Dollywood's Splash Country to host Seventh Annual Water Safety Day and participate in the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson on June 24.
As the June sun heats up, people head to the water to seek relief from the rising temps. In an effort to educate and raise awareness about staying safe while having fun, Dollywood’s Splash Country hosts Water Safety Day in conjunction with the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson (WLSL) on Friday, June 24 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Event partners LeConte Medical Center, The Dr. Robert F. Thomas Foundation, WATE-TV and Star 102.1 join Dollywood’s Splash Country to put on this fun event. Guests can visit interactive vendor booths to learn about water and sun safety and they also can participate in an attempt to set a new world record during the Seventh Annual World’s Largest Swimming Lesson at 10 a.m!
This worldwide swim lesson happens at water parks around the globe on June 24. Dollywood’s Splash Country is one location where swimmers of all ages and abilities come to take part in the lesson in hopes of breaking the world record. Last year, 38,170 people from 22 countries participated to set the Guinness World Record for largest swim lesson. This year, the WLSL team hopes to have more than 40,000 people participate as they spread the message that swimming lessons save lives. LeConte Medical Center President/CAO Jenny Hanson said,
"Water Safety Day is a very effective way for LeConte Medical Center and the Dr. Thomas Foundation to provide important health education to the families in our community. We are continuing to partner with Dollywood's Splash Country in an effort to keep the children of Sevier County healthy and safe this summer and beyond."
Time in the water can be dangerous for children because drowning remains the leading cause of unintended injury-related death for kids ages 1 to 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 percent among children ages 1 to 4.
The attempt to set a new world record begins at 10 a.m. at Mountain Waves wave pool. Vendor booths are open until 2 p.m.Guests who visit the vendor booths to learn about water and sun safety will receive a Splash Pass, allowing them to receive a prize at each booth. Once the participants have visited all vendors, they may turn their pass in for the chance to win two season passes to Dollywood’s Splash Country. Dollywood’s Splash Country General Manager, Mike Brown said,
“As a water park, we recognize the importance of water safety education. We love that we’re able to host an informative event and have some fun while we do it. The safety of our guests will always be our top priority.”
Water Safety Day and WLSL registration begins Friday, June 24 at 9 a.m. at Dollywood’s Splash Country. The park opens to guests at 9:30 a.m. Guests should arrive early to register before the WLSL begins at 10 a.m. Dollywood’s Splash Country admission is required to participate in Water Safety Day and may be purchased on-site or online at Dollywood.com.
