building will write down whatever they think they heard when they ask for your name. My name is Kendall Reed but based on my frappuccino order, you can call me “Q.”

And I’ve learned that knowing how “not to drown” is not good enough when it comes to water safety.

Drowning is a serious issue. It is the second leading cause of unintentional injury-related death among children between the ages of 1-14 and the sixth leading cause of unintentional injury-related death for people of all ages. It broke my heart when I discovered these statistics because there are ways we can prevent this type of tragedy. It’s important to be aware, but we have to do something to keep kids safe in the water.

There’s a great event called the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson that’s taking place across the country on June 18 at 10:00 a.m.

The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson is designed to build awareness about the vital importance of teaching children how to swim to help improve water safety. Although there are many ways you can prevent drowning, learning how to swim is an important skill to know.

I’ve gone 22 years without knowing how to swim. That’s definitely too long. I’m going to change that by taking swimming lessons this summer. I’d love to see all kids join me and the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson is a great place to start.

Just tell them Q sent you.