PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (June 19, 2017) – More kids drown in the month of June than any other month—that’s just one reason why Dollywood’s Splash Country is committed to water safety education and awareness and why the water park hosts Water Safety Day in conjunction with the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson (WLSL). This eighth annual event takes place on Thursday, June 22 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Area partners LeConte Medical Center, The Dr. Robert F. Thomas Foundation, WVLT Local 8 News and Star 102.1 join with Dollywood’s Splash Country to host the event.
Water park guests are encouraged to visit vendor booths to learn about staying safe in the water and sun while also joining the attempt to set a new record for the world’s largest swimming lesson!
This worldwide swim lesson happens at pools and water parks around the globe on June 22. Dollywood’s Splash Country is one location where swimmers of all ages and abilities come to take part in the lesson in hopes of breaking the world record. Last year, more than 40,000 kids and adults from 24 countries participated to set the Guinness World Record for largest swim lesson. This year, the WLSL team hopes to have even more participants as the word spreads that swimming lessons save lives.
“LeConte Medical Center is proud to partner once again with our friends at Dollywood’s Splash Country and the Dr. Robert F. Thomas Foundation for Water Safety Day,” said LeConte Medical Center President/CAO Gaye Jolly. “Opportunities to provide health education to the families in our community are very important to us. We want to do all we can to promote a healthy and safe summer for the children of our region.”
Time in the water can be dangerous for children because drowning remains the leading cause of unintended injury-related death for kids ages 1-4, and the second leading cause of accidental death for children younger than 14. Research shows participation in formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by 88 percent among children ages 1 to 4.
The world record attempt begins at 10 a.m. at Mountain Waves wave pool for a thirty minute swim lesson. Vendor booths are open from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Guests who visit the vendor booths to learn about water and sun safety receive a Splash Pass, allowing them to receive a prize at each booth. Once the participants have visited all vendors, they may turn their pass in for the chance to win two season passes to Dollywood’s Splash Country.
“We love our community and we want everyone to be safe in the water this summer,” explained Dollywood’s Splash Country General Manager Janet Dawson. “This event is an opportunity for us to lead the way in awareness and education about water safety, so we’re proud to host it. We hope hundreds of participants join us.”
Water Safety Day and WLSL registration begins Thursday, June 22 at 9 a.m. at Dollywood’s Splash Country. The park opens to guests at 9:30 a.m. Guests should arrive early to register before the WLSL begins at 10 a.m. Dollywood’s Splash Country admission is required to participate in Water Safety Day and may be purchased on-site or online at Dollywood.com.
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About The Dollywood Company: A highly-awarded and widely-recognized leader in the amusement industry, The Dollywood Company consists of the 150-acre Dollywood theme park; the 35-acre Dollywood’s Splash Country; Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort; and Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Cabins. As unique as its namesake and owner Dolly Parton, Dollywood is the 2010 Applause Award winner, the theme park industry’s highest accolade; winner of more than 30 Golden Ticket Awards; and recipient of 26 Brass Ring Awards for Live Entertainment (more than any other theme park in the world). The park is located near Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which celebrated record attendance in 2016. Dollywood was named a top three US theme park by USA Today in 2014 and TripAdvisor recognized Dollywood as a top 20 worldwide theme park in 2015. Dollywood is open nine months a year (late March through early January) and offers rides and attractions, shows, and a dozen crafters authentic to the East Tennessee region. Dollywood’s Splash Country, recognized by the Travel Channel and TripAdvisor as one of the country’s most beautiful water parks and named 2009’s Must-See Waterpark by the International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions, operates from mid-May to Labor Day. The 300-room Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort provides guests spectacular mountain views and family-friendly amenities next door to Dollywood theme park and Dollywood’s Splash Country. Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Cabins offers luxurious cabin accommodations overlooking Dollywood. For more information, call 1-800-DOLLYWOOD or visit dollywood.com. Operating days and hours vary.
Media Contacts:
Pete Owens: Director of Communications, (865) 428-9486, (865) 755-7972 or [email protected]
Wes Ramey: Public Relations Manager, (865) 428-9484, (865) 640-3805 or [email protected]
Amber Davis: Publicist, (865) 428-9601, (865) 591-1002 or [email protected]
Ellen Liston: Publicist, (865) 428-9629, (865) 919-7001 or [email protected]
For B-roll, photography and more information, visit the Dollywood Media Room at http://www.dollywood.com/Media/Media-Room.aspx.
About LeConte Medical Center (LCMC): Proudly serving Sevier County LeConte Medical Center offers a full array of medical specialties and outstanding medical technology! The Dolly Parton Birthing Unit offers family-centered maternity care in beautiful rooms, complete with views of the Smoky Mountains. The spacious Emergency Department provides excellent emergency care, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Surgery department features 4 Surgical Suites, and 2 Endoscopy suites. LCMC offers outstanding diagnostic services including Laboratory Services, Cardiac Cath Lab, and Imaging Services such as MRI, Ultrasound, and CT Scan. The Dolly Parton Center for Women’s Services features the Breast Center where women can have their annual mammograms, biopsies if needed, as well as bone density exams. Why travel elsewhere, when the care you need is available in your hometown. Come see why you and your family should Count on LeConte!
About The Dr. Robert F. Thomas Foundation: Named in honor of a beloved Sevier County physician and minister, the Dr. Robert F. Thomas Foundation is a not-for-profit charitable organization established in 1983 to help expand the range and quality of health care services available in Sevier County. Dolly Parton, one of the many babies Dr. Thomas delivered, serves as honorary chairperson of the Foundation. The Foundation solicits contributions from individuals, businesses, and charitable foundations to achieve its goal of helping Sevier County meet the continuing challenges of the rapidly changing healthcare field.