Phones Down, Eyes Up™: Because Your Eyes Can Save Lives
Phones Down, Eyes Up™: Because Your Eyes Can Save Lives
Responding to a text.
Answering a work email.
Watching a reel.
Making a grocery list.
These quick actions only take a few seconds—but seconds can quickly become a dangerous distraction. And distractions around water can have major consequences.
In fact, 88% of child drownings occur with at least one adult present. That statistic, reported by the National Drowning Prevention Alliance, is a powerful reminder that it’s not enough to simply be near the water—we need to be watching.
That’s why the West Suburban 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 national initiative is focused on reducing distractions around water and raising awareness about the importance of constant adult supervision when families visit pools, lakes, and beaches.
Designate a Water Watcher: Be Present, Be Focused, Be Ready
The core message of this campaign is simple and powerful: Your eyes can save lives. Every family should assign a Water Watcher—an adult who is responsible for keeping constant visual contact on all children in or near the water. A Water Watcher is not distracted by their phone, conversations, or alcohol. Their only job is to watch the water.
"The West Suburban YMCA is excited to be part of this important national campaign,” said Jack Fucci, President & CEO of the West Suburban YMCA. “People often assume they’ll hear a child in distress because that’s what we see in movies. But in reality, drowning is silent—and it can happen in less than 30 seconds. If we’re looking at our phones, we won’t see it."
Free Swim Lessons: Building Life-Saving Skills for All Ages
As part of our commitment to water safety, the West Suburban YMCA is offering two free swim lesson opportunities this spring and summer:
- DCR Grant-Funded Free Swim Lessons: Thanks to funding from the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), the Y will offer free swim lessons for beginner swimmers of all ages.
- When: Sundays, May 18 through June 22 (6 consecutive weeks)
- Where: West Suburban YMCA Aquatics Center at Church St YMCA
- Who: Open to children and adults who are beginners in the water
- Cost: Free, registration required, register here
- These lessons help participants build basic water skills and confidence in a supportive environment.
Please Note: If you or your child are already enrolled in ongoing swim lessons at the Y, you may not transfer from your current class into the free Sunday lessons. However, you are welcome to participate in both—for example, keeping your Saturday class and also attending the Sunday free lesson series.
- World’s Largest Swim Lesson – Thursday, June 26 The Y is excited to participate in the World’s Largest Swim Lesson, a global event to raise awareness about drowning prevention.
- When: Thursday, June 26
- Where: West Suburban YMCA pool
- What to Expect: A single, 30-minute group swim lesson modeled after the Y’s Stage 1 swim level, designed to teach water safety, comfort, and basic swimming skills
- Cost: Free and open to the public
- Space is limited, so pre-registration is encouraged!
Join the Movement. Take the Pledge. Learn to Swim.
As part of Phones Down, Eyes Up™, the West Suburban YMCA is encouraging all families in Newton and surrounding communities to take the pledge to become a Water Watcher this summer.
By visiting PhonesDownEyesUp.org, families can:
- Take the Water Watcher Pledge
- Download a free Water Watcher badge
- Access a phone wallpaper reminder
- Get monthly water safety tips
- Learn practical tools to reduce water risk at home, at the pool, or at the beach
The West Suburban YMCA will also be sharing PSA videos, safety flyers, and resources throughout the summer to keep families educated and engaged.
And for families ready to build life-saving skills, the Y offers progressive swim lessons year-round for all ages and skill levels. Whether your child is just starting out or ready to strengthen their strokes, our swim program focuses on safety, confidence, and fun. Learn more and register today at wsymca.org/swim-lessons.
Make This Summer Safer—Together
Water safety is a shared responsibility—and it starts with staying present. Whether you're at a backyard pool, a community splash pad, or the ocean, Phones Down, Eyes Up™ can help prevent tragedies before they happen.
To learn more and access local campaign resources, visit wsymca.org/water-safety-resources or stop by the Welcome Center at the West Suburban YMCA.