Easton, MD — The YMCA of the Chesapeake reached more than 600 children and families through water safety education and hands-on learning during National Water Safety Month in May. Branches across the Eastern Shore partnered with schools, youth programs, and families to teach critical skills that can help prevent drowning and build confidence around water.
“The end of the school year brings a lot of excitement, but it also marks the beginning of a season when children spend more time around water,” said Robbie Gill, CEO of the YMCA of the Chesapeake. “Learning how to be safe around water isn’t just a summer activity, it’s a life skill. We’re proud to help families build important safety habits and make sure more kids have the opportunity to enjoy the water safely.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4 and the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children ages 5 to 14. Research shows that participation in formal swim lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by as much as 88 percent among children ages 1 to 4.
Branch Highlights
Participating branches included the Pauline F. & W. David Robbins Family YMCA, Queen Anne’s County Family YMCA and Active Aging Center, Richard A. Henson Family YMCA, Cecil County Family YMCA, Kent County Family YMCA, and Lower Shore Family YMCA.
- The Queen Anne’s County Family YMCA provided Safety Around Water programming to approximately 560 children during the school year.
- The Cecil County Family YMCA engaged 118 youth through water safety activities at seven before- and after-school sites.
- The Pauline F. & W. David Robbins Family YMCA in Cambridge reached approximately 50 children through six participating schools, with both classroom and pool-based activities covering sun protection, open water safety, safe rescue techniques, life jacket use, boating skills, and basic swimming skills.
- The Richard A. Henson Family YMCA in Salisbury reached 22 youth through water safety programming.
- The Lower Shore Family YMCA in Pocomoke served 20 children through dedicated water safety programs.
Throughout May, YMCA branches also hosted water safety resource tables featuring safety tips, Water Watcher pledges for parents and caregivers, and information about swim lessons and CPR/AED training opportunities.
Water Safety Tips for Families
As summer begins, the YMCA encourages families to keep these key practices in mind:
- Always ask permission before entering the water.
- Designate a distraction-free “Water Watcher.”
- Never swim alone — use the buddy system.
- Wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket when appropriate.
- Avoid breath-holding games and contests.
For more than 100 years, the YMCA has helped children and families develop swimming skills and confidence in a safe, welcoming environment. Swim lessons are available for children and adults at YMCA of the Chesapeake locations throughout the region. To learn more or register, visit: www.ymcachesapeake.org/programs/swimming/swim-lessons
About the YMCA of the Chesapeake
The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits and one of the largest Human Service organizations on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, Virginia and Southern Maryland; strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the Shore and Southern Maryland, Ys engage 50,000 members and their families–regardless of age, income or background–to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve community health and wellbeing, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. The YMCA of the Chesapeake operates facilities in Caroline, Cecil, Dorchester, Kent, Talbot, Queen Anne’s, Wicomico and Worcester Counties in Maryland and on Chincoteague Island in Virginia. The Y is bringing a new YMCA to Lexington Park, Maryland in St. Mary’s County in June of 2026. Last year, the YMCA of the Chesapeake provided over $2,000,000 in assistance to over 16,000 community members, turning no one away due to inability to pay. Additionally, the Y spent $543,000 on outreach efforts and programming in the communities it serves.
