Overview
- Typhoon Lagoon hosted the 17th annual World's Largest Swimming Lesson, which welcomed nearly 600 children from five Central Florida nonprofits Thursday and provided hands-on water-safety training.
- Olympic gold medalist Simone Manuel made a surprise appearance and worked in the water alongside about 100 Disney lifeguards to teach basic swim skills and build confidence.
- Disney characterized the session as the largest swimming lesson in Florida and said the event ran from 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. on June 25, offering participants a full morning of instruction and park activities.
- The lesson is part of a global drowning-prevention initiative launched in 2010 that Disney has supported since 2011 to reach children who may lack regular access to formal swim lessons.
- Organizers say the program aims to reduce drowning risk by teaching lifesaving skills before the busy summer season and may increase public awareness and support for local swim-access programs.