Over 40,000 kids worldwide are taking part in the World's Largest Swimming Lesson.

About 300 campers are joining the swim lessons at Camp Simmons in Greenwich today.

The giant swim lesson is a global event happening in six continents over a 24-hour time period.

The program, now in its 16th year, is designed to teach critical water safety skills to children and adults.

"Our mission really today is to increase awareness about pool safety, learning swimming and also preventing drowning," says Janet Poillon, aquatics director for Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich. "They're enjoying the water, but they are also talking a little bit more about safety around the pool deck, and you know trying to get those skill they need to thrive"

Research by the National Institutes of Health shows participation in formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning for kids ages 1-4 by 88%.