A total of 67 children splashed, dog-paddled and cannonballed their way into the history books Thursday morning at the .
They were part of a worldwide event, the "World's Largest Swimming Lesson," in an attempt to break the Guinness World Record.
The children, who were guided by YMCA-certified swim instructors, learned safety rules and proper swim techniques in a 30-minute lesson, right at 11 a.m., just as other youths were doing at more than 500 locations in 24 nations.
After their lesson was over, the children splashed at their instructors and received certificates signifying their participation.
The WLSL event was created to encourage water safety at the community level, including injury and drowning prevention.
A number of water safety and training organizations involved in the event included the International Swim Instructors Association, National Aquatic Safety Company, the National Recreation and Parks Association, the Swim For Life Foundation and the American Red Cross.
Sarah Ernst, the East Cobb YMCA's aquatics director, said this is the first time her branch has taken part, and that next time, she may also invite adults to take part.
