Community Corner
Free Swim Evaluations During Water Safety Month From the YMCA of Metro North
Families are invited to visit local branches for swim evaluations, water safety resources, and a community Water Safety Promise.
As families prepare for summer days at pools, beaches, lakes, and backyard gatherings, the YMCA of Metro North is helping parents and caregivers take an important step toward safer swimming. In recognition of National Water Safety Month, the Y will offer free swim evaluations at participating branches in Lynn, Peabody, and Melrose.
The free assessments are designed to help families better understand a child’s current swim ability and readiness for swim lessons or other aquatics programs. Families will also receive guidance from trained YMCA aquatics staff on next steps to help children build confidence and stay safer in and around water.
“Water safety starts before a child jumps into the pool,” said Jessica Murray, Association Director of Aquatics and Risk for the YMCA of Metro North. “A swim evaluation gives families a clearer picture of where their child is today, what skills they already have, and what they still need to learn. Our goal is to help every child build confidence, respect for the water, and the skills that can help keep them safe all summer long.”
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During Water Safety Month, YMCA branches will also feature a Water Safety Promise, where children and families can sign a pledge to practice safe habits around water, including swimming with supervision, asking permission before entering the water, listening to lifeguards, and staying alert near pools, beaches, and lakes.
The YMCA’s Safety Around Water program encourages families to use Water Safety Month as a reminder to talk with children about safe habits before summer begins.
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“At the Y, we want every child to have the opportunity to feel safe and capable in the water,” Murray added. “These free evaluations are a simple but important way for families to start the season with more confidence and a plan for continued learning.”
Swim Evaluations Sign Ups: ymcametronorth.org/water-safety/
Free swim evaluations will be offered at the following YMCA of Metro North branches:
Demakes Family YMCA, Lynn
Saturday, May 16, 2026
10:20 AM to 10:50 AM
Saturday, May 23, 2026
12:20 PM to 12:50 PM
Torigian Family YMCA, Peabody
Sunday, May 17, 2026
12:30 PM to 1:00 PM
Saturday, May 23, 2026
12:30 PM to 1:00 PM
Melrose Family YMCA
Saturday, May 23, 2026
1:00 PM to 1:30 PM
Saturday, May 30, 2026
1:00 PM to 1:30 PM
Online registration is open from May 11 through May 31. Families can sign up at ymcametronorth.org/water-safety or through the YMCA of Metro North registration portal.
