Is this a safe way to thaw meat?

this morning (7:30ish) my boyfriend took the hamburger meat (it was wrapped in foil in a freezer bag) out of the freezer and put it in the sink with water. this afternoon 5:15ish i put it in the fridge when i got home from work. it is thawed. we want to use it tonight....was this a safe way to thaw it? i want to make sure before i cook and eat it.