Keep Kids Safe in and Around Water This Summer
By John Lewis, Associate Vice President of Aquatics
YMCA of Central Florida
At the YMCA, we believe that water safety starts with awareness—and that every parent and caregiver can be a hero when it comes to preventing drowning. As we head into summer, it's more important than ever to stay vigilant. Drowning is fast and often silent, and alarmingly, 60% of drownings happen within just 10 feet of safety. Even more concerning: 88% of child drownings occur under some form of supervision.
That’s why for May’s National Water Safety Month, the YMCA is urging families to remember our new national PSA message: Phones Down, Eyes Up when at the pool, lakefront or ocean. This is a direct call for parents and caregivers to put phones and tablets down while children are playing in and around water.
What You Can Do
1. Create Layers of Protection
Whether your child is near a pool, lake or beach, the most effective way to protect them is to set up multiple layers of defense around the water. These include:
• Installing a four-sided fence around home pools
• Using self-latching gates and alarms on doors and pool access points
• Keeping pool and drain covers securely in place
• Teaching children to ask permission before going near any water
• Providing appropriate life jackets for open water outings
These safeguards provide precious moments to respond if a child enters the water unsupervised—and they apply at home and while visiting family, friends or public spaces.
2. Take the Safety Around Water Pledge
Drowning prevention doesn’t end when summer does. By taking the Safety Around Water Pledge, you’re joining a movement of families, caregivers and community leaders committed to keeping children safe in and around all types of water—every season of the year.
The pledge is a promise to stay informed, be prepared and take action. It includes simple but powerful commitments like supervising children actively, enrolling them in swim lessons and sharing water safety tips with others.
Visit your local Y or ymcacf.org to take the pledge and explore resources that support your commitment. Together, we can create a culture of safety and confidence around water—for every child, in every season.
3. Designate a Water Watcher
Supervision must be active—not distracted. We encourage families to designate a responsible adult as the Water Watcher whenever kids are swimming or playing near water. This person should avoid distractions like texting, socializing or multitasking. Rotate the role regularly (every 15-20 minutes) to prevent fatigue.
Use a Water Watcher badge to clearly identify who’s on duty. This small step makes a big difference. Water is a source of joy and connection for families—but it also demands respect.
Download a free “Water Watcher” badge to use during your next pool party so everyone can celebrate safely. Drowning is preventable with the right safeguards in place!
With active supervision and multiple protective layers, we can make this a fun, splash-filled—and safe—summer for all.
For more water safety tips or to enroll in swim lessons, visit your neighborhood YMCA or check out ymcacf.org.
About the Author:
John Lewis is the Associate Vice President of Aquatics at the YMCA of Central Florida. With over 14 years in the YMCA movement, he began as a part-time swim instructor and has since held senior leadership roles in aquatics and membership. A certified YMCA Lifeguard Instructor Trainer and Swim Lesson Instructor, John is a passionate advocate for water safety and drowning prevention. As a father of two daughters who completed survival swim lessons through the Y, he brings both professional expertise and personal commitment to his work.