YMCA Launches Phones Down, Eyes Up™ Campaign for Water Safety Awareness
The Gateway Region YMCA is launching the Phones Down, Eyes Up™ campaign during National Water Safety Month to prevent drowning incidents by reducing distractions around water.
According to the National Drowning Prevention Alliance, 88% of drownings occur with adult supervision present, emphasizing the need for focused attention around water. Drowning can occur silently in as little as 30 seconds, making constant vigilance crucial.
Key Campaign Elements:
- Designate a "Water Watcher" - an adult solely responsible for supervising children without distractions
- Keep phones away from pools, lakes, and beaches
- Maintain constant visual supervision of children in water
- Avoid distractions like conversations or alcohol while watching children
Available Resources:
- Digital safety materials
- Water safety pledge
- Educational tools
- Downloadable Water Watcher lanyards
- Monthly safety tips
- Phone wallpaper reminders
Families can access these resources and take the water safety pledge at PhonesDownEyesUp.org or visit gwrymca.org/water-safety for local information.
About Gateway Region YMCA: The organization operates 24 branches across Missouri and Illinois, including:
- Traditional YMCA facilities
- Camp Lakewood and Trout Lodge in Potosi
- Carondelet Park and O'Fallon Park Rec Complexes
- RiverChase YMCA
- Washington University Campus YMCA
The YMCA provides financial assistance to ensure program accessibility for all community members, regardless of ability to pay.
For more information, contact the Gateway Region YMCA at 314-436-1177.