MADISON – Kids can learn during a free swim lesson at Goldfish Swim School in Madison during the 14th annual “World’s Largest Swim Lesson” on June 22.

The Goldfish Swim School team is joining forces with learn-to-swim facilities all around the country to participate in this effort to focus attention on the vital importance of teaching children to swim. Learning to swim is one of the most important lessons that anyone can do to help protect themselves when they are in and around water — especially during summer months.

Tragically, drowning in the United States is the single leading cause of accidental (or unintended) death of children who are one to four years old. In addition, drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional injury death worldwide, according to Goldfish Swim School staff.

Research by the National Library of Medicine shows participation in formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by 88 percent for children who are one to four years old. While Goldfish Swim School is dedicated to water safety all year round, raising awareness for the importance of water confidence is particularly important during this time of year.

According to a recent survey, approximately 60 percent of families plan to vacation near the water this summer, but only one-third of parents feel confident in their children’s swimming abilities. Days like the “World’s Largest Swimming Lesson” are important to strengthen more children as safer swimmers and raise awareness about just how critical water safety is for all families, Goldfish staff said.

Goldfish Swim School in Madison is located at 7696 U.S. 72 W., Suite 110.

Goldfish Swim School provides indoor, year-round swim instruction to children who are four months to 12 years old in a safe, family-friendly setting with highly trained instructors. Class size is small (maximum of 4:1 student to teacher ratio). The pools are shiver-free at 90 degrees and have a state-of-the-art water purification system.

The school is offering a limited number of free swim lessons on June 22. Contact Goldfish Swim School by calling 256-500-8422, email swimmadison@goldfishss.com or visit goldfishswimschool.com.