Dollywood’s Splash Country hosted Water Safety Day and participated in an international attempt to set a new Guinness World Record™
June is a particularly important month for water safety especially as it relates to children. That’s just one reason why Dollywood’s Splash Country is committed to water safety education and awareness. It’s also why the water park hosted Water Safety Day in conjunction with the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson (WLSL). This eighth annual event was held on Thursday, June 22. Area partners LeConte Medical Center, The Dr. Robert F. Thomas Foundation, WVLT Local 8 News and Star 102.1 joined with Dollywood’s Splash Country to host the event.
Water park guests visited vendor booths to learn about staying safe in the water and sun. They also joined the attempt to set a new record for the world’s largest swimming lesson!
WLSL
This worldwide swim lesson happens at pools and water parks around the globe on June 22. 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, more than 40,000 kids and adults from 24 countries participated in setting the Guinness World Record for largest swim lesson.
"LeConte Medical Center is proud to partner once again with our friends at Dollywood's Splash Country and the Dr. Robert F. Thomas Foundation for Water Safety Day," said LeConte Medical Center President/CAO Gaye Jolly. "Opportunities to provide health education to the families in our community are very important to us. We want to do all we can to promote a healthy and safe summer for the children of our region."
Water Safety Awareness
Time in the water can be dangerous for children because drowning remains the leading cause of unintended injury-related death for kids ages 1-4, and the second leading cause of accidental death for children younger than 14. Research shows participation in formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by 88 percent among children ages 1 to 4.
“We love our community and we want everyone to be safe in the water this summer,” explained Dollywood’s Splash Country General Manager Janet Dawson. “This event is an opportunity for us to lead the way in awareness and education about water safety, so we’re proud to host it.”
