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Big Kahuna’s and Shipwreck Island to host World’s Largest Swimming Lesson Thursday

Two Northwest Florida waterparks join a global water safety event Thursday at noon, offering free return tickets to participants and welcoming all onsite guests to join.
Courtesy of Big Kahunas

Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park in Destin and Shipwreck Island Waterpark in Panama City Beach will participate in The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson on Thursday, June 25, joining waterparks around the world for a coordinated global event focused on water safety and lifesaving swim skills.

  • The lesson begins promptly at noon at both locations. Big Kahuna’s is located at 1007 U.S. Highway 98 East in Destin, and Shipwreck Island Waterpark is at 12201 Hutchison Blvd. in Panama City Beach.

Every participant will receive a free return ticket to the park as a thank-you for joining the lesson. All guests onsite Thursday are welcome to participate, and parks will register attendees onsite.

Park Manager Shelby Bassham will be available at Big Kahuna’s, and Park Manager Michael O’Malley will be available at Shipwreck Island. Destin Mayor Bobby Wagner is anticipated to attend the Big Kahuna’s event, and Panama City Beach Mayor Stuart Tettemer is anticipated to attend the Shipwreck Island event, though attendance for both has not been confirmed.

The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson is an annual global event coordinated by the World Waterpark Association. It brings aquatic facilities worldwide together to teach children and families essential water safety skills on the same day and at the same time.

More information about each local event is available at bigkahunas.com and shipwreckisland.com.

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“Wonder if it could have been some sort of jubilee such as they have in Mobile Bay.”
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“This is a much-needed project to revitalize the park”
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Vera Scavuzza commented on WordroW: August 3, 2026
“TRAIL”
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“Why do they put the locations out to the public?”
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“Another case of someone trying to make an extra buck and here comes some whiner to throw a monkey wrench in it. If these small businesses could afford a lease...”
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George Robert Cilek commented on WordroW: August 3, 2026
“what is the answer”
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