News Release: YMCA’S PHONES DOWN, EYES UP™ CAMPAIGN PRIORITIZES WATER SAFETY

YMCA to Offer Free Swim Lessons through Step Into Swim Grant
This summer, more kids will make a splash and learn lifesaving skills at the YMCA of the Sandhills—thanks to a generous grant from Step Into Swim and the Y’s Open Doors financial assistance program. The YMCA of the Sandhills is proud to offer swim lesson scholarship opportunities for qualifying families, helping ensure every child has the opportunity to be confident and safe in the water.

Registration for the Y’s summer swim lesson session opens May 12 at 8 a.m. at www.ymcaofthesandhills.org or in person at the Fayetteville Y on Fort Bragg Road or the Saleeby Family Y in Cameron. The eight-week session runs June 2–August 2, with both group and private lessons available. With summer about to kick off, the Y wants to ensure that water safety is top of mind and everyone has the swimming skills to keep them safe.

National Water Safety Month
YMCA of the Sandhills 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 Y is excited to be part of this important national campaign,” said Shaina (Shay) Miller, Aquatics Director for the Y. “People think they’ll hear someone if they’re struggling in the water, because that’s what we see in TV and movies. 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,” Miller said.
As part of the Phones Down, Eyes Up campaign, YMCA of the Sandhills 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,” Miller said. 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.
Learn more about the campaign and more water safety tips at www.ymcaofthesandhills.org/watersafety, and learn about the Y’s swim lessons www.ymcaofthesandhills.org/swimming.