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YMCA of Metro North Urges Families to Prioritize Water Safety Ahead of Summer Season
As warmer weather returns and families head to local pools, beaches, and lakes, the YMCA of Metro North is reminding the community that water safety is a year-round responsibility. Association Aquatics Director Jessica Murray is encouraging parents and caregivers to take proactive steps to prevent drownings and injuries, especially as the region prepares for another busy swim season.
In Massachusetts, drowning remains a major public health concern. In 2023, more than 47 people lost their lives to drowning in the Commonwealth, with an additional 167 near-drowning incidents reported over the past two years. These tragedies are preventable, and the Y is committed to being a leading voice in education and prevention.
To help keep families informed and empowered, the YMCA of Metro North will roll out a full series of instructional videos, swim classes, and water safety resources throughout the spring and summer.
According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, drowning is the leading cause of unintentional injury death for children ages 1–14 in the state, and it remains the second leading cause of unintentional injury death among children nationwide. The youngest children—those ages 1 to 4—are at the highest risk.
“Increasing water awareness and access to swimming lessons can save lives,” said Jessica Murray, Association Aquatics Director. “When children and families are equipped with the right knowledge and skills, we greatly reduce the risks of tragedy.”
Nationally, one person dies from drowning every 10 minutes. One in five of those deaths is a child. And for every child who drowns, another five are treated in emergency rooms for water-related injuries. It’s a sobering reminder that drowning is the second leading cause of death for children ages 5 to 14 in the U.S.
That’s why this year, the YMCA of Metro North is also embracing the Y-USA “Phones Down, Eyes Up” campaign, a nationwide initiative designed to encourage undistracted supervision at the water. The message is simple but urgent: drowning can happen in seconds and often without a sound. Putting phones away and staying focused can prevent irreversible loss.
“Whether your child is just learning to swim or already confident in the water, constant supervision and safety habits make all the difference,” Murray added. “We recommend all young or inexperienced swimmers wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket and always swim with a buddy.”
Last year, the YMCA of Metro North taught more than 5,000 children and adults how to swim at its branches in Lynn, Melrose, Saugus, and Peabody. But as Jessica emphasizes, swim lessons are just one part of the equation. “We want everyone to understand that water safety is about more than swimming—it’s about awareness, preparedness, and supervision.”
YMCA of Metro North President and CEO Kathleen Walsh echoes that sentiment:
“We believe that teaching kids how to be safe around water is a life skill. It’s not optional—it’s essential,” Walsh said. “The risk of drowning can drop by nearly 90% when children participate in formal swim lessons by age 4. That’s why our programs are designed to reach as many families as possible, regardless of income or ability.”
As part of National Water Safety Month this May, the YMCA will share its top tips for keeping children safe around water. Families are encouraged to participate in workshops, register for swim lessons, and follow the Y’s social media for ongoing educational content.
Let’s make this a safe, fun, and confident swim season for every family.
Visit www.ymcametronorth.org/water-safety to learn more.