Rec centers offering free swim lesson

Three of Dayton’s recreation centers will participate in an international water safety lesson Thursday, that will be free to the public.

The annual event, dubbed World’s Largest Swimming Lesson Thursday is scheduled for 10 a.m., and is held in 20 countries with a goal to teach basic water safety and prevent drowning.

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Recreation centers providing free swim lessons are Greater Dayton Rec Center, 2021 W. Third St., Lohrey, 2366 Glenarm Ave. and Northwest, 1600 Princeton Drive.

The Rotary Club of Dayton has purchased 100 water safety books and activity packets for youth participating in Thursday’s event. “Josh The Baby Otter” is a tale promoting water safety for children.

The book was written by Nebraska Rotarian Blake Collingsworth in 2009 after the drowning death of his 2-year-old son, Joshua.

In addition to support from Rotary International, other partners in drowning prevention of the Joshua Collingsworth Memorial Foundation, include the US Coast Guard, Michael Phelps Swimming Schools, USA Swimming Foundation, YMCA’s and Float 4 Life.

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All ages are welcome; children must be accompanied by adults.

For more information about the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson, visit WLSL.org

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