As families head to pools and beaches this summer, the YMCA of Greater Houston is sounding the alarm on water safety — and urging parents to stay alert.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning remains one of the leading causes of death among children ages 1 to 4. And perhaps even more alarming, 88% of child drownings happen when at least one adult is present, according to Kennedy Conlee, aquatics director at the YMCA Cypress Creek.
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To combat these preventable tragedies, the YMCA has launched a new awareness campaign: “Phones Down, Eyes Up.” The goal is simple — keep distractions, especially cell phones, away when children are near the water.
“Distractions happen — your phone rings, you get a text or check social media,” Conlee said. “But when your child is in or near the water, you need to be completely focused. Drowning is silent, and it can happen in less than 10 seconds.”
Conlee also dispelled a common myth that drowning is loud and dramatic.
“One of the biggest misconceptions is that you’ll hear a child drowning. The truth is, it’s often silent,” she said. “That’s why supervision is everything.”
At YMCA Cypress Creek, more than 1,400 children and families are expected to take part in the “Safety Around Water” program this summer, which offers lessons not only to kids — but also to parents.
During swim sessions, instructors teach children key survival skills, such as floating, getting to the pool’s edge, and staying calm. Parents are also shown how to stay vigilant, even when lifeguards are present.
“We’re around water all the time — at pools, the lake, the beach,” said Zach Gleeson, a Houston parent who brought his daughter to swim lessons. “I want to make sure she knows how to handle herself and stay safe.”
Gleeson said he takes no chances when it comes to pool time.
“We stay within arm’s reach, and always use floatation gear,” he said. “You could call it helicopter parenting — but to us, it’s worth it.”
The YMCA offers these tips to help keep children safe around water:
• Ask permission before getting in the water.
• Never swim alone — and always designate a water watcher.
• Avoid distractions like phones when supervising children.
• Use Coast Guard-approved life jackets when appropriate.
• Enroll kids in swim lessons early.
Conlee emphasized that financial assistance is available for families who may not be able to afford swim lessons.
“Every child deserves to be safe around the water,” she said.
The YMCA is currently enrolling families in swim and safety programs across the Greater Houston area. More information about YMCA water safety programs you can go to ymcahouston.org and https://ymcahouston.org/programs/swimming/drowning-elimination. Families can also follow the organization on Facebook @YMCAHoustonand Instagram @YMCAHouston .
To learn more about SAW programming and swim lessons, please contact saw@ymcahouston.org.
For more information about swim lessons and “Phones Down, Eyes Up, visit www.ymcahouston.org/programs/swimming/swim-lessons and www.ymca.org/phones-down-eyes-up.