For 175 Years, the YMCA has been keeping families, children, and adults safe in and out of the water. Responding to a text, answering an email, listening to a podcast, or making a grocery list—these tasks may seem quick and harmless, but those few seconds of distraction can add up. And distractions around water can lead to serious, even fatal, consequences. In fact, 88% of children drown with at least one adult present.
That’s why families must designate a Water Watcher—an adult who stays focused and free from distractions like phones, conversations, or alcohol who can maintain constant visual contact with all children in or near the water.
What You Can Do?
- Take the pledge to power down and put your phones away when watching children near or around water. View Pledge form
- Assign Water Watchers for short periods of time (15-20 minutes) when in large groups.
- Download a Water Watcher badge (English | Spanish) to print at home. After a short time, the Water Watcher badge is passed to another adult who is alert and responsible for actively supervising children in or near water. The badge not only helps you remember the very important task of watching children in or near water, but it also clearly identifies you as someone who can help if needed.
Share the pledge on social media and remind family and friends that their eyes can save lives.
Tag us: @ymcali on Instagram or @ymcaoflongisland on Facebook
Eyes Up Phone Down Tips Sheet
