May is National Water Safety Month

As part of National Water Safety Month this May, the South Shore YMCA is calling on community members, schools, local businesses, and public leaders to unite in preventing drowning and promoting water safety.

“Drowning is preventable, and education is key,” said Ashley Genrich-Bishop, Director of Aquatics for the South Shore YMCA. “Our goal this May is to build a coalition of partners who will help us share this life-saving message.”

Each year in Massachusetts, approximately 50 people die from unintentional drowning, and another 85 experience non-fatal near-drowning incidents that require emergency care. Nationally, more than 4,000 lives are lost to drowning annually, with over 8,000 near-drowning incidents reported. These figures underscore a serious public health concern that affects people of all ages and backgrounds.

Drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death among children ages 1 to 14, with boys accounting for 82% of childhood drownings. Additional high-risk populations include people of color, individuals born outside the U.S., males, and children with autism.

Seasonal and environmental factors contribute to risk as well. In Massachusetts, most drownings occur in the summer, especially in July and August. Young children are most at risk at home or in pools, while teens and young adults face greater danger in natural bodies of water.

“Drownings can happen silently and in seconds,” Genrich-Bishop added. “We need to ensure that families understand the risks and know how to stay safe.”

This May, the South Shore YMCA invites everyone to take the Water Watcher Pledge and join the effort to save lives. Through education, awareness, and strong community partnerships, the Y is working to make water safety a shared responsibility.

WATER WATCHER PLEDGE

I have a responsibility to keep kids safe in & around water

I agree to:

• Actively watch the children in and around water.
• Keep my eyes on the water.
• Avoid distractions like talking on the phone, socializing, or reading while watching children.
• Keep a phone near water for emergencies.
• Remain by the water until relieved by a new water watcher.

Share Your Commitment

After you take the pledge, snap a photo with your Water Watcher card and share it on social media to help spread the word. Tag us on Instagram at @ssymca and use the hashtag #SSYWaterWatcher to show your commitment to keeping kids safe around water.