Disney Hosts Over 650 Children for World’s Largest Swimming Lesson

Typhoon Lagoon recently served as a gathering spot for the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson at Walt Disney World Resort. The company has never shied away from hosting large events that let children have fun while being educated on important life lessons. Disney World has been making waves lately with its ongoing battle with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. But no one can deny the importance of the topic that Disney is diving into the deep to educate children on!

Making a Splash

Over 650 Florida youth from six nonprofit organizations gathered at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, ready and excited to leap into the water and learn some lessons. The event aimed to promote safe water practices worldwide and give these kiddos the skills they need to conquer the swells confidently.

Tajiana Ancora-Brown, the Director of External Affairs at Walt Disney World Resort, explained the importance of hosting this humongous activity: “Students need access to these critical safety lessons, especially here in Florida, where we’re practically surrounded by water. Hosting the largest site in the state means our impact on their lives is huge! Who knows, maybe we’ll inspire future recreation enthusiasts or lifeguards. Talk about making a splash!”

Joining the party was none other than Maritza Correia McClendon, a former Olympic silver medalist, and the first African American woman to make the US Olympic swim team. She had no problems rising to the challenge of helping the army of children learn some valuable swimming techniques.

☀️@WaltDisneyWorld started the summer by hosting more than 650 students at Typhoon Lagoon for The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson – the largest event site in the state. Students from 6 Florida nonprofits gained critical new swimming skills, water safety knowledge and inspiration! pic.twitter.com/6bAWQ2obNS

— Disney Parks (@DisneyParks) June 24, 2023

Disney stressed the importance of swimming and water safety as essential to living in Florida. With lakes, ponds, and waterways scattered around everywhere, kids need to know their backstrokes from their belly flops. Hopefully, Typhoon Lagoon’s giant waves didn’t put too much pressure on teaching these valuable lessons!

Having Fun in the Sun

The event wasn’t all about teaching. Children got to enjoy their time at the water Park once it ended. Disney Guests know how fun Typhoon Lagoon can be, though the lazy river is obviously the best place to relax! The children also had the chance to mingle with beloved Disney characters like Mickey Mouse and Stitch.

The opportunity to meet with Disney lifeguards and the recruiting team was perhaps less exciting for the children but equally important. It’s never too early to gain a passion for wearing the iconic lifeguard red swimsuits and ensuring everyone stays afloat at Disney World.

Disney isn’t letting a little pushback stop them from championing water safety in the most magical way possible. This adorable event serves as a reminder of the good the company can do for the sunshine state. As Dory can’t help but sing repeatedly, just keep swimming!