The American Swim Academy in Dublin is participating in the Guinness World Record event for the second year. The academy participated in last year's inaugural event, which set the record when almost 4,000 swimmers participated worldwide, organizers said.
Olympic gold-medal winners Rowdy Gaines and Janet Evans are spokespeople for the event, which organizers hope will call attention to the importance of teaching children how to swim.
Organizers said that drowning is the second leading cause of unintended, injury-related death for children ages one through 14.
"It's so important to draw attention to this issue, particularly at the beginning of the summer season," said Matt Alberti, CEO of American Swim Academy in a statement. "The World's Largest Swimming Lesson is a perfect way to bring the message to life for kids and parents."
Thousands around the world will be taught the same swim lesson at the same time during today's global record-setting event which begins at 8 a.m.
