Replying to a text.
Answering a work email.
Watching a reel.
Looking away “just for a second.”
It doesn’t take long for a distraction to become dangerous around water.
As families head into summer, the Oshkosh YMCA is joining Ys across the country in supporting YMCA of the USA’s Phones Down, Eyes Up™ campaign for National Water Safety Month. As part of this campaign, we’re encouraging parents and caregivers to practice safe habits, and to stay focused and alert whenever children are in or around water.
Because when it comes to water safety, your eyes can save lives.
Drowning Is Often Silent
Many people imagine drowning as loud splashing or calls for help. But in reality, drowning is often quick and silent. According to the National Drowning Prevention Alliance, 88% of child drownings happen with at least one adult present.
It’s a sobering statistic—and a powerful reminder that simply being nearby isn’t always enough. Active supervision matters.
Whether you’re at the pool, the lake, the beach, or even a backyard gathering, distractions like phones, conversations, or multitasking can pull attention away at exactly the wrong moment.
Designate a “Water Watcher”
One of the most important messages of the Phones Down, Eyes Up™ campaign is the idea of a dedicated Water Watcher—an adult whose only responsibility is supervising children in and around the water.
A Water Watcher stays focused, keeps constant visual contact, and avoids distractions like scrolling on a phone or stepping away “for just a minute.”
When families take turns being the designated Water Watcher, everyone understands who is actively supervising at any given time.
Building Confidence Around Water
At the Oshkosh YMCA, water safety is about more than swimming skills—it’s about building confidence, awareness, and lifelong habits that help keep kids safe.
Learning to swim is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of drowning, especially for young children. Through swim lessons, kids learn important safety skills like floating, treading water, safe pool behavior, and what to do in an emergency.
But water safety doesn’t stop at lessons. Parents, caregivers, and communities all play a role in helping keep kids safe around water.
Water Safety Tips for Families
As you enjoy the water this summer, remember a few simple safety reminders:
- Keep phones down and eyes on the water
- Designate a Water Watcher
- Never assume someone else is supervising
- Use properly fitted life jackets when appropriate
- Teach children to ask permission before entering the water
- Enroll children in swim lessons to build safety skills and confidence
- Stay within arm’s reach of inexperienced swimmers
How The Oshkosh Y Can Help
Water safety starts with knowledge, confidence, and practice—and the Y is here to help families build all three.
- Enroll your child in swim lessons. We offer group swim lessons for every age and stage, starting as young as 6 months old. Lessons help kids build confidence in the water while learning important life-saving skills.
- Private swim instruction and adult lessons. It’s never too late to learn how to swim or become more comfortable in the water. Whether you’re overcoming a fear of the water, looking for one-on-one support, or helping your child strengthen their skills, our experienced aquatics team is here to meet swimmers where they are and help them grow with confidence.
- Get a life jacket fit check. A life jacket only works if it fits properly. Our aquatics team can help ensure your child’s life jacket is secure, comfortable, and appropriate for their size. Give us a call to learn more or schedule a fit check with our team.
Make This Summer Safer
Water safety is a shared responsibility, and small actions can make a life-saving difference.
This summer, whether you’re spending time at the pool, the lake, or a splash pad, remember: distractions can wait. Kids around water can’t.
Learn more about the Phones Down, Eyes Up™ campaign and take the Water Watcher pledge at PhonesDownEyesUp.org.
Updated May 2026.