Thousands of children around the world will make a splash Thursday, as they try to sink the world record for Largest Swimming Lesson.
West Michigan is taking part as well, as 40 kids and families will participate at the Holland Community Aquatic Center-- an official Host Location.
In addition to setting a record, they also want to raise awareness of water safety. Drowning is the second leading cause of injury-related death for children between 1 and 14 years old. Research also shows that if a child doesn't learn to swim before the third grade, he or she likely never will.
The first World's Largest Swimming Lesson took place in 2010, and last year's event grew more than 400 percent. Thirteen countries were represented.
"We're thrilled to see such incredible growth of the WLSL program in two short years," said Rick Root, president of the World Waterpark Association, in a press release. "The greater the participation, the more families we're able to reach with this crucial message."
Thursday's event starts at 11 a.m.
