ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – As kids across Central Florida are looking to beat the heat this summer, Walt Disney World hosted the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson at Typhoon Lagoon.
Nearly 600 children from five nonprofits across Central Florida took part in the annual event, which Disney has participated in since 2011.
For many of the young participants, it was their first introduction to swim safety, a skillset that carries extra weight in a water-rich state like Florida.
“Just giving them that confidence and that important lifetime reminder of these important safety tips will stay with them, but we get to do that with fun as well,” Tajiana Ancora-Brown, director of Walt Disney World external affairs said.
This year, kids got a surprise visit from one of the best in the world — Olympic gold medal swimmer and ESPN Take Back Sports Ambassador Simone Manuel.
Alongside 100 Disney lifeguards, Manuel led hands-on swim lessons focused on learning and fun.
“It’s not just about going out there and winning medals, but really just giving people the confidence to be safe in the water,” Manuel said.
For years, Manuel has championed inclusivity by bringing water safety access to underserved communities.
“It is a passion of mine to bring water safety and swim awareness to communities of color,” she said.
For Adam Hayes, the event marked his first swim lesson. Alongside friends from the Boys & Girls Club, he walked away with newfound confidence in the water.
“I’ve learned a bunch of moves, and since I’m in Florida, there’s a bunch of water everywhere,” Hayes said.
The excitement didn’t stop with the lesson. After learning the fundamentals of water safety, the kids got to enjoy the rest of the park.
For many children in attendance, it was their first time visiting a water park, making the experience not only educational but truly unforgettable.