Last month, the YMCA’s commitment to water safety was highlighted nationally when Good Morning America featured the YMCA of the USA in a summer water safety segment. The segment was a proud reminder that the Y continues to be one of the most trusted voices in helping children and families stay safe and prepared around water. For the YMCA of Metro North, that national leadership becomes local impact this summer as the Y makes available 1,000 Water Watcher badges to help parents and caregivers designate an adult whose only job is to keep eyes on the water.

The badges are part of the YMCA of Metro North’s commitment to drowning prevention and active adult supervision. A Water Watcher is a responsible adult who stays focused on children in or near water without distractions. That means phones down, books down, conversations paused, and eyes on the water.

“Water safety starts before a child jumps into the pool,” said Jess Murray, Director of Aquatics and Risk at the YMCA of Metro North. “It starts with adults making a plan. The Water Watcher badge gives families a clear and visible way to know who is watching the water at that moment. When you are wearing the badge, your only job is to watch. No phone, no distractions, no multitasking. Just focused attention.”

Throughout the summer, the YMCA of Metro North will distribute Water Watcher badges at its outdoor pools in Saugus and Peabody and during open family swim times in Lynn and Melrose.

And they will be a reminder forWater Watchers can rotate in short shifts so adults remain alert and supervision stay intentional. The badge can be passed to another adult, making it clear who is responsible for active supervision.

“Seeing the YMCA featured on Good Morning America was an important demonstration that our movement has a national voice and a local responsibility,” said Kathleen Walsh, President and CEO of the YMCA of Metro North. “We are turning that message into action by putting 1,000 Water Watcher badges directly into the hands of families. It is a simple tool with a powerful purpose: helping adults stay focused, present, and ready when children are near water.”

The YMCA of Metro North teaches children and adults swim and water safety skills each year and continues to expand access to swim lessons, lifeguard training, water safety education, and family swim opportunities across the region. The Water Watcher badge giveaway is one more way the Y is helping families build safe habits before they head to the pool, beach, lake, or backyard gathering this summer.

“At the Y, we believe water safety is a shared responsibility,” Murray said. “Swim lessons are essential, but active adult supervision is just as important. These badges help families create a plan before anyone gets in the water.”

 

The Y also encourages families to follow these water safety reminders:

  • Designate a Water Watcher every time children are in or near water.
  • Put phones down and avoid distractions while supervising.
  • Keep young or inexperienced swimmers within arm’s reach.
  • Make sure children ask permission before entering the water.
  • Use properly fitted life jackets when appropriate.
  • Enroll children in swim lessons to build confidence and lifesaving skills.
  • Learn CPR and know what to do in an emergency.

Families can pick up Water Watcher badges this summer at participating YMCA of Metro North locations while supplies last.