BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (WMBD) — The Bloomington-Normal YMCA and the city of Bloomington’s Parks & Rec Department are teaming up to participate in a global swimming challenge.
From 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on June 25, children in Bloomington will join others across six continents to participate in the “World’s Largest Swimming Lesson,” said Cody Demas, the aquatic/youth sport program manager with the Bloomington Parks & Recreation Department.
Taking place at the O’Neil Aquatics Center, the program is to help prevent drowning. The need is considered urgent, with the American Academy of Pediatrics reporting drowning as the leading cause of death for children aged 1-4 and the second-highest cause of death for children aged 5-14.
“Bloomington Parks & Rec and the Bloomington-Normal YMCA, and members of the McLean County Water Coalition are joining the fight,” Demas said. “Swimming skills are more than recreation—they’re protection.”
Tim Ready, the Bloomington-Normal YMCA Senior Aquatics Director, said the timing is strategic and takes place before the July 4th Weekend, which sees an increase in water-related accidents.
“By timing this event right before July 4th, we’re putting essential knowledge in families’ hands exactly when they’re most at risk,” Ready said.
Those interested in participating can secure a spot by registering online.
WMBD TV first reported this story. You can read the original story online at CIProud.com.
