x
Breaking News
More () »

Help break the record for the world's largest swimming lesson

Old Town Pool in Alexandria is offering FREE swimming lessons on Thursday evening to promote safe swimming and hopefully, break a world record.
Credit: Louise Krafft
Old Town Pool offers a sunny spot to swim in Alexandria, Virginia.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Summer is here and the pools are open, but do you know how to swim?

More than 54% of all Americans either can't swim or don't have all of the basic swimming skills, according to a Red Cross survey

But on Thursday, all ages are invited to participate in the World's Largest Swimming Lesson -- and the Old Town Pool in Alexandria is joining in on the fun. 

RELATED: How to stay safe in the water this summer

Over the course of 24 hours, tens of thousands of youth and adults at aquatic facilities around the world will learn how to swim in hopes of setting a world record.

Trained water safety instructors and Wahoos Swim Team coaches will be offering FREE swimming lessons from 6:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. at the Old Town Pool. U.S. Olympic Swimmer Maddy Crippen will also be there to spread awareness about the importance of teaching swimming lessons.

All are welcome, but registration is required. Anyone who's interested in attending should contact Recreation Manager Lindsay Burnesonlindsay.burneson@alexandriava.gov, and her phone number is (703) 746-5457.

Sign up for the Get Up DC newsletter: Your forecast. Your commute. Your news.

Before You Leave, Check This Out