World's Largest Swimming Lesson Attempt Takes Place With Help From The Bronx
By MIKE GRAHAM wpix.com

10:52 a.m. EDT, June 3, 2010
BRONX (WPIX)—
St. Mary's Recreation Center joined with more than 175 aquatic facilities around the world in an attempt to hold the largest synchronized swimming lesson ever Thursday.

The international event was held to build awareness about how critical it is to teach children to swim to help prevent drowning, according to the New York City Parks Department.

Swim to Safety was launched jointly with the Parks Department and the New York City Department of Education. The program helps 2nd and 3rd graders gain a comfort level in the water by showing them how to float, how to tread water and learn basic swim skills.

Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death in children under five.