Raleigh pool to serve as host location for 'World's Largest Swimming Lesson'

The city of Raleigh will again be the host site for what's being dubbed as the World's Largest Swimming Lesson.

The ninth annual international event will take place on June 21 over the course of 24 hours at an estimated 600 locations in more than 20 countries, according to a press release. Kids and adults are invited to join in the fun as part of an event with a tagline that says, "Swimming Lessons Save Lives."

The risk of drowning could be reduced by 88 percent if kids take formal swimming lessons between the ages of 1 to 4. But, according to the American Red Cross, 54 percent of Americans can't swim or don't have basic swimming skills, the website says.

Optimist Pool at 5902 Whittier Dr., Raleigh, will be an official host location for the 2018 event. It will take place at noon, June 21. It is free to participate.

During the event, qualified water safety instructors will be on hand to lead swimmers.