YMCA of Long Island Urges Community to Prioritize Water Safety by Joining National "Phones Down, Eyes Up™" Campaign
[Glen Cove, NY] – In recognition of National Water Safety Month this May, the YMCA of Long Island is proud to join YMCA of the USA’s nationwide Phones Down, Eyes Up™ campaign. This important initiative raises awareness about the dangers of distractions near water and emphasizes the need for active supervision at pools, beaches, lakes, and other bodies of water.
According to the National Drowning Prevention Alliance, 88% of child drownings occur with at least one adult present, underscoring the urgent need for undistracted attention when children are in or near water. The Phones Down, Eyes Up campaign urges caregivers to put their phones away and remain fully focused on the children they are supervising.
“The YMCA of Long Island is proud to be part of this national movement to protect families around water,” said Anne Brigis, President and CEO of the YMCA of Long Island. “Drowning happens quickly and often without a sound—it can take as little as 30 seconds. If our eyes are on our phones, we could miss the warning signs. That’s why staying present and alert is so important.” As part of the campaign, the YMCA of Long Island encourages families to designate a Water Watcher—an adult assigned to supervise children near water with no distractions such as phones, conversations, or alcohol.
Families are invited to visit ymcali.org to take the pledge and access a wide range of resources, including safety tips, and coloring kit for children.
About the YMCA of Long Island
The YMCA of Long Island is a 501c3 nonprofit community-based service organization dedicated to improving the lives of children, teens, adults, and families through programs and services that nurture youth development, foster healthy living, and inspire social responsibility. Long Islanders learn to live their healthiest and fullest lives inside the YMCA’s located in Bay Shore, East Hampton, Glen Cove, Holtsville, Huntington, and Patchogue. For information and locations, visit ymcali.org.
For more information, contact Mary-Beth Coursen at 516-583-5518 or email, marybeth.coursen@ymcali.org or visit ymcali.org.