A boy and girl splashing their feet at the edge of the pool at the YMCA

Drowning Prevention Starts Here

In a place like Central Florida—surrounded by pools, lakes, and beaches—water is part of everyday life. But it also brings real risk. Florida loses more children under the age of 5 to drowning than any other state in the nation, and most tragedies happen quickly and quietly, often when adults are nearby.

  • 88% of children who drown were under adult supervision
  • Drowning is the 2nd leading cause of death for kids ages 5 to 14
  • In Florida, drowning is the leading cause of death for children with autism. They are 160x more likely to drown than their neurotypical peers, with over 30 deaths reported in early 2025.

These numbers are difficult, but they point to something powerful: with the right tools, awareness, and skills, drowning can be prevented.

At the YMCA of Central Florida, we are leading the way in water safety education for our community. From swim lessons that can reduce drowning risk by up to 88% for young children, to hands-on programs and safety resources, we are committed to making sure every child has the opportunity to be safe and confident in and around the water.

This page is your resource for water safety—filled with the knowledge, skills, and simple actions that can help protect the people you love.

Because together, we can make sure not one more child is lost to drowning.

Go To YMCA Swim Lessons

Drowning Info Sources:

Phones Down, Eyes Up

Checking your phone may seem like a quick task, but those few seconds of distraction can add up. And distractions around water can lead to serious, even fatal, consequences. In fact, 88% of children drown with at least one adult present.

That’s why families must designate a Water Watcher—an adult who stays focused and free from distractions like phones, conversations, or alcohol who can maintain constant visual contact with all children in or near the water.

Remember: Phones Down, Eyes Up while at the pool, lakefront, or ocean.

Learn More

Pledge to Be a Water Watcher

Badge with swim goggles with the words I am a Water Watcher on them with the Y logo below

I pledge to be a #WaterWatcher and help keep kids safe in and around water.

I will:

Designate a Water Watcher every time children are in or near water
I will:

Keep my eyes on the water
I will:

Avoid distractions like talking on the phone, socializing, or reading while watching children
I will:

Keep a phone nearby for emergencies
I will:

Remain by the water until relieved by a new water watcher

Sign the Water Watcher Pledge

Three swimmers showing their green band they earned after a free swim test at the YMCA

Test, Mark, Protect

At the YMCA of Central Florida, the Test, Mark, Protect system is used across all of our locations to help keep children in our programs safe in and around the water.

Through a free swim assessment and a simple color-coded wristband system, we’re able to match each child’s swim ability with the appropriate level of pool access and supervision every time they swim.

Learn More

Safety Around Water Program

The YMCA’s Safety Around Water (SAW) program is a grant-funded initiative focused on reducing drowning risks by equipping children with essential water safety skills. Through partnerships with local schools and community organizations, the Y provides free swim lessons to children who need them most—helping ensure that water safety is accessible, not a privilege. Because the program is funded through these partnerships, SAW lessons are not available for public registration.

Kids learning about water safety during a swim lesson at the YMCA

Water Safety
Tips

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.

Layers of Protection:

1 Learn to Swim

Swim lessons save lives. The best thing anyone can do to stay safe in and around the water is to learn to swim. This includes both children and adults.

2 Never Leave Children Unattended

Parents are the first line of defense in keeping kids safe in the water. Never leave children unattended near water, not even for a minute.

3 Life Jackets

Provide appropriate life jackets for open water outings

4 Secure Your Pool

Install a four-sided fence around home pools. Use self-latching gates and alarms on doors and pool access points. Keep pool and drain covers securely in place. Remove portable pool ladders when not in use.

5 Ask Permission

Teach children to ask permission before going near any water

6 Check Water Depth

The American Red Cross recommends 9 feet as a minimum depth for diving or jumping.

7 Become Certified

As a parent or guardian learn CPR.

Avoid Water Wings

Don’t use air-filled swimming aids like water wings in place of life jackets or life preservers. Using air-filled swimming aids can give parents and children a false sense of security, which may increase the risk of drowning. These air-filled aids are toys and aren’t designed to be personal flotation devices as they can deflate if they become punctured or unplugged.

These safeguards apply at home and while visiting family, friends or public spaces.

Water Safety Videos

Designate a Water Watcher

Remain at a Safe Distance

Post-swimming Reminders

Look Before You Leap

Swim Stroke Guides

Our YMCA Aquatics team has put together dry-land home activities—no pool required! These home activities help to develop good form and build stamina. When the skill has been mastered on land, it becomes easier to perform in the water.

Save Lives Through Water Safety

At the Y, our Safe Start program teaches infants as young as 6 months essential water survival skills, including how to roll, float, and breathe. These simple but critical abilities can save lives. Last year alone, 229 children gained these life-saving skills through our program.

As a nonprofit, we depend on the generosity of our community to make these lessons accessible to families who might not otherwise afford them.

 

Your gift makes this possible.

Because of supporters like you, more children in our community are learning how to protect themselves before they can even speak.

 

Donate Now

Your $95 Donation

Provides one week of Safe Start swim lessons

Your $285 Donation

Provides three weeks of Safe Start swim lessons

Your $570 Donation

Provides six weeks of Safe Start swim lessons

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