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host
location
kit
General Overview
Congratulations! You’re on the way to becoming a Guinness World RecordTM holder while
you make a great contribution to support drowning prevention. We truly appreciate your
enthusiasm and commitment to help support The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson TM
as an official Host Location.
As you know, drowning is the second leading cause of unintended, injury-related death for
children ages 1-14, and a leading cause of death for children ages 1-5. Drowning can and
should be prevented and the WLSL Team has the power to make that happen. What we need
to do is make NOISE to let people know how fundamentally important it is to teach kids to
swim. That’s what the WLSL program is all about.
Thanks to our official Host Locations, we’ve had tremendous success. The 2014 WLSL
event set a new Guinness World RecordTM for the largest simultaneous swimming lesson
ever conducted when 36,564 kids and adults representing 22 countries participated last
June. Television, newspaper, radio and online coverage of the event generated more than
50 million media impressions sending the message that Swimming Lessons Save Lives™
message to millions more. With your help, we’ll make our sixth attempt our best ever!
We recognize the extra work you’re taking on to make this event happen. We hope the
information and materials that follow provide all you need to host an amazing event in your
local market. As you review the Host Location Kit, don’t hesitate to ask questions or let us
know how we can be of assistance.
We’re looking forward to another great event in our 6th year of going after a new world
record! With your help, someday soon, families will recognize that teaching our kids how to
swim is as fundamental to their safety as car seats and bike helmets. Just think about how
many lives we can save working together to tell the WLSL story. Amazing, isn’t it?
GO TEAM WLSL!
1
WLSL Program Overview
Have fun with the fact that your facility and all the kids and adults that participate at your event will be World Record Holders!
The purpose of the WLSL event is to get people talking about how fundamentally important it is to teach kids to swim to prevent drowning.
Promoting and publicizing your local WLSL event will be key to the success of the program on the local and national level. Review the Event
Checklist on pages 4 and 5 to help you set up your plan for promoting the event and hosting a great event on June 18th!
The WLSL program offers a wide variety of marketing and promotion materials to support your efforts and help tell the WLSL story
which are highlighted in the following pages. All marketing materials may be downloaded from the Host Location Materials page on
the www.wlsl.org website.
Kudos To Our 4 & 5 Year Supporters!
Our thanks go out to those Host Locations that have been part of Team WLSL since the beginning of this fantastic event. Your
support has helped us get to the point we are today!
5 Year Host Locations:
Aqua Culture Swim School
Aqua Pros Swim School
Aquatica Orlando
Aquatica San Antonio
Blue Buoy Swim School
Breakwater Beach Waterpark
Chesapeake Beach Water Park
Clearfield Aquatic Center
CoCo Key Hotel & Resort Orlando
Hyland Hills Water World
Gulf Islands Waterpark
Lulu Cisneros Educacion Acuatica Colinas
NRH20 Family Water Park
Palm Bay Aquatic Center
Rock River Rapids
Splash! La Mirada Aquatic Center
Water Country USA
Wild Wadi Water Park
4 Year Host Locations:
Academia Via Esporte
Academia Vía Aqua
Bolha D’ Aqua Academia
Natacao & CIA
Anv Interlomas
Anv La Loma
Anv Leon
Anv Linda Vista
Anv Puebla
Anv Queretaro
Anv San Jeronimo
Anv Satellite
Avera Sacred Heart Wellness Center
Charlotte Aquatics
Chatham County Aquatic Center
Chris Lyle Aquatic Center
City of Sumter Aquatic Center
Cunningham Pool
Litchfield Park Aquatic Center
Loma Verde Family Aquatic Center
Northwest Rec Center (Dabney Pool)
Olimpus Centro Acuatico
Quality Swim Ross JCC Boynton Beach
Sandcastle Waterpark
Schlitterbahn Waterpark New Braunfels
Schlitterbahn Waterpark Galveston Island
Schlitterbahn Waterpark Kansas City
South Davis Rec Center
Splash Montana
Steve Lindquist Aquatic Center
Sutton Swim School
Sun Country Sports Center
Sunny Days Swim School
SwimKids-Gainesville
Swimkids-Woodbridge
The Swim Academy Weston
Thomas Sasso Pool
Wet-N-Wild Waterworld
2
Table of Contents
General Overview
Key Event Dates & Checklist.................................................................................................................................. 4
Web and Print Materials
Logos................................................................................................................................................................... 6
Snipes.................................................................................................................................................................. 7
Web banners........................................................................................................................................................ 8
Water safety web banners...................................................................................................................................10
Posters................................................................................................................................................................11
Flyers..................................................................................................................................................................12
Rack card............................................................................................................................................................14
WLSL counter-top brochure..................................................................................................................................15
Ads.....................................................................................................................................................................16
Signage and Event Materials
Teardrop flags.....................................................................................................................................................17
Banners..............................................................................................................................................................18
Yard signs...........................................................................................................................................................19
Recognition certificates....................................................................................................................................... 20
Official WLSL gear...............................................................................................................................................21
WLSL Lesson Overview
WLSL lesson preparation & organization tips...................................................................................................... 22
GWR logo usage................................................................................................................................................. 22
WLSL lesson plan................................................................................................................................................24
WLSL Host Location Guinness World Record ™ (GWR) Submission Guidelines
for Facilities Hosting Fewer Than 100 Participants
Host location guidelines, required and optional materials for fewer than 100 participants......................................... 25
Witness of a GWR Attempt – Statement............................................................................................................... 27
WLSL Host Location Guinness World Record ™ (GWR) Submission Guidelines
for Facilities Hosting More Than 100 Participants
Host location guidelines, required and optional materials for more than 100 participants.......................................... 29
Witness of a GWR Attempt – Statement................................................................................................................31
Steward of a GWR Attempt – Statement.............................................................................................................. 33
WLSL Host Location Guinness World Record ™ (GWR) Submission Guidelines
For Single Venue Record
Host location guidelines, required and optionals materials for a single venue record attempt...............................................35
Witness of a GWR Attempt – Statement............................................................................................................... 38
Steward of a GWR Attempt – Statement.............................................................................................................. 40
WLSL Public Relations Overview
General tips for communicating with the media.................................................................................................. 42
WLSL key message points................................................................................................................................... 43
WLSL press releases........................................................................................................................................... 43
Distributing your WLSL press release.................................................................................................................. 45
WLSL press release template.............................................................................................................................. 46
WLSL media advisory template............................................................................................................................47
WLSL social media opportunities........................................................................................................................ 48
Facts about water safety and drowning prevention.............................................................................................. 49
WLSL water safety tips........................................................................................................................................ 50
WLSL supporting organizations............................................................................................................................51
3
Key Event Dates & Checklist
Thursday (4/16/15) – Advance Event Preparation
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Update or develop your media list including contact info and deadlines for local media and community calendars.
Determine who will work the event and decide if you’ll need to recruit volunteer help including instructors. Partnering with your local swim school, YMCA or Red Cross chapter is a great way to build your program and involve other local entities.
Determine what equipment you’ll need onsite for the event such as a table for participant registration, clip
boards, pens, podium or microphone for your instructors, signs for parking, etc.
Determine who will serve as witnesses and/or stewards for your event. You’ll need to submit two witness letters to qualify your location’s participation. Call or send letters of request to those you’ve selected. See pages 25-34 for more information on witnesses and stewards.
Review the WLSL promotional materials and determine how you will use them to market and promote your
WLSL event in your community.
Customize and print posters and fliers.
Post a WLSL banner on your website.
Wednesday (5/6/15) – Distribute Your First Local Market Press Release
We recommend sending your first press release well before the Memorial Day holiday to position your WLSL
event as a culminating event for National Water Safety Month in May and to increase the likelihood your event
will be included in upcoming Memorial Day weekend/beginning of summer news stories.
Friday (5/8/15) – Increase Your WLSL Promotion Efforts
•
•
•
Put up WLSL posters at grocery stores, coffee shops, bookstores, recreation centers and on other community
bulletin boards.
Distribute WLSL fliers through your local sporting goods stores.
Send an email blast to customers, members and season pass holders.
• All host locations that registered, paid and submitted their release forms by this date will receive a shipment of 25 wristbands to the shipping address provided.
Friday (5/15/15) – International Water Safety Day
Leverage this international day recognizing water safety to recruit local participation in your WLSL lesson. Visit
Internationalwatersafetyday.org to learn more. Let your local media know the WLSL event is just one month away!
Sunday (5/17/15) – Find Local Partners In Your Area
Check the WLSL website to see if there are other facilities in your community that are participating, and if so,
reach out and discuss how you can work together to get the most out of the WLSL event in your market.
Monday (5/18/15) – Suggested WLSL Event Team Meetings
We know this is a tough time of year and getting volunteers and seasonal staff together will be tricky. If
possible, we recommend getting together with all the staff and volunteers you’ve recruited for your WLSL event
to walk through the schedule and review responsibilities. Be sure to discuss timing, your participant registration
process and any special elements you have planned for your facility.
4
Key Event Dates & Checklist continued
Tuesday (5/19/15) – Pre Memorial Day Press Release
National WLSL press release distributed through PR Newswire. Distribute an updated press release to your local
media to capitalize on media coverage surrounding the Memorial Day holiday.
Monday (5/25/15) – Memorial Day Holiday
Friday (5/29/15) – Staff, Instructor, Volunteer Run-Through
• We recommend bringing together your WLSL team one additional time prior to the big day to do a final
walk-through of the participant registration and sign-in process, staging for instructors and any details that will
help ensure an exact start time for your lesson.
• Look for your shipment of 25 wristbands to arrive that are included in your registration fee (Your registration
must be paid by 5/8/2015 to have your wristbands shipped.) In 2015, for groups of 3 or more facilities
we are sending a maximum of 75 wristbands. Consider ordering more from our product partner, Water
Safety Products,1-800-987-7238, if you know you are hosting a larger event. See page 21 for more
details.
Friday (6/5/15) – Registration Officially Closes
At the end of the day, online registration will close to new host location sign ups. If you have already completed
the registration process, then you many disregard this date.
Friday (6/12/15) – Media Invitations Distributed
Distribute WLSL media advisories to local market press to promote onsite photo and video opportunities
available at your facility the day of the WLSL event.
Thursday (6/18/15) – World’s Largest Swimming LessonTM Day!
All WLSL lessons must start at 10 a.m. wherever you are! GO WLSL TEAM!
Don’t forget to Tweet updates and post photos of your event on the WLSL Facebook page today. After all,
we’re setting a NEW WORLD RECORD!
Tuesday (6/30/15) –
POSTMARK DEADLINE for submitting WLSL participant counts and required Guinness World Record TM reporting
materials.
NOTE: To be included in the official Guinness World Record TM submission, all qualification materials (two
witness letters, participant log sheets, still photos and any other required and optional materials) must be
postmarked to WLSL Record Submissions by Tuesday, June 30th.
5
Logos
We encourage you to use the The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson TM logo to help promote the WLSL event in
your local community. The WLSL logo is provided in three different layouts to provide as many options as possible
for individual facility design needs. Samples of the logo variations are shown here. All WLSL logos are available for
download from the Host Location Materials page on www.wlsl.org.
6
Register Today!
ea
m
o
c
Be record
d
worl eaker!
Br
Become a World Record Holder!
d
l
r
o
W cord
re eaker
Br
me a
Beco
june
15
18, 20
Snipes
Snipes or bug graphics can be used anywhere to promote your WLSL event. Add a WLSL Record Breaker bug
to your swimming lesson flyer, special event calendar, newsletter or brochure. The following designs can be
downloaded from the Host Location Materials page on www.wlsl.org.
7
125 x 125
125 x 125
120 x 600
120 x 240
Web banners
Build awareness about your facility’s WLSL event online. Use WLSL banners on your
website; provide them to local sports, recreation and parenting blogs. Share them with
radio stations and other media to leverage public service opportunities. The banners can be linked to the WLSL.org
home page or directly to your website. GIF files of the above banners can be downloaded from the Host Location
Materials page on www.wlsl.org.
8
Web banners continued
468 x 60
234 x 60
I'm A
WLSL Supporter!
Facebook badge
WLSL
240 x 600
9
125 x 125
125 x 125
120 x 240
125 x 125
Water Safety Web Banners
Build water safety awareness with web banner options that showcase targeted safety messages and promote key
calls to action like supervising kids in the water, using life vests and learning to swim. GIF files can be downloaded
from the Host Location Materials page on www.wlsl.org.
10
Drowning
it’s the leading cause
of accidental death
for children ages 1-5.
it shouldn’t be.
Join thousands of kids and families at aquatic facilities and waterparks around the globe
for The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson™ on June 18, 2015. We’re breaking
the Guinness World Record™ to spread the word that Swimming Lessons Save Lives.™
U
IT
ED S TAT
ES
N
EST’D
I
SS
SW
N
1988
M
S CH OOL
A
For more information, visit wLSL.org
© 2015 World’s Largest Swimming Lesson
Join thousands of kids and families at aquatic facilities and waterparks around the globe
for The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson™ on June 18, 2015. We’re breaking
the Guinness World Record™ to spread the word that Swimming Lessons Save Lives.™
U
IT
ED S TAT
ES
N
EST’D
I
Posters
SS
SW
N
1988
M
S CH OOL
A
For more information, visit WLSL.org
© 2015 World’s Largest Swimming Lesson
The WLSL posters are 18 x 24 inches and can be printed as is or customized with your local facility information. A
variety of designs can be downloaded from the Host Location Materials page on www.wlsl.org.
11
Drowning
it’s the leading cause
of accidental death
for children ages 1-5.
Drowning
it’s the leading cause of accidental death
for children ages 1- 5.
it shouldn’t be.
it shouldn’t be.
Join thousands of kids and families at aquatic facilities and waterparks around the globe
for The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson™ on June 18, 2015. We’re breaking
the Guinness World Record™ to spread the word that Swimming Lessons Save Lives.™
N
U
A
For more information, visit wLSL.org
© 2015 World’s Largest Swimming Lesson
Join thousands of kids and families at aquatic facilities and waterparks around the globe
for The
World’s Largest Swimming Lesson™ on June 18, 2015.
We’re breaking the Guinness World Record™ to spread the word that Swimming Lessons Save Lives.™
Don’t miss the chance to participate in this record-breaking event and help prevent drowning,
the leading cause of injury-related death of children ages 1-5.
U
IT
ED S TAT
ES
N
EST’D
I
SS
SW
N
1988
M
S CH OOL
ED S TAT
N
1988
M
I
I
SS
N
SW
SW
S CH OOL
IT
EST’D
1988
M
A
SS
U
ED S TAT
EST’D
ES
IT
ES
N
Join thousands of kids and families at aquatic facilities and waterparks around the globe
for The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson™ on June 18, 2015. We’re breaking
the Guinness World Record™ to spread the word that Swimming Lessons Save Lives.™
S CH OOL
A
For more information, visit wLSL.org
Join thousands of kids and families at aquatic facilities and waterparks
around the globe for The
World’s Largest Swimming Lesson™
on June 18, 2015. We’re breaking the Guinness World Record™
to spread the word that Swimming Lessons Save Lives.™
Don’t miss the chance to participate in this
record-breaking event and help prevent drowning,
the leading cause of injury-related death
of children ages 1-5.
U
IT
ED S TAT
ES
N
EST’D
N
1988
I
M
© 2015 World’s Largest Swimming Lesson
SS
SW
For more information, visit WLSL.org
© 2015 World’s Largest Swimming Lesson
S CH OOL
A
For more information, visit WLSL.org
© 2015 World’s Largest Swimming Lesson
Flyers
The WLSL flyers are 8.5 x 11 inches and can be printed as is or customized with your local facility information. A
variety of designs can be downloaded from the Host Location Materials page on www.wlsl.org.
12
Flyers
continued
Join the WLSL Team and Help Us Set A New World Record
to Spread the Word – Swimming Lessons Save Lives!™
(Your f
acility’s name)
is a registered WLSL Host Location for the world record attempt for
The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson. ™
What:
Join us, along with kids and parents at aquatic facilities across the country
and around the globe as we set a new Guinness World Record™ for the
largest swimming lesson in 24 hours ever conducted, to spread the word
Swimming Lessons Save Lives!™
Where:
When:
Thursday, June 18, 2015 at 10 a.m.
Registration begins at (time that you want individuals to arrive at your facility to go
through registration and sign in process.)
Please note the Guinness World Record™ attempt begins precisely at 10 a.m.(your
Everyone participating in the record attempt must be registered, in position and
ready to begin the lesson well before the official start time for the lesson.
For more information go to WLSL.org or contact:
13
Set a Record –
Save a Life
Thursday, June 18, 2015
Join thousands of kids and families at aquatic facilities
and waterparks around the globe for
The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson.™
We’re breaking the Guinness World Record™
to spread the word that Swimming Lessons Save Lives.™
For more information go to: WLSL.org
© 2015 World’s Largest Swimming Lesson
Rack card
The WLSL rack card is 4 x 9 inches and can be customized on the back. This file can be downloaded from the Host
Location Materials page on www.wlsl.org.
14
Make a difference June 20th
DROWNING
It’s the leading cause
of accidental death
for children ages 1- 5.
it shouldn’t be.
it’s the leading cause
of accidental death
for children ages 1-5.
It shouldn’t be.
Drowning
Front
Join us for the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson,
become a World Record Holder
and help put an end to childhood drowning.
June 18, 2015
Make a difference June 18th
wLSL.org
Inside
Back
WLSL Counter-Top Brochure
This small, folded brochure is 4 x 3.5 and folds to 2 x 3.5 finished size. It is perfect for placing on counter-tops at local
supermarkets, gas stations, health clubs, community centers, libraries and many other places where people stop and
see information. Artwork for this piece can be downloaded from the Host Location Materials page on www.wlsl.org.
15
Join thousands of kids and families at aquatic facilities and waterparks
around the globe for The
World’s Largest Swimming Lesson™
on June 18, 2015. We’re breaking the Guinness World Record™
to spread the word that Swimming Lessons Save Lives.™
Don’t miss the chance to participate in this
record-breaking event and help prevent drowning,
the leading cause of injury-related death
of children ages 1-5.
For more information, visit WLSL.org
© 2015 World’s Largest Swimming Lesson
Ads
The WLSL ad is 4.5 x 5.75 inches and is available in color and black and white. It is ready to distribute to local
newspapers, Penny Savers, magazines and other print publications. It is available to download from the Host
Location Materials page on www.wlsl.org.
16
Teardrop Flags
The WLSL teardrop flags are available in two designs (shown above) and may be ordered through your local vendor.
Or a previous version is available through our merchandise sponsor Water Safety Products. See page 21 for more
information.
17
Banners
Two WLSL banner designs, one vertical 3x5 foot and one horizontal 5x3 foot, are available. Banners can be used
to build excitement and provide a backdrop for photos indoors and out in advance of and during the event. They are
available to download from the Host Location Materials page on www.wlsl.org.
18
Your
logo here
Become a
World Record Holder!
Media
Become a
World Record Holder!
June 18, 2015
Check-in
Parking
Yard Signs
A variety of yard signage is available to promote the event in your community, as well as day-of-event signage to direct
lesson participants and media at your facility. These files can be downloaded from the Host Location Materials page
on www.wlsl.org.
19
Congratulation
s!
THIS CERTIFIES THAT
YOU HELPED SET A
NEW WORLD RECORD
FOR THE WORLD'S LARGEST
SWIMMING LESSON
June 18, 2015
Official Team Member
Helping Spread the Word –
Swimming Lessons Save Lives!TM
Congratulation
s!
THIS CERTIFIES THAT
HELPED SET A
NEW WORLD RECORD
FOR THE WORLD'S LARGEST
SWIMMING LESSON
June 18, 2015
Official Team Member
WLSL Host Facility
Helping Spread the Word –
Swimming Lessons Save Lives!TM
Recognition Certificates
WLSL is a very special world-record-setting event and we ask that every participant take home a WLSL World Record
Holder Certificate of Achievement as a thank you and remembrance of what we accomplished. Two versions of the
2015 certificate are provided – a generic one that can be printed en mass and distributed the day of the event and
a version that includes lines to fill in the name of your facility and the individual participant. PDFs can be downloaded
from the Host Location Materials page on www.wlsl.org.
20
Official WLSL Gear
Adult WLSL Drowning is Preventable
Moisture Wicking T-shirt
SKU: 833-WLSL
Price: $20.00
World’s Largest Swimming Lesson
Women’s Moisture Wicking Sport Polo
SKU: 5092-WLSL
Price: $38.50
World’s Largest Swimming Lesson
Men’s Moisture Wicking Sport Polo
SKU: 5091-WLSL
Price: $38.50
Quantity Pricing:
1-5$38.50
6+$35.00
Quantity Pricing:
1-5$38.50
6+$35.00
World’s Largest Swimming Lesson
Womens Performance Pique
(also available in orange)
SKU: 12346-WLSL
Price: $39.50
World’s Largest Swimming Lesson
Men’s Dry Excel Performance Pique
(also available in orange)
SKU: 12446-WLSL
Price: $39.50
World’s Largest Swimming Lesson
Raglan Jacket
SKU: JST60
Price: $26.00
Quantity Pricing:
1-5$39.50
6+$36.00
Quantity Pricing:
1-5$39.50
6+$36.00
Adult World’s Largest Swimming
Lesson T-Shirt
SKU: 808-WLSL
Price: $15.00
Youth World’s Largest Swimming
Lesson T-Shirt
SKU: 808-WLSL-Y
Price: $12.00
World’s Largest Swimming Lesson
Flex Hat
SKU: 315FF-WLSL
Price: $15.00
Ladies’ World’s Largest Swimming Lesson
Board Short
SKU: 912-WLSL
Price: $21.25
Men’s World’s Largest Swimming Lesson
Board Short
SKU: 922-WLSL
Price: $28.50
World’s Largest Swimming Lesson
Thin Strap Swimsuit
SKU: 909-WLSL
Price: $36.00
Quantity Pricing:
1-12$21.25
13-60$19.00
61-120$16.00
121+$14.50
Quantity Pricing:
1-12$28.50
13-60$26.50
61-120$22.50
121+$19.50
Quantity Pricing:
1-12$36.00
13-59$30.00
60-120$26.50
121+$22.50
World’s Largest Swimming Lesson
Khaki Microfiber Short for Women
SKU: 913-WLSL
Price: $23.00
World’s Largest Swimming Lesson
Khaki Microfiber Short for Men
SKU: 922W-WLSL
Price: $30.50
World’s Largest Swimming Lesson
20 oz. Water Bottle
SKU: 294-WLSL
Price: $3.00
Quantity Pricing:
1-12$23.00
13-60$21.00
61-120$18.00
121+$16.50
Quantity Pricing:
1-12$30.50
13-60$28.50
61-120$24.50
121+$21.50
World’s Largest Swimming Lesson
8’ Teardrop Flag
SKU: 0040
Price: $175.00
World’s Largest Swimming Lesson
Wristband
SKU: WLSL-BAND
Price: $.50
Quantity Pricing:
1-5$175.00
6+$145.00
World’s Largest Swimming Lesson
Ribbon
SKU: 20008
Price: $.75
Quantity Pricing:
1-49$.75
50+$.60
Cross base with water bag
SKU: 0041
Price: $39.00
Quantity Pricing:
1-5$39.00
6+$35.00
Official WLSL Gear is available through our official sponsor Water Safety Products! Grab a variety of WLSL shirts,
hats and water bottles to sell or provide as incentives, prizes and appreciation gifts for participants, instructors, staff
and volunteers. All merchandise can be purchased online from Water Safety Products: www.watersafety.com/wlsl.
Prices listed here are merely a sample and may change at any time.
21
WLSL Lesson Overview & Curriculum
The WLSL lesson covers key messages about how to be
safe in and around the water and fundamental skills for
beginning swimmers that can be practiced by a wide
variety of students. Keep in mind that the WLSL event was
designed to be a promotional tool to build awareness
about the importance of teaching kids to swim. The goal
is to have broad-based participation, set a new world
record and generate media attention. The WLSL lesson
is structured so that it can be successfully adapted/
implemented by a wide variety of participating facilities,
allowing all locations to meet these objectives and
comply with the Guinness World Record ™
Several New 2015 criteria include:
• NEW for 2015: WLSL lessons must take place at
10 a.m. wherever you are. This means everyone
involved in your event (instructors, participants,
volunteers, etc.) must be poolside and ready to
begin the lesson precisely at this time. Guinness
requires that you begin and end the record attempt
with a whistle, shot or starter signal that can be
easily heard by all participants.
• NEW for 2015: Your WLSL lesson must last at
least 30 minutes and be timed with stop watches
accurate to .01 second. A free online stopwatch
is available at www.online-stopwatch.com. This
is accurate to .01 second and is approved by
Guinness to use. Witnesses should be in charge of
timekeeping and use of the stopwatches.
• NEW for 2015: On the witness statement the
witness needs to circle Yes they are aware of
all the guidelines. Before the event, go over with
the witnesses that there are 4 guidelines for the
event. 1. There is a minimum of 25 participants.
2. All entrances and exits must be clearly marked
and controlled to note anyone not completing the
lesson. 3. Acceptable counting methods must be
used (turnstile, clickers, barcode ticketing, ticket
stubs or wristbands) 4. Photographs must be taken
to document the lesson.
• NEW for 2015: On the witness letter there is
a section for the witness to write in their own
words what they saw during the lesson, how
•
•
•
•
•
•
many participants, that stopwatches were used,
that there was a signal to start and end the
lesson, that all were participating to the best of
their ability, etc. DO NOT LET THE WITNESSES
SKIP THIS SECTION. If left blank, Guinness will not
count your facility number in the record attempt.
All individual participants, including instructors
and supporting staff will need to sign in on an
official WLSL Log Book Sheet PRIOR to the start
of the lesson. (WLSL log book sheet templates
for small, medium and large events are provided
on the Host Location Materials page.) Each Log
Book sheet requires one witness initials. This may
take awhile depending on how many people are
participating. Please be sure to plan accordingly
so that everyone can sign in well in advance of
your actual lesson start time—think in terms of the
process used for a triathlon or 5K check-in.
All participating facilities must teach the same
lesson at 10 a.m.
Your WLSL lesson must last at least 30 minutes.
(The curriculum is designed to run 30 minutes.)
Your WLSL lesson must be taught by a certified
swimming instructor.
Everyone participating in your WLSL lesson must
be able to see/hear your instructors and be able
to follow their direction.
Everyone participating must complete the whole
lesson to be counted as a participant for the
world record. If someone drops out of the lesson
before it ends, they can’t be included in your final
participant count. Note: this does not mean that
the participant needs to successfully perform a skill
that you’ve taught, just that they participate in the
whole lesson.
Guinness World Records™ Logo Usage
A note about use of the Guinness World Records™ logo—
the GWR logo is a registered, licensed trademark and
cannot be used without licensing.
The Guinness World Record™ phrase may be used in the
body copy of press releases about your participation in
22
the WLSL world record attempt without licensing, but may
not be used in the headline of your release. The phrase
Guinness World Record™ should always include the TM.
WLSL Lesson Preparation and Organization Tips
The more preparation you do in advance, the more
smoothly your WLSL event will run. The following
checklist will help you think through what arrangements
need to be made to ensure you have a successful event
on the big day.
Pre-Lesson Preparation Check List:
o Appropriate number of certified swimming
instructors
o Appropriate number of lifeguards
o Appropriate number of first-aid personnel
o Appropriate number of non-aquatic volunteers
o Appropriate media support personnel
o Appropriate shade available for participants and
spectators
o Appropriate spectator seating / viewing area
o Media / dignitary area has been set aside
o Designate photo-op locations with signage
o Determine “off limits” areas and prepare signs/
barriers. All entrances and exits must be clearly
marked and controlled
o Gather needed instructional swimming / aquatic
rescue equipment
o Gather needed game equipment for lesson skills
o Gather needed demonstration equipment for
lesson skills
o Create event day signage and develop location
posting plan
o Ensure guest flow plan complete
o Prepare inclement weather plan (there will be no
rain-date for the event)
o Gather event supplies / equipment
o Plan for registration tables & supplies
o Gather retail / souvenirs supplies
o Review food and beverage options
o Gather event support equipment (PA, stanchions)
Pre-Event Communication for Participants
Your lesson participants need to be prepared too!
Consider creating a flier or pre-event email to share
information including:
• What to wear, what to bring and what NOT to
bring (floaties)
• How on-site registration will work at your facility
the day of the lesson
• What time to arrive at your facility for an on-time
lesson start
• How long your registration process will take on
June 18th
The WLSL Lesson Plan
Remember, learning to swim is a process, not a single
day event. This one-time lesson event is designed to build
awareness and teach beginners how to be safer in and
around the water, not replace a longer, structured learn-toswim program. While many lesson participants will have
already mastered the basic skills taught in this lesson (the
lesson is open to swimmers of all skill levels), the WLSL
event is still a great opportunity to teach and refresh skills
that make everyone safer around the water. The WLSL
lesson plan is designed so swimming instructors from
different certifying organizations can utilize their individual
backgrounds and presentation methods to engage and
instruct lesson participants.
The event must take place in a restricted area. You may
certainly have this event in an open body of water but
the area must be restricted. This means there must be an
area adjacent to where the participants enter the water
that is restricted so you can get an accurate count. This
can be as simple as putting up caution tape or rope. The
organizers in an open body of water attempt must ensure
that everyone is counted before they enter the water.
The official curriculum is broken down into individual skill
areas that build upon each other and should be covered
in sequence. In order to cover the full curriculum in the 30
minutes allotted, instructors must follow the suggested skills
timeline.
• Note: There is no specific requirement for a Student/
Instructor ratio. However, there must be adequate
supervision by instructors and lifeguards to ensure
everyone’s safety and to ensure that all participants can
follow along and complete the lesson’s activities.
SAFETY FIRST! Regardless of the number of
participants or instructors involved, you must staff
and implement your WLSL event in a manner that
ensures the safety of all participants.
23
The WLSL Lesson Plan
10:00 a.m. Introduction of Event Guidelines, Lesson Objectives & Instructors
10:02 a.m. Safety – General Overview of Water Safety Awareness Messages and Key Skills
1.
2.
3.
4.
Following posted safety rules and warnings
Summoning help in aquatic emergencies
Throwing & reaching assists
Sun safety
10:05 a.m. Entry – Overview of Safe Entry into Water and a Review of Entry Hazards
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Stairs and ladders
From the side – forward
From the side – stomach
Feet-first jump
Shallow water dangers
Deep water dangers
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Blow bubbles
Submerge face
Open eyes underwater
Shallow water bobbing
Picking up objects under water
10:15 a.m.
Floating – Teach Front / Back Floating Skills (Assisted or unassisted based on swimmer skill level)
10:08 a.m. Breathing / Submerging – Learn to Comfortably Submerge Face and Hold Breath Underwater
1.
2.
3.
4.
Front float
Back float
Rolling front to back
Calling for help
Front glide
Kicking at the wall or with a partner
Rhythmic breathing at the wall or with a partner
Alternating arm stroke while standing
Front crawl stroke
10:22 a.m. Strokes – Teach Basic Locomotion and Stroke Component Skills
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
10:30 a.m. Lesson Concludes
24
WLSL Host Location Guinness World Record TM
Submission Guidelines For Facilities Hosting
Fewer Than 100 Participants
We need help to ensure your facility’s participation is
included in the WLSL Guinness World Record TM (GWR)
submission and that our record attempt of more than
40,000 participants can be verified in a timely manner.
Official Guinness World Record
Submission Requirements For Facilities
Hosting Fewer Than 100 Participants:
Please note that there are new guidelines for 2015.
To be counted in the official GWR attempt, all facilities
will need to provide the following proof of participation.
A. Original log sheets listing all WLSL participants,
initialed by a witness. Send the original log sheets
plus one copy of the log sheets
B. Two independent witness statements. Send the
original statements plus one copy of each
C. Photos of your event
q Log Book Sheets: To verify the total number of
participants in The World’s Largest Swimming
Lesson TM record attempt at all the different
participating venues, Host Locations must register
each lesson participant on an official WLSL log
sheet on the day of the event. This log sheet
shows proof of participation and also includes a
liability and publicity release. To qualify for the
Guinness World Record TM everyone participating
in the WLSL lesson at your facility must sign the
WLSL Participant Log Sheet. This includes all
instructors and lesson helpers.
One witness must also verify and initial each log
sheet. We’ve provided WLSL Log Sheet templates
as PDFs in three sizes: small (30 participants),
medium (75 participants) and large (100+
participants), which can be downloaded from the
Host Location Materials page on www.wlsl.org.
qWitnesses: Each venue must retain two official
witnesses that are NOT in any way affiliated with
their park or facility. Each witness must complete
the GWR Witness Statement form describing
his or her personal witness of the event. The
new form can be found on pages 27 & 28 and
downloaded from the materials page at wlsl.
org. A generic letter is no longer accepted by
Guinness.
q Still Photographs: Each venue is required to
submit “original” photos of the event. They can
be submitted in a digital format (CD-ROM or
DVD), or as traditional photographic prints.
Please send in 2 sets of your photos. The kind
of pictures should be from various angles and
ones taken at different stages of the event (start,
during, end). Try to capture the action!
Notes about Participant Count:
•There MUST be a MINIMUM of 25
PARTICIPANTS in your lesson to be included
in the Guinness World Record. Instructors
and swimmers count – be sure all instructors
and participating staff sign your log sheets. All
participants must complete the full lesson to be
included in the final count.
•PLEASE NOTE – If you have MORE THAN 100
PARTICIPANTS, please skip ahead to page 29
for your guidelines.
New For 2015!
q Your WLSL lesson must last at least 30 minutes.
The lesson must be timed with stopwatches
accurate to .01 second. A free online stopwatch
at www.online-stopwatch.com can be used and
is accurate to .01 second. Any loud start and
stop signal that is recognized by all participants
must be used.
25
WLSL 2015 Record Submission Check List
For Facilities Hosting Fewer Than
100 Participants
Host Locations must send all submission materials via mail
or over-night delivery. Shipments must be postmarked by
Tuesday, June 30th.
All Host Locations must provide the following:
q Original official WLSL log sheets – each log sheet
initialed by one of your witnesses
q One copy of the official WLSL log sheets
q Two original official WLSL witness statement forms
completed by third party witnesses
q One copy of both original official WLSL witness
statement forms
q 1-5 photos of your event – please submit two disks
of event photos or 2 sets of the printed photos
Optional Materials
Please consider sending in additional materials including
media coverage and video of your event to support the
record submission and to be considered for publication
in the Guinness World Record books, and other outlets
promoting the WLSL event. Your materials make it
possible for the WLSL Team to send the message
Swimming Lessons Save LivesTM to millions!
q Media Coverage: To confirm our WLSL record,
we must submit media coverage of the event from
newspapers, magazines or recordings of local
television or radio reports featuring the successful event.
If you secure press coverage in your local market,
please submit that with your other materials.
World Record Materials Postmark Submission Deadline:
Tuesday, June 30th, 2015
All record submission materials must be postmarked to the
following address no later than Tuesday, June 30, 2015.
WLSL Host Facility
World Record Materials Submission
Claim #: 473151
C/o World Waterpark Association
8826 Santa Fe Drive, Suite 310
Overland Park, KS 66212
Submission of all items mentioned by the deadline
indicated will ensure your venue’s inclusion in the final
record submission.
If you have any additional questions or concerns
regarding the process, please email: [email protected].
Optional Materials:
q Video Footage: We need 10 percent of host
locations to provide video footage of the full 30
minute lesson. It should show all entrances and
exits being monitored by uncut, time-stamped
video. The counting process must be clearly
visible in the frame of the video. Please contact
the WLSL organizers if you are willing and able to
provide this video footage by emailing bbuda@
wlsl.org. Video can be submitted on DVD, flash
drive or CD ROM, in MOV, MPEG or other digital
media file formats. Videos posted on YouTube
are acceptable. Please provide a URL in your
submission materials.
26
Witness of a Guinness World Records
Attempt – Statement
June 18, 2015 All fields required for statement to be complete.
I,
declare that I am not associated with, or
related to, the record organizers or participants, nor have anything to gain from the final outcome of the attempt.
Therefore I have acted as a witness of the Guinness World Records attempt for the record: The World’s Largest
Swimming Lesson™ at multiple locations on June 18, 2015 at 10 a.m. wherever you are.
I am aware of all specific guidelines. I confirm that all have been adhered to.
¨ YES ¨ No
The World’s Largest Swimming LessonTM has the Claim ID number 473151
My current job title/profession is:
I work for:
My contact details are (All fields are required):
Name:
Address:
City:
Province/State:Country:
Telephone number:
Email address:
I acted as a witness in this record attempt because my field of expertise is:
¨
N/A as an expert. It is more important that an instructor be suitably qualified than it is a witness.
I am including my business card to this witness
statement:
¨
YES
(Place your business card here)
¨
NO
27
Our June 18, 2015 10 a.m. WLSL record attempt took place at:
Facility or Venue Name:
City:
Province/State:Country:
Time Zone:
Stopwatches or the free online stopwatch www.online-stopwatch.com must be used for the 30 minute lesson.
Please check all boxes that apply to your experience.
¨
¨
¨
Our event lasted 30 minutes
We used stopwatches or the online stopwatch
I verify each signature is a unique individual and that I supervised the check-in process.
You must write in your own words what you saw. Do not skip this section! If left blank, your facility’s total cannot
be included in the Guinness record.
WHAT DID YOU SEE / MEASURE / EVALUATE AS A WITNESS?
Did all participants participate to the best of their ability?
¨ YES ¨ No
I witnessed a final total number of ___________ participants who participated to the best of their ability.
I am willing to be contacted by Guinness World Records to discuss any details regarding this record claim.
Signature:
Date:
28
WLSL Host Location Guinness World Record TM
Submission Guidelines For Facilities Hosting
100 or More Participants
World’s La
rgest Swim
ming Less
on Log Sh
ee
By registe
TM
ring
June 20,
2014
Today, Assoc on the WLSL log
sheet, I ackno
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(NASCO),
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iation (ISIA),
), Australasian
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& Preve
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Indep
Institut
Products,
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ing all
INATI, Intern ntion, Colin’s Hope Leisure Manageme t
World Wate e, Swim For Life
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Prevention endent Pool & Spa
nt;
ationa
’s Largest National Supporting
Foundation,
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rpark Assoc
l Swimming , CPSC’s Pool Safely
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Hall of Fame
,
ted or tested ming Lesson (WLSOrganizations, State iation (WWA), and The C.L.A.Y. Found A), National Recre iation (IPSSA),
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The desig
Organizatio
nizations
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n, construction
in
tors, partic employees, licensees, ns and Sponsors
for
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sees
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and
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(“Releasees
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ts,
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and
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ts
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enance of
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associated stockholders, affilia nsibility of each
ians or for
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facility
any acts or
with the devel
tes, subsid
on payab
therewith
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omissions
le to me.
including, to use, publish and
on the part opment and execu
tising and
without limitat
displa
of any facility
tion
ion, for adver y my name, voice
in connectionof this event shall
, photo
tising, public
with this event.
ity and trade graphs or other likene
name (PRIN
purposes
T)
in any and ss in connection with
all media
worldwide
We need help to ensure your facility’s participation is
included in the WLSL Guinness World Record TM (GWR)
submission and that our record attempt of more than
40,000 participants can be verified in a timely manner.
their park or facility. Each
witness must complete the
GWR Witness Statement
form describing his or
her personal witness
of the event. The new
form can be found on
pages 31 & 32 and
downloaded from
the materials page at WLSL.org. A generic
letter is no longer accepted by Guinness.
address
participant’
s/guardian
’ssign
ature
city/state/z
ip
name (PRIN
T)
email
address
participant’
s/guardian
’ssignature
city/state/z
ip
name (PRIN
T)
email
address
participant’
s/guardian
’ssign
ature
city/state/z
Official Guinness World Record
Submission Requirements for Facilities
Hosting 100 or More Participants:
A. Original log sheets listing all WLSL participants,
initialed by a witness. Please send one copy of the
log sheets.
B. Two independent witness statements
C. Steward statement forms for every set of 50
participants
D. Photos of your event
q Log Book Sheets: To verify the total number of
participants in The World’s Largest Swimming
Lesson TM record attempt at all the different
participating venues, Host Locations must register
each lesson participant on an official WLSL log sheet
on the day of the event. This log sheet shows proof
of participation and also includes a liability and
publicity release. To qualify for the Guinness World
Record TM everyone participating in the WLSL lesson
at your facility must sign the WLSL Participant Log
Sheet. This includes all instructors and lesson helpers.
One witness must also verify and initial each log
sheet. We’ve provided WLSL Log Sheet templates as
PDFs in three sizes: small (30 participants), medium
(75 participants) and large (100+ participants),
which can be downloaded from the Host Location
Materials page on www.wlsl.org.
qWitnesses: Each venue must retain two official
witnesses that are NOT in any way affiliated with
ip
name (PRIN
T)
email
address
participant’
s/guardian
’ssign
ature
city/state/z
ip
name (PRIN
T)
email
address
participant’
s/guardian
’ssignature
city/state/z
ip
name (PRIN
T)
email
address
Facility Nam
e:
Date: June
20,
Please note that there are new guidelines for 2015.
To be counted in the official GWR attempt, all facilities
hosting more than 100 participants will need to provide
the following proof of participation.
t
city/state/z
participant’
s/guardian
’ssignature
ip
2014
Witness intia
ls:
email
Number
of participa
nts per page
:
1
qStewards: For events larger than 100
participants, GWR is requiring the use of a
steward for every set of 50 people participating
in the lesson. For example, if you have 200
participants, you will need two Witnesses and four
Stewards. These Stewards MAY be employees of
the facility. Each Steward must complete the GWR
Steward Statement form, which can be found
on pages 33 & 34. GWR has added this to the
requirements to ensure that these larger groups are
being accurately observed and counted.
Stewards must be clear on exactly which
participants they are observing. This can be done
in a number of ways. One way is to separate
the groups of 50 in different areas of the pool.
Another way is to have certain groups wear
swim caps of a certain color. Make a plan to
differentiate your groups of 50. The steward needs
to write how his or her group was different on the
steward statement.
q Still Photographs: Each venue is required to submit
“original” photos of the event. Please send in 2
sets of your photos. They can be submitted in a
digital format (CD-ROM or DVD), or as traditional
photographic prints. The kind of pictures should
be from various angles and ones taken at different
stages of the event (start, during, end). Try to capture
the action!
29
WLSL 2015 Record Submission Check List
For Facilities Hosting 100 or More Participants
Host Locations must send all submission materials via mail
or over-night delivery. Shipments must be postmarked by
Tuesday, June 30th.
All Host Locations must provide the following:
q Original official WLSL log sheets including
participant names – each log sheet initialed by one
of your witnesses
q One copy of the official WLSL log sheets
q Two original official WLSL witness statement forms
completed by third party witnesses
q One copy of both original official WLSL witness
statement forms
q All steward statement forms filled out for every set of
50 participants
q One copy of all steward statement forms
q 1-5 photos of your event – please submit two disks
of event photos
Optional Materials
Please consider sending in additional materials including
media coverage and video of your event to support the
record submission and to be considered for publication
in the Guinness World Record books, and other outlets
promoting the WLSL event. Your materials make it
possible for the WLSL Team to send the message
Swimming Lessons Save LivesTM to millions!
media file formats. Videos posted on YouTube
are acceptable. Please provide a URL in your
submission materials.
q Media Coverage: To confirm our WLSL record,
we must submit media coverage of the event from
newspapers, magazines or recordings of local
television or radio reports featuring the successful event.
If you secure press coverage in your local market,
please submit that with your other materials.
World Record Materials Postmark Submission Deadline:
Tuesday, June 30th, 2015
All record submission materials must be postmarked to the
following address no later than Tuesday, June 30, 2015.
WLSL Host Facility
World Record Materials Submission
Claim #: 473151
C/o World Waterpark Association
8826 Santa Fe Drive, Suite 310
Overland Park, KS 66212
Submission of all items mentioned by the deadline
indicated will ensure your venue’s inclusion in the final
record submission.
If you have any additional questions or concerns
regarding the process, please email: [email protected].
Optional Materials:
q Video Footage: We need 10 percent of host
locations to provide video footage of the full 30
minute lesson. It should show all entrances and
exits being monitored by uncut, time-stamped
video. The counting process must be clearly
visible in the frame of the video. Please contact
the WLSL organizers if you are willing and able to
provide this video footage by emailing bbuda@
wlsl.org. Video can be submitted on DVD, flash
drive or CD ROM, in MOV, MPEG or other digital
30
Witness of a Guinness World Records
Attempt – Statement
June 18, 2015 All fields required for statement to be complete.
I,
declare that I am not associated with, or
related to, the record organizers or participants, nor have anything to gain from the final outcome of the attempt.
Therefore I have acted as a witness of the Guinness World Records attempt for the record: The World’s Largest
Swimming Lesson™ at multiple locations on June 18, 2015 at 10 a.m. wherever you are.
I am aware of all specific guidelines. I confirm that all have been adhered to.
¨ YES ¨ No
The World’s Largest Swimming LessonTM has the Claim ID number 473151
My current job title/profession is:
I work for:
My contact details are: (All fields are required)
Name:
Address:
City:
Province/State:Country:
Telephone number:
Email address:
I acted as a witness in this record attempt because my field of expertise is:
¨
N/A as an expert. It is more important that an instructor be suitably qualified than it is a witness.
I am including my business card to this witness
statement:
¨
YES
(Place your business card here)
¨
NO
31
Our June 18, 2015 10 a.m. WLSL record attempt
Facility or Venue Name:
City:
Province/State:Country:
Time Zone:
Stopwatches or the free online stopwatch www.online-stopwatch.com must be used for the 30 minute lesson.
¨
¨
¨
Our event lasted 30 minutes
We used stopwatches or the online stopwatch
I verify each signature is a unique individual and that I supervised the check-in process.
You must write in your own words what you saw. Do not skip this section! Left blank your facility’s total cannot be
included in the Guinness record.
WHAT DID YOU SEE / MEASURE / EVALUATE AS A WITNESS?
Did all participants participate to the best of their ability?
¨ YES ¨ No
I witnessed a final total number of ___________ participants who participated to the best of their ability.
I am willing to be contacted by Guinness World Records to discuss any details regarding this record claim.
Signature:
Date:
32
Steward of a Guinness World Records
Attempt – Statement
June 18, 2015 All fields required for statement to be complete.
I,
have acted as a steward of the Guinness
World Records™ attempt for the record: The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson™ at multiple locations on June 18,
2015 at 10 a.m. wherever you are.
My current job title/profession is:
I work for:
My contact details are: (All fields are required)
Name:
Address:
City:
Province/State:Country:
Telephone number:
Email address:
Our June 18, 2015 10 a.m. WLSL record attempt took place at:
Facility or Venue Name:
City:
Province/State:Country:
Time Zone:
The role of a steward is to supervise smaller groups of 50 participants during the attempt in order to ensure full
participation of all involved to the best of their ability. I noted any participants who need to be deducted from the total
final count. I agree and have performed this role to the best of my ability.
¨ YES ¨ No
We differentiated my group of 50 by: (separating the groups in different areas of the pool, having them wear
different color swim caps, colored ropes on buoys, etc...)
¨ YES ¨ No
How did you differentiate your group?
33
Please write an answer in each section!
How did you count the participants?
¨
Turnstile
¨
Clickers
¨
Barcode ticketing system
¨
Ticket stubs
¨
Wristbands
For your section of 50 participants or less, how many did you observe? (this is not the facility’s overall total of
participants)
How many of these participated fully, as per the specific guidelines of the record?
How many participants did you have to disqualify and why?
I am willing to be contacted by Guinness World Records to discuss any details regarding this record claim.
Signature:
Date:
34
WLSL Host Location Guinness World Record TM
Submission Guidelines For
Single Venue Record
World’s L
Last year, a new record of 1308 participants was set for the
largest swimming lesson conducted at a single venue. If your
facility is interested in submitting your WLSL event materials
to be considered for the single venue record, please read
through the following GWR guidelines carefully.
q Log Book Sheets: To verify the total number of
participants in The World’s Largest Swimming
Lesson TM record attempt at all the different
participating venues, Host Locations must register
each lesson participant on an official WLSL log sheet
on the day of the event. This log sheet shows proof
of participation and also includes a liability and
publicity release. To qualify for the Guinness World
Record TM everyone participating in the WLSL lesson
at your facility must sign the WLSL Participant Log
Sheet. This includes all instructors and lesson helpers.
One witness must also verify and initial each log
sheet. We’ve provided WLSL Log Sheet templates as
imming L
esson Lo
g Shee
participa
nt’s/gua
t
rdian’ss
ignature
city/state
/zip
name (PRI
NT)
email
address
participa
nt’s/gua
rdian’ss
ignature
city/state
/zip
name (PRI
NT)
email
address
participa
nt’s/gua
rdian’ss
ignature
city/state
/zip
name (PRI
NT)
email
address
Please note that there are new guidelines for 2015
A. Original log sheets listing all WLSL participants,
initialed by a witness
B. Proof of implementation of official GWR-approved
counting methods
C. Two original official WLSL witness statement forms
completed by independent, third-party witnesses
D. Steward statements forms completed for every set
of 50 participants
E. 1 aerial shot of the event as it is happening or 1
group shot
F. 1-5 general photos of your event
G. Video footage of the entire event including the 30
minute lesson
2014
address
Official Guinness World Record
Submission Requirements For Largest
Swimming Lesson At A Single Venue:
To be considered for the official GWR single venue
attempt, you MUST provide the following proof of
participation.
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(NA
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nal, Amusem
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sement Ma
website, inclung, Water Safety Starfish Aquatics
Prev
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), Indepen
Institute, SwiNational Drowning
Products,
dent Poo gazine, INATI, Inter ention, Colin’s Hop Leisure Manage ent
Wo
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Prevention
ment;
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Date: Jun
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1
PDFs in three sizes: small (30 participants), medium
(75 participants) and large (100+ participants),
which can be downloaded from the Host Location
Materials page on www.wlsl.org.
q Official Counting Methods: GWR has approved
the following methods of counting participants:
turnstile, clickers, barcode ticketing system, ticket
stubs (wristbands). One of these methods must
be used on the day of the event and witnessed
by your stewards for notation on their forms.
For example, once someone has completed
the witness log form, have an employee place
a wristband on them. At the conclusion of the
event, have everyone exit through one controlled
area and collect each wristband from the
participants who exit.
qWitnesses: Each venue must retain two official
witnesses that are not in any way affiliated with
their park or facility. Each witness must complete
the GWR Witness Statement form describing
his or her personal witness of the event. The
form can be found on pages 38 & 39 and
downloaded from the materials page at wlsl.
org. A generic letter is no longer accepted by
Guinness.
35
qStewards: For events larger than 100
participants, GWR is requiring the use of a
steward for every set of 50 people participating
in the lesson. For example, if you have 200
participants, you will need two Witnesses and
four Stewards. For single venue record attempts,
Stewards MAY NOT be employees of the
facility or affiliated with the host venue in any
way. Each Steward must complete the GWR
Steward Statement form, which can be found
on pages 40 & 41. GWR has added this to the
requirements to ensure that these larger groups
are being accurately observed and counted.
Each steward must complete the steward
statement letter.
Example:
Number of Stewards Needed:
101-149 participants..................... 3 stewards
150-199 participants..................... 4 stewards
200-249 participants..................... 5 stewards
250-299 participants..................... 6 stewards
300-349 participants..................... 7 stewards
etc...
q Still Photos: A facility that attempts to break the
single-venue record must submit “original” photos
of the event. This includes ONE AERIAL PHOTO
of the crowd or a photo showing
the entire group. Along with this aerial or
group shot, the facility should submit 1-5 general
photos that showcase what is happening at the
event. The photos can be submitted in a digital
format [CD-ROM or DVD], or as traditional
prints. When possible, please provide details on
those included in your photos.
q Video Footage: Any facility that attempts to set
a new single-venue record must submit video
footage of the entire check-in process, as well as
the 30-minute lesson. The video should show all
entrances and exits being monitored by uncut,
time-stamped video. The counting process must
be clearly visible in the frame of the video.
New For 2015!
q Your WLSL lesson must last at least 30 minutes.
The lesson must be timed with stopwatches
accurate to .01 second. A free online stopwatch
www.online-stopwatch.com can be used and is
accurate to .01 second. Any loud start and stop
signal that is recognized by all participants must
be used.
Notes about Adjudication Option:
•If you are interested in having your record
attempt certified on the day of the event,
Guinness offers the services of an adjudicator.
Please note: there are fees associated with
working with an adjudicator. If you’d like more
details on this, please email [email protected].
•
If you are planning to go after for the Single
Venue Attempt, Guinness World Records highly
suggests that you review and submit in advance
specific information for pre-approval. This will
help ensure that you will be in compliance with
Guinness’ record requirements. Please contact
Bernadine Buda at [email protected] or by
calling +1-913-599-0300 to request this list of
information. Any attempts not pre-approved by
Guinness World Records may be rejected if the
process is not deemed acceptable.
36
WLSL 2015 Record Submission Check List For
Single Venue Record
Please send all submission materials via mail or
overnight delivery. Shipments must be postmarked by
Tuesday, June 30th.
All single-venue record attempters must provide the
following:
q Original log sheets listing all WLSL participants,
initialed by a witness
q One copy of the official WLSL log sheets
q Proof of implementation of official GWR-approved
counting methods
q Two original official WLSL witness statement forms
completed by independent, third-party witnesses
q One copy of both original official WLSL witness
statement forms
q Steward statements forms completed for every set of
50 participants
q One copy of all steward statement forms
q 1 aerial shot of the event as it is happening or 1
group shot
q 1-5 general photos of your event – please submit
two disks with event photos
q Video footage of the entire event including the 30
minute lesson – please submit two DVDs of event
footage
Optional Materials:
q Media Coverage: To confirm our WLSL record,
we must submit media coverage of the event from
newspapers, magazines or recordings of local
television or radio reports featuring the successful event.
If you secure press coverage in your local market,
please submit that with your other materials.
World Record Materials Postmark Submission Deadline:
Tuesday, June 30th, 2015
All record submission materials must be postmarked to the
following address no later than Tuesday, June 30, 2015.
WLSL Host Facility
World Record Materials Submission
Claim #: 473151
C/o World Waterpark Association
8826 Santa Fe Drive, Suite 310
Overland Park, KS 66212
Submission of all items mentioned by the deadline
indicated will ensure your venue’s inclusion in the final
record submission.
If you have any additional questions or concerns
regarding the process, please email: [email protected].
Optional Materials
Please consider sending in additional materials including
media coverage and video of your event to support the
record submission and to be considered for publication
in the Guinness World Record books, and other outlets
promoting the WLSL event. Your materials make it
possible for the WLSL Team to send the message
Swimming Lessons Save LivesTM to millions!
37
Witness of a Guinness World Records Attempt –
Statement For Single Venue Record
June 18, 2015 All fields required for statement to be complete.
I,
declare that I am not associated with, or
related to, the record organizers or participants, nor have anything to gain from the final outcome of the attempt.
Therefore I have acted as a witness of the Guinness World Records attempt for the record: The World’s Largest
Swimming Lesson™ at multiple locations on June 18, 2015 at 10 a.m. wherever you are.
I am aware of all specific guidelines. I confirm that all have been adhered to.
¨ YES ¨ No
The World’s Largest Swimming LessonTM has the Claim ID number 473151
My current job title/profession is:
I work for:
My contact details are: (All fields are required)
Name:
Address:
City:
Province/State:Country:
Telephone number:
Email address:
I acted as a witness in this record attempt because my field of expertise is:
¨
N/A as an expert. It is more important that an instructor be suitably qualified than it is a witness.
I am including my business card to this witness
statement:
¨
YES
(Place your business card here)
¨
NO
38
Our June 18, 2015 10 a.m. WLSL record attempt
Facility or Venue Name:
City:
Province/State:Country:
Time Zone:
Stopwatches or the free online stopwatch www.online-stopwatch.com must be used for the 30 minute lesson.
¨
¨
¨
Our event lasted 30 minutes
We used stopwatches or the online stopwatch
I verify each signature is a unique individual and that I supervised the check-in process.
You must write in your own words what you saw. Do not skip this section! Left blank your facility’s total cannot be
included in the Guinness record.
WHAT DID YOU SEE / MEASURE / EVALUATE AS A WITNESS?
Did all participants participate to the best of their ability?
¨ YES ¨ No
I witnessed a final total number of ___________ participants who participated to the best of their ability.
I am willing to be contacted by Guinness World Records to discuss any details regarding this record claim.
Signature:
Date:
39
Steward of a Guinness World Records
Attempt – Statement
June 18, 2015 All fields required for statement to be complete.
I,
declare that I am not associated with, or
related to, the record organizers or participants, nor have anything to gain from the final outcome of the attempt.
Therefore, I have acted as a steward of the Guinness World Records™ attempt for the record: The World’s Largest
Swimming Lesson™ at multiple locations on June 18, 2015 at 10 a.m. wherever you are.
My current job title/profession is:
I work for:
My contact details are: (All fields are required)
Name:
Address:
City:
Province/State:Country:
Telephone number:
Email address:
Our June 18, 2015 10 a.m. WLSL record attempt took place at:
Facility or Venue Name:
City:
Province/State:Country:
Time Zone:
The role of a steward is to supervise smaller groups of 50 participants during the attempt in order to ensure full
participation of all involved to the best of their ability. I noted any participants who need to be deducted from the total
final count. I agree and have performed this role to the best of my ability.
¨ YES ¨ No
We differentiated my group of 50 by: (separating the groups in different areas of the pool, having them wear
different color swim caps, colored ropes on buoys, etc...)
¨ YES ¨ No
How did you differentiate your group?
40
Please write an answer in each section!
How did you count the participants?
¨
Turnstile
¨
Clickers
¨
Barcode ticketing system
¨
Ticket stubs
¨
Wristbands
For your section of 50 participants or less, how many did you observe? (this is not the facility’s overall total of
participants)
How many of these participated fully, as per the specific guidelines of the record?
How many participants did you have to disqualify and why?
I am willing to be contacted by Guinness World Records to discuss any details regarding this record claim.
Signature:
Date:
41
WLSL Public Relations Overview
The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson TM provides an
unprecedented opportunity to work with the media to
convey that loss of life from drowning can be prevented
through awareness and training. The WLSL 2014 event
helped spread the Swimming Lessons Save Lives™
message to millions of people around the globe. Media
outlets in all major US markets carried the recordbreaking story and we expect even more coverage as
the event enters its 6th year in 2015.
opportunity in your market. Use the materials we’ve
provided, don’t hesitate to ask questions if we can be
of help and keep us posted on how you’re doing. Local
network affiliate media coverage often prompts national
media interest. We’ll keep you posted as well to provide
updates and information that may be helpful to your PR
efforts.
The WLSL program provides all the right elements
to support and develop a successful public relations
campaign at the local and national level. As you
develop your PR plan, keep the following in mind.
If you’re not accustomed to working with the local
media, keeping a few things in mind will help ensure
your communications efforts are effective and productive.
WLSL is:
Timely: The timing of the WLSL event is days before
the first official day of summer. Media outlets will be
interested in stories about the beginning of the summer
swimming season before and after the Memorial Day
holiday.
Relevant: The issue is a matter of life and death for
children. Tragically, fatal drowning remains the secondleading cause of unintentional, injury-related death for
children ages 1 to 14 years. And, a leading cause of
death for children 1-5.
Far Reaching: The issue impacts families and children
everywhere around the globe – regardless of geography,
race or economics.
Newsworthy: We’re setting a new world record –
doing something hard to do!
A Great Human Interest Story: The WLSL event brings
together tens of thousands of individuals from hundreds
of communities around the globe that are committed
to saving lives by teaching kids how to be safe in and
around the water. People from California to Florida and
Denver to Dubai – all coming together at the same time
to tell the world how vital it is that every child learns how
to swim.
We encourage you to make the most of this PR
General Tips for Communicating with the Media
•Have confidence in the story you’re telling and in
your own expertise. You know more than anyone
else about your business. And, your experience
with water safety and the aquatics industry provide
a resource for journalists.
•Always remember, you’re in control of your
answers to any questions from the press. If
you know ahead of time you are going to be
interviewed, take some time to think about the three
most important points you want to make about
the WLSL event and what is happening at your
facility. Write your three message points down and
keep them in front of you. Refer to them during the
interview if you need to. This will help prepare you
and keep the interview focused on your messages.
•Be concise in your communications. You’ll have
more control if your answers are direct and
straightforward. This applies to both verbal and
written communications with the media.
•Journalists typically look for short, interesting
accounts of humorous or unusual incidents that
support or illustrate a particular point. Be prepared
to give examples and specifics. How many people
are participating, etc.
•Make a point of reading your local paper and
watching a variety of local TV news programs. It
helps to be familiar with the variety of media in
your community as well as the names and faces
42
of your local news journalists and TV personalities.
Make sure you’re familiar with any journalists/
media that will be onsite for your WLSL event.
•If you are interviewed on TV, consider wearing a
shirt with your logo on it. Or, if the camera crew
comes to your facility, stand in a place where your
park or pool signage will be seen in the backdrop.
This provides a visual reinforcement of the name of
your facility.
•After giving an interview, let the journalist know that
you are happy to serve as a resource in the future.
WLSL Key Message Points
Keep these message points in mind when you develop
your WLSL press releases and to help your prepare for
media interviews about your WLSL event.
•The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson™ was
created as a platform to communicate that
Swimming Lessons Save Lives! ™
•The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson™ provides
a great opportunity for children and their parents
to actually become world record holders while
they help spread the vital message that Swimming
Lessons Save Lives.™
•What is exciting about the WLSL event is that so
many organizations and individual aquatic facilities
are coming together to make it happen. The WLSL
helps capture all the passion we have for this
critical issue as individuals and focuses all that
energy on one message for one day.
•It’s tragic that drowning is preventable and yet it
remains the leading cause of unintended, injury
related death of children ages 1-5 in the U.S. and
the second leading cause for kids 1-14 – with
more than one in four fatal drowning victims being
children 14 and younger.
•We are celebrating our sixth year of this worldwide event. This year’s event on the 18th is a great
way to kick off the official start of summer.
•The results from the 2014 event were amazing.
Last year we set a new Guinness World
Record™ with 36,564 participants representing
22 countries. Aquatic facilities, from Aquatica
SeaWorld near Orlando, Florida to swim schools
in Orange Country, CA, to parks & recreation
centers in Atlanta, to locations in Mexico, Brazil,
Dubai and the U.K., all taught the same swimming
lesson at the same time with one goal in mind –
send the message Swimming Lessons Save Lives.™
•By working together, we set our fifth Guinness
World Record™ and generated 50 million media
impressions about this critical issue at the beginning
of the summer swimming season.
•Being safe in and around the water requires more
than just swimming lessons. But, learning to swim
and the exposure to the water safety skills and
messages that swimming lessons offer provides a
lifelong foundation for drowning prevention.
•Swimming is a life-saving skill for children and
a vital part of a multi-step approach to prevent
drowning.
•There is always risk associated with being in,
on and around the water. But, loss of life from
drowning CAN and SHOULD be prevented by
making sure kids and adults are water aware.
•The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson™
culminates National Water Safety Month - a
month long initiative that takes place in May to
support ongoing public education on water safety
and always being water aware.
• The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson™ is being
supported by a coalition of the nation’s leading
water safety and training organizations, media
partners and state-level organizations.
WLSL Press Releases
We recommend distributing at least two Press Releases/
Advisories about your facility’s participation in the WLSL
world record attempt.
Writing your WLSL Press Releases:
A press release is the standard format for conveying
news to the media. It should be factually oriented, telling
journalists what the news is and all pertinent information
in the most clear and concise manner possible. There are
several mandatory components for a good press release:
43
1. Contact information, including name and phone
number of the person from your facility who can
answer questions from the media.
5. In most cases, a quote from the facility owner or
manager expressing an opinion about the news
being released.
2. An inviting headline that will catch a journalist’s
interest.
6. An end paragraph that includes factual details
about your facility, such as ownership, special
features, history and your address.
3. A first paragraph that gives the: who, what,
when, where and why in a clear and concise
manner.
Refer to the sample press release that follows to learn
more about how to write your WLSL event press release.
4. The date the press release is being issued.
44
Distributing Your WLSL Press Release
Most journalists prefer to receive press releases by e-mail, though it’s always best to confirm. Regardless of the
delivery method (email, fax, FedEx, regular mail), be sure to include or begin with a cover letter/email that provides a
concise overview of the main idea for your WLSL story, why it’s relevant and how you can help. Follow up by phone
shortly after you send your release to see if your contact has questions or needs any additional material.
Here’s a sample WLSL cover letter for reference.
Dear (Journalist Name),
Imagine being part of a world record setting team. Kids in the (your city name) area will have a chance to do just
that on Tuesday, June 18th. (Your Facility’s Name) is an official Host Location for The World’s Largest Swimming
Lesson™ (WLSL) – an international Guinness World Record™ attempt taking place at pools and waterparks around
the globe to focus attention on the vital importance of teaching kids to swim.
Tragically, drowning is the leading cause of unintended, injury related death of children ages 1-5. The World’s
Largest Swimming Lesson™ was created to help spread the word that Swimming Lessons Save Lives,™ just in time
for the first day of summer.
Swimming is one of life’s great pleasures and we want to keep it that way! We would love to work with you to share
this story with your (readers, viewers, listeners).
I’ve included a press release on the event and would be happy to put you in touch with (facility owner, general
manager or spokesperson’s name) if you’d like to gather more information about the event or water safety and
drowning prevention.
Feel free to call me at (Your Phone number).
Sincerely,
(Your Name)
45
WLSL Press Release Template
(Print on your company letterhead)
Contact: (Name)
(Phone Number)
(Email Address)
For Immediate Release
Team WLSL™ Set to Break World Record on June 18, 2015.
Largest Swim Lesson in 24 Hours Sends the Message
Swimming Lessons Save Lives™ to millions around the globe.
(Your Facility Name) Serving as an Official Host Location
(City), (Date) – On Thursday, June 18th, 2015, tens of thousands of kids and adults at aquatic facilities around the
world will unite for the sixth year in a row to set a new Guinness World Record.™ The global record attempt for The
World’s Largest Swimming Lesson™ (WLSL), will take place at 10 a.m. wherever you are.
Team WLSL holds the current Guinness World Record™ for the largest simultaneous swimming lesson, which stands
at 36,564 participants representing 22 different countries! The 2014 WLSL event generated more than 50 million +
media impressions, spreading the event’s important message to hundreds of thousands of families.
Tragically, drowning remains the leading cause of unintended, injury related death for children ages 1-5, and the
second leading cause of accidental death for children under 14. Research shows participation in formal swimming
lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by 88% among children aged 1 to 4, yet many kids do not receive formal
swimming or water safety training.
[INSERT NAME OF HOST FACILITY] will be serving as an official Host Location Facility for the WLSL 2015 event.
Parents are invited to learn more about this phenomenal event by visiting WLSL.org.
###
46
WLSL Media Advisory Template
Contact: (Name)
(Phone Number)
(Email Address)
(Print on your company letterhead)
MEDIA ADVISORY
World’s Largest Swimming Lesson™ - June 18, 2015
Who:
Thousands of children around the globe are participating in The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson™
to help beat the leading cause of unintended, injury related death of children ages 1-5. (Estimated
participant count at your facility) of kids and families will be on site at (Your facility’s name) to participate
in this global event.
What:
The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson™ Guinness World Record™ attempt for the largest swimming
lesson in 24 hours ever conducted.
When: Thursday, June 18, 2015
(Local time) am: Media check-in begins
(Local time) am: WLSL event kick off
(Local time) am: WLSL world record attempt begins
Where: (Your facility name)
(Your facility address)
(Your City, State, Zip)
Why:
The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson™ was created to spread the word that Swimming Lessons Save
Lives™ – tragically, drowning is the leading cause of unintended, injury related death of children ages 1-5.
Interview/Visuals:
(Your facility spokesperson) will be available for interviews, visuals of (estimated participant count)+
children participating in the world record attempt lesson taking place in (TBD) countries and (TBD) states/
territories in the US.
Please Call for Media Access and Parking
WLSL Local Event Contact: (Your contact name, cell: (111) 111-1111, email:)
47
WLSL Social Media Opportunities
The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson TM is on
Facebook and Twitter!
The WLSL fan base is growing every day! If you haven’t
done so already, become a WLSL fan on Facebook and
follow us on Twitter.
Don’t forget to send WLSL a friend request for you
facility’s page too! The WLSL social network will help us
build buzz, awareness and excitement leading up to the
big day!
Being a WLSL fan means you have access to fun updates
as well as another great promotional tools to help build
buzz and awareness about your individual facility’s local
WLSL event.
Use Facebook and Twitter to drive participation and
media interest!
Put a Facebook logo on your website and suggest visitors
become WLSL fans. Recommend that your seasonal staff
become WLSL fans. Post wall comments and updates on
how you’re preparing for the event. Give a shout out and
recognize your top swimming instructors or share stories
about your first swimming lesson.
Tweet, Post and Share on Facebook and Instagram
on the Big Day!
If you have a Twitter Account for your venue, feel free
to tweet and add the #wlsl hashtag on event day to let
everyone know you’re part of the action. Tweet about
your last minute preparations and your count down to the
event.
Be sure to post your event photos on the WLSL
Facebook page.
Go to http://www.facebook.com/worldslargestswimming
lesson?Fref=ts and add your images by clicking on the
Photos Icon under the box “What’s On Your Mind?”
48
Facts About Water Safety and
Drowning Prevention
The following data, along with other research on
drowning prevention and water safety can be found on
the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s website:
http://www.cdc.gov/HomeandRecreationalSafety/
Water-Safety/waterinjuries-factsheet.html
http://www.cdc.gov/safechild/NAP/overviews/
drowning.html
How big is the problem?
•Unintentional drowning killed 1,027 U.S. children
in 2010. More children ages 1-4 die of drowning
each year than of any other cause except birth
defects. Drowning rates also vary by race; African
American children 5-14 years old drown at three
times the rate of Caucasian children. This difference
is even greater, five times the rate of Caucasian
children, when looking just at swimming pools,
usually the safest place for recreational swimming.
•Half of all patients treated for drowning in
emergency departments require hospitalization
or transfer for further care and many are left with
permanent disabilities from brain injuries. Hospital
care does not substantially change the outcomes of
drowning, which is why prevention is critical.
•From 2005-2009, there were an average of
3,533 fatal unintentional drownings (non-boating
related) annually in the United States – about
ten deaths per day. An additional 347 people
died each year from drowning in boating-related
incidents.
•About one in five people who die from drowning
are children 14 and younger. For every child
who dies from drowning, another five receive
emergency department care for nonfatal
submersion injuries.
•Nonfatal drowning can cause severe brain
damage that may result in long-term disabilities
such as memory problems, learning disabilities
and permanent loss of basic functioning (e.g.,
permanent vegetative state.)
Who is most at risk?
•Males: Nearly 80% of people who die from
drowning are male.
•Children: Children ages 1-4 have the highest
drowning rates. In 2009, among children 1-4
years old who died from an unintentional injury,
more than 30% died from drowning.
•Minorities: Between 2005 and 2009, the fatal
unintentional drowning rate for African Americans
was significantly higher than that of whites across
all ages.
•Rates of fatal drowning are notably higher among
these populations in certain age groups. The fatal
drowning rate of African American children ages 5
to 14 is almost 3 times that of white children in the
same age range.
Factors such as the physical environment (e.g., access
to swimming pools) and a combination of social
and cultural issues (e.g., valuing swimming skills and
choosing recreational water-related activities) may
contribute to the racial differences in drowning rates.
What has research found?
•Participation in formal swimming lessons can
reduce the risk of drowning among children
ages 1-4 years. Brenner RA, Taneja GS, Haynie
DL, Trumble AC, Qian C, Klinger RM, Klevanoff
MA. Association between swimming lessons and
drowning in childhood: A case-control study.
Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine
2009;163(3):203-10.
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WLSL Water Safety Tips
Learn to swim
Swimming Lessons Save Lives™ – the best thing anyone
can do to stay safe in and around the water is to learn to
swim. This includes both adults and children. Note: The
American Academy of Pediatrics now supports swimming
classes after the age of 1 if the child is emotionally and
developmentally ready.
Never leave children unattended
Parents are the first line of defense in keeping kids safe in
the water. Never leave children unattended near water,
not even for a minute. If your child’s in the water, you
should be too! Constant, careful supervision and barriers
such as pool fencing are necessary even when children
have completed swimming classes.
Read all posted signs
Follow posted safety rules and warnings. Teach kids
that being safe in and around the water is a personal
responsibility – yours and theirs.
Never swim alone or in unsupervised places
Teach your children to always swim with a buddy.
Wear a life jacket
If you or a family member is a weak or non-swimmer,
wear a life vest. It’s nothing to be embarrassed about
and many facilities provide them at no charge.
Look for lifeguards
It is always best to swim in an area supervised by
lifeguards, but remember, lifeguards are the last line of
defense when all other layers of protection fail.
Don’t drink alcohol
Avoid alcoholic beverages before or during swimming,
boating or engaging in other water-related activities.
Never drink alcohol while supervising children around
water. Teach teenagers about the danger of drinking
alcohol while swimming.
Avoid water wings
Do not use air-filled swimming aids (such as “water wings”
in place of life jackets or life preservers with children. Using
air-filled swimming aids can give parents and children a
false sense of security. These air-filled aids are toys and are
not designed to be personal flotation devices.
Watch out for the dangerous “toos” and don’t take risks
Don’t get too tired, too cold, too far from safety, exposed
to too much sun or experience too much strenuous
activity. Don’t take chances by overestimating your
swimming skills.
Note the weather
Pay attention to local weather conditions and forecasts.
Stop swimming at the first indication of bad weather.
Use sunscreen
Apply sunscreen on all exposed skin to ensure maximum
skin protection. Hats, visors and shirts are recommended
to prevent overexposure.
Keep toddlers in shallow play areas
Zero-depth entry pools have water games, sprays and
fountains with no appreciable water depth.
Follow age & height instructions as well as health
restrictions
Restrictions apply to many rides and attractions at pools
and waterparks. Size and coordination is critical to
safety inside open water flumes. Guests with neck or
back problems, heart conditions, prevalence toward
motion sickness or pregnancy should not ride high-speed
or rapid-descent rides.
Use plastic swim diapers
Many pools require them. Note where changing
areas are located and use these designated, sanitized
changing spots.
Spit it out
Teach kids not to drink pool water. To prevent choking,
never chew gum or eat while swimming, diving or
playing in water.
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