(Photos by Ric Gonzales)
CLARK FREEPORT – Only the announcement from Guinness Book of World Records is keeping Aqua Planet (AP) from claiming the World’s Largest Swimming Lessons (WLSL) in a single venue.
On June 20, a total of 1, 819 participants officially joined the WLSL exceeding the current Guinness World Record set in Florida, U.S.A. with 1,309 swimming participants.
AP is now awaiting the official confirmation from the World Waterpark Association and Guinness Book of World Records for the record-breaking feat.
Themed: “Swimming Lessons Save Lives,” AP, in partnership with Bert Lozada Swim School, provided simultaneous free-swimming lessons highlighting different basic swimming techniques which includes breathing, floating, paddling and proper swimming strokes to children from public schools in Angeles City, Mabalacat City, and San Simon town.
Children from the indigenous Aeta communities and even the physically challenged kids were also given the opportunity to join the record-breaking event.
“We have a bigger number of participants this year and we are trying to beat the Guinness World Record of world’s largest swimming lesson. We have enough lifeguards and coaches to make sure this event is safe and fun. We are doing this because we believe that swimming is very important and it can save lives,” AP general manager Simon Jiang said.
Through the years, Aqua Planet has evolved and broadened its scope to include helping children through education, disaster response and other related programs.
Dr. Irineo “Bong” Alvaro Jr., president of BB International Leisure and Resort Development said the event is more than the price of Guinness World Record because the mission to teach the children how to swim is equally important.
“We want the children to be at peace with water. Learning how to swim can save not only your life, but you can save lives of others too. This is a yearly event and every year we want to do better, greater and bigger. With what’s happening now, we want to do more and we want to continuously improve, “he added.
Aside from learning the survival skills on swimming, the children were also given safety reminders on what to do during earthquakes especially if they happened to be inside the water park.
“We are proud of this project. We want to show the world that in the Philippines we have one of the best water theme parks. Aqua Planet is an international site with international standard. This event is part of giving back to the community. We don’t mind spending millions as long as we do our mission,” Alvaro stressed.
