Here’s Why Patty McCarren Was Shouted Out As a Bay Shore Local Hero

BAY SHORE, NY — When times are tough, heroes emerge. We all know someone who's making a difference right now as we live through unprecedented and changing times.

Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize these heroes making a difference in their communities. We’re working to let all your neighbors know about these outstanding people and their stories.

This submission comes from Jill Emde who nominated Patty McCarren of Bay Shore.

Jill nominated Patty for her work in creating a swimming program at the Bay Shore YMCA for children with special needs.

Local hero’s full name

Patty McCarren

Local hero’s home state

New York

Local hero’s Patch

Bay Shore

How do you know the local hero?

She is the coordinator of a swim program my son participates in.

What does the local hero do?

She matches 1 to 1 swim instructor to special needs students.

Why do you believe the local hero should be recognized or honored?

She has worked on creating a program at the Bay Shore YMCA for children with special needs to learn to swim. She has immense patience, kindness and understanding. She has always found instructors that have qualities similar to hers to help children with special needs learn to swim and understand water safety.

What's one thing you want everyone to know about the local hero?

She has worked to provide a much needed, lifesaving skill to children with special needs. Drowning is the most common fatal injury among children with autism

Thank you for all you do, Patty McCarren!

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Know someone making a difference in town? Nominate them as a local hero here.