Sutton Swim School Sets Sights on World Record

On Thursday, June 14, at 8 a.m. Pacific Standard Time, 60 bathing-suit clad kiddies gathered at Sutton Swim School will join thousands of children around the globe in an attempt to set the Guinness World Record for the World's Largest Swim Lesson.

"There will be six classes going on with approximately 10 swimmers in each group," said Earl Sutton, the school's owner, of the event's logistics. "We'll have a half hour of dry instruction and then a half hour in the pool."

This is the school's second year participating in the simultaneous, worldwide event. Last year, turned out to learn the basics of swimming—and set a record—with Sutton and his instructors.

The and the Queensborough Swim Club in San Jose will join the school in the record-setting attempt by hosting their own mega-lessons.

Sutton said that while going for a record is cool, it takes a back seat to the event's message of how vital it is for people of all ages to learn the basics of swimming.

"It's not the record that is important, but getting the word out and getting as many people around here into swim lessons," he said. "There's no reason why there should be any near-drownings. It's unacceptable."

Sutton explained that drowning is the second leading cause of injury-related death for children ages 1-14. Two young people drowned in San Jose alone last year, he said.

"There are too many near-drownings in this area," he added. "With the wealth we have here, there is no reason why kids shouldn't have swim lessons."

Registration for this year's attempt is filled at the school, though Sutton hopes to grow the event in coming years by reaching out to smaller swim clubs and cabanas.

"The bigger we can get it the more of a chance we have of making everybody safe around here," he said.

With summer just around the corner, Sutton hopes the message of Thursday's attempt resonates with area parents.

"Learning to swim and taking lessons should be evaluated like having a car seat for your child," he said. "It's a safety measure you can't overlook. We can't ever make kids safe in the water, but we can make them safer and give them a chance. If they don't have lessons, then there's not much chance."