Maryland Children Look To Break Swimming Record

COLUMBIA, Md. (WJZ) -- Swimming for the record.  It's not Michael Phelps, but a group of Maryland children getting their feet wet for the first time.

Weijia Jiang has the story.

This class is part of what's likely the world's largest swimming lesson ever.

"It's an honor to be in something you never been in before," said 10-year-old Elijah Coulter.

Seventy-five students at Life Time Fitness in Columbia are among the 25,000 who participated at hundreds of pools across the country.  The goal is to set the Guinness World Record for the biggest simultaneous lesson.

"If they haven't learned past the third grade, they're very unlikely to learn how to swim, so it's a life skill we can teach them at a young age to take with 'em," said Aquatics Director Joseph Robinson.

"It helps you grow strong and it's lots of fun to play with your friends," said 8-year-old Aaliyah Wilkes.

There's no doubt about it---these guys are having a blast.  But the goal of Tuesday's swimming lesson is not to have a good time, it's to help save lives.

"I feel good.  That's what I'm looking for.  By the end of the summer, I don't have a fear my children will get hurt," said Daniele Chapman.

National figures rattle parents like Chapman, whose 4-year-old is learning to swim.  Drownings are the leading cause of injury death for young children ages one to four.  On average, three children die every day as a result of drowning.

The kids went home with new skills and, hopefully, a new record.

The lesson took place at 11 a.m. across the world.  Organizers have yet to announce if the Guinness Book will recognize the efforts.