88% of Child Drownings Occur with an Adult Present – The Y Empowers Families to Be Water Watchers
Leading into the holiday weekend, the MetroWest YMCA is calling on families and caregivers to take action against a leading—but preventable—cause of childhood death: drowning. According to the National Drowning Prevention Alliance, 88% of all child drownings occur when at least one adult is present. The MetroWest YMCA is committed to educating the community about water safety, offering resources, training, and support to help prevent these tragic events.
“Drowning is often silent, fast, and devastating,” said David Witkus, Sr. Aquatics Director at the MetroWest YMCA. “That’s why we’re not only teaching swim skills—we’re empowering families with the knowledge and tools to be vigilant and proactive wherever there’s water.”
Be a Water Watcher
A key initiative this month is promoting the role of the Water Watcher—an adult designated to provide constant, undistracted supervision for a specific period when children are in or around water. The Y urges families to take the online Water Watcher Pledge and stop by the Framingham Branch to receive a free lanyard symbolizing their commitment.
Water Safety Tips
- Know the #1 Drowning Myth: Drowning is not loud or dramatic like in the movies. It is typically quick and silent. Watch for subtle signs, such as bobbing or stillness in the water, and never rely solely on your ears.
- Designate a Water Watcher at all gatherings, including those in kiddie pools. Never assume someone else is watching. Assign one adult at a time to be the official Water Watcher. Their job: stay off their phone, avoid distractions, and stay poolside.
- Teach children never to swim alone and to ask permission before entering the water.
- Wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets—especially on open water.
- Keep pool areas secure with fences, self-latching gates, and pool alarms.
- Be aware of drains and suction hazards in pools and hot tubs.
How the Y is Helping
The MetroWest YMCA offers year-round swim lessons for children and adults, starting at six months of age, at our Framingham Branch. In the summer, we expand access to swim lessons at two additional locations: Clearbrook Swim Club and the Outdoor Center in Hopkinton. 
All YMCA lessons include water safety components, including:
- “Swim, Float, Swim” – this swim skill sequence helps children stay afloat until help comes and/or reach safety.
- “Jump, Push, Turn, Grab” – this skill sequence simulates the experience children have when they are unexpectedly submerged in water and teaches them the motions needed to exit the water quickly and safely.
Removing Barriers to Safety
We believe every child deserves to feel confident and safe in water. That’s why we offer sliding scale fees through our Y ASSIST program, supported by donations to our Annual Campaign. Finances should never be a barrier to lifesaving skills.
Visit www.metrowestymca.org to:
- Learn more about water safety
- Take the Water Watcher pledge
- Sign up for swim lessons
- Donate to support water safety for all
About the MetroWest YMCA
The MetroWest YMCA is a cause-driven nonprofit committed to strengthening the community by nurturing the potential of every child and teen, improving the nation’s health and well-being, and giving back to support our neighbors. We believe everyone—regardless of age, income, or background—deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.
The MetroWest YMCA operates its summer aquatics program at three locations: the Framingham Branch, Clearbrook Swim Club in Framingham, and the Outdoor Center in Hopkinton. Learn more at metrowestymca.org
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