Hundreds Gather At Water World To Attempt New World Record

FEDERAL HEIGHTS, Colo. (CBS4) - Several hundred people woke up bright and early Friday to participate in the world's largest swimming lesson.

Water World was Colorado's official sponsor of the event, which was hosted in dozens of countries around the world.

The lesson was synchronized so that everyone was in the water and learning at the same time. Here in Colorado, that meant being in the pool by 9 a.m.

430 people woke up bright and early to participate.

"The goal of this event was to build awareness and show the importance of teaching kids how to swim," said Joann Cortez, Communications Director at Water World.

About 150 lifeguards were on hand to conduct the lesson.

There were a few celebrity guest appearances, including Christine Jennings of the US National Swim Team and Ronald McDonald, who performed magic tricks and taught water safety.

This is the 5th time there has been an effort to set a new world record for the world's largest swimming lesson.