Attempt at record-breaking swim

Swimmers across the Fylde coast took part in a record-breaking Guinness World Record attempt for the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson.
Pool: SandcastlePool: Sandcastle
Pool: Sandcastle

It was the fifth year Blackpool’s Sandcastle took part in the event, with swimmers taking part in a 30-minute lesson.

Tens of thousands of people across the world took part in the record bid – and organisers are still collating how many people took part across the globe.

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The World Waterpark Association organises the event to promote the vital message that swimming lessons save lives.

Pool: St Annes YMCAPool: St Annes YMCA
Pool: St Annes YMCA

Tragically, drowning remains the leading cause of accidental death for children aged one to five, and the second leading cause of accidental death for children under 14.

It has been proven that participation in swimming lessons can reduce the chance of drowning by 88 per cent.

The current record for the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson was set last year and stands at a huge 36,564 participants across 22 countries – a huge figure organisers are hoping to have topped this year.

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The Sandcastle worked closely with seven different venues on the Fylde coast, including Moor Park, Palatine, Kirkham YMCA, Poulton YMCA, Garstang YMCA, St Annes YMCA and Red Marsh School, to get hundreds of local children involved.

Pool: Poulton YMCAPool: Poulton YMCA
Pool: Poulton YMCA

John Child, managing director of Sandcastle Waterpark said: “I am delighted to announce that we had a grand total of 451 participants across all eight venues.

“I would like to say a huge thank-you to all the children who took part and their schools, plus the facilities and instructors, as without them we wouldn’t have been able to pull this off.

“While this is a fun event, the key message is vitally important and it is that swimming lessons save lives, and I urge all parents to take their children to swimming lessons as you never know when you’ll require these fundamental skills.”