In recognition of National Water Safety Month, the YMCA of Metro North is launching a month-long public awareness campaign focused on drowning prevention, water safety education, and safe supervision around water.
Throughout May, families across the region are invited to take part in a series of water safety initiatives designed to help children and caregivers stay safer in and around water as summer approaches.
As part of the campaign, the YMCA is offering free swim evaluations open to the public to help families better understand their child’s swim level and readiness for lessons. Families are also encouraged to take the Water Watcher Pledge, part of YMCA of the USA’s national “Phones Down, Eyes Up” campaign, which reminds adults to stay fully present and distraction-free when supervising children near water.
The YMCA’s aquatics staff will also conduct a full aquatics safety audit across its branches throughout the month to review procedures, reinforce best practices, and ensure YMCA pools remain safe, prepared, and summer-ready.
In addition, the YMCA of Metro North will share water safety tips, supervision reminders, and drowning prevention education throughout May on social media as part of a public awareness effort to help families build safer habits before the summer swim season begins.
“Water safety starts with awareness,” said Kathleen Walsh, President and CEO of YMCA of Metro North. “Whether it’s learning your child’s swim level, putting your phone down at the pool, or simply staying alert around water, small actions can save lives.”
National Water Safety Month is observed each May to raise awareness about drowning prevention and encourage families to practice safer behaviors around water before summer begins.
According to the CDC, drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4 and the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children ages 5 to 14. The CDC also notes that close, constant supervision and swim lessons are among the most effective ways to help prevent drowning.
“Drowning is often silent, and it can happen in seconds,” Jessica Murray, Association Director of Aquatics and Risk Management. “That’s why this work matters. Water safety is not just about learning to swim. It’s about staying attentive, staying prepared, and making sure every family has the tools to stay safe.”
To learn more about swim lessons, free swim evaluations, or water safety programming, contact Jess Murray: jmurray@metronorthymca.org