Posted on: Wednesday, April 29th, 2026
Six Essential Water Safety Tips for National Water Safety Month
May is National Water Safety Month, and as families get ready for fun in the sun, the Hockomock Area YMCA is reminding parents and caregivers that water safety should be at the top of their summer checklist.
Drowning is the second leading cause of accidental death for kids ages 1–14, but it’s also preventable. As one of the nation’s largest community-based providers of swim lessons and water safety programs, the Hockomock Area YMCA is committed to helping families keep kids safe in and around the water.
Swimming and playing in the water are wonderful ways for kids to stay active and create lasting summer memories, but safety always comes first. A few simple precautions can help prevent tragedies and ensure everyone has fun safely.
Water Safety Challenge: May 11–17
During this special week, gifts of $40 or more are matched dollar for dollar—up to $10,000 through the Moore Family Matching Challenge, helping provide swim lessons and water safety outreach for families who need it most. Give a skill for life.
GIVE TODAY
Water Smart Rule #1: Ask First, Splash Later
Always ask permission before getting in the water. Whether it’s a pool, lake, or even the bathtub – make sure you don’t splash without a grown-up’s go-ahead.
Why? Because while water is fun, it’s also very powerful.
Water Smart Rule #2: Find Your Water Watcher.
Every swim session needs a designated Water Watcher.
That means: no phones, no books, no distractions – just eyes on the water. Kids? Teens? Adults? Everyone needs supervision!
Water Smart Rule #3: Buddy Up or Dry Out.
The Buddy System isn’t just for field trips; it’s for every swimming session. No one swims alone. So be sure to:
- Pick your buddy.
- Stick together.
- Stay safe.
Water Smart Rule #4: Suit Up Like a Pro.
- Sunscreen?
- Swimsuit?
- Coast Guard-approved life jacket?
Fashion tip: Safety never goes out of style.
Water Smart Rule # 5: Don’t Hold Your Breath (literally).
Breath-holding contests? Yeah, let’s not.
They might seem like harmless fun, but breath-holding games in the water can be seriously dangerous, even for strong swimmers.
Holding your breath too long can lead to shallow water blackout, a silent and sudden emergency that can happen without warning.
At the Y, we teach that water safety isn’t just about swimming, it’s about smart choices. So, skip the contests, and keep the fun safe for everyone.
Water Smart Rule #6: Know What to Do (Before You Need To).
Emergencies don’t wait. Learn how to recognize signs of distress, call for help, and respond calmly. Don’t jump in the water to save a friend who is struggling – use a long object to reach for them and pull them to safety.
Bonus: Take a CPR or water safety class at your local Y, because heroes aren’t born, they’re trained.
🏊♀️
The Hockomock Area YMCA offers swim lessons and water safety programs year-round to help children and families gain the skills and confidence they need to stay safe. To learn more, contact your local YMCA’s director of aquatics (see below), or to enroll your child, click below.
ENROLL TODAY
45 Forge Hill Rd. Franklin, MA
CONTACT: Krystina Edens krystinae@hockymca.org
67 Mechanic St. Foxboro, MA
CONTACT: Christopher Tower christophert@hockymca.org
300 Elmwood St. North Attleboro, MA
CONTACT: Kaylea Sherman
kayleas@hockymca.org
