Phones Down, Eyes Up™
The Gateway Region YMCA is proud to participate in the launch of YMCA of the USA’s National Phones Down, Eyes Up™ campaign this May in honor of National Water Safety Month.
This campaign is focused on reducing distractions around water and raising awareness about the importance of vigilance when families visit pools and waterfronts this summer.
Statistics from the National Drowning Prevention Alliance show that 88% of drownings occur with at least one adult present, highlighting the critical need for caregivers to stay alert when supervising children around water.
The Phones Down, Eyes Up campaign encourages families to keep their phones away and stay focused while supervising children at pools, lakes, beaches, or other bodies of water.
“The Gateway Region YMCA is excited to be part of this important national campaign,” said Tim Helm, president and CEO of the Gateway Region YMCA.
“People think they’ll hear someone if they’re struggling in the water, because that’s what we see in tv and movies,” said Helm. “In actuality, drowning is silent and can happen in as little as 30 seconds. When we’re looking at our phones, we don’t see what’s happening around us.”
As part of the Phones Down, Eyes Up campaign, the YMCA is calling on families to designate a "Water Watcher"— an adult whose sole responsibility is to supervise children near water, free from distractions like phones, conversations, or alcohol.
“We know how easily distractions can happen around water, but just one moment of inattention can have serious consequences. The Y is committed to empowering families with the tools and information they need to stay safe around water.”
The campaign’s website, PhonesDownEyesUp.org, offers a variety of helpful resources for families, including digital safety materials, a pledge to commit to water safety, and educational tools to help families stay safe this summer. Families who take the pledge will have access to resources such as phone wallpaper reminders, monthly safety tips, and downloadable Water Watcher lanyards.
For more information on how you and your family can become Water Watchers and take part in the Phones Down, Eyes Up campaign, visit gwrymca.org/water-safety or go to phonesdowneyesup.org.
About the Gateway Region YMCA:
The Gateway Region Y is a nonprofit organization dedicated to youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, featuring 24 traditional Y branches in Missouri and Illinois, along with the Campus Y student leadership facility at Washington University. The Y also includes YMCA Camp Lakewood and Trout Lodge in Potosi, Missouri. The Carondelet Park Rec Complex and O’Fallon Park Rec Complex are owned by the City of St. Louis and operated by the Y. Additionally, the RiverChase YMCA is owned by the City of Fenton and operated by the Y. The Y is committed to serving people of all abilities. For those who qualify, the Y offers financial assistance so everyone has the opportunity to participate in its programs, regardless of ability to pay. The Y is a proud member of the United Way of Greater St. Louis. For more information, please visit www.gwrymca.org or call 314-436-1177.