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 YMCA of the USA is hosting the National Phones Down, Eyes Up™ campaign this May in honor of National Water Safety Month. The campaign focuses on reducing distractions around water and raising awareness about the importance of vigilance when families visit pools, lakes, and waterfronts this summer.

Drowning Is Silent

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're not looking at the kids. And when the kids are in or near water — pool, lake, river, even the bathtub — that's exactly the moment vigilance matters most.

The Klamath Basin Context

This isn't an abstract concern. The Klamath Basin has:

  • Klamath Lake — the largest body of fresh water in Oregon
  • Lake of the Woods
  • The Sprague, Williamson, and Klamath rivers
  • Crater Lake and surrounding alpine lakes
  • Home pools, hot tubs, and the YMCA aquatics center

Every summer, Klamath Basin families are around water nearly daily. Most of those moments are safe and joyful. The Phones Down, Eyes Up campaign exists to keep them that way.

What Caregivers Can Do

Designate a Water Watcher. When children are in or near water, one adult is the designated supervisor — not multitasking, not on a phone, not in a conversation with another adult. Their only job is watching the water. Rotate the role every 15–20 minutes so attention stays fresh.

Put the phone away. Pocket, bag, anywhere except in your hand. If you must take a call, hand the Water Watcher role to another adult first.

Stay within reach for non-swimmers and young children. Within arm's reach for kids under 5 and any non-swimmers, regardless of age.

Enroll children in swim lessons. The YMCA of Klamath Falls runs swim programs for every age — from infant water acclimation to advanced stroke development.

Learn CPR. The Y, Sky Lakes, and the Red Cross all offer training. In a drowning, the minutes matter.

What the Y Is Doing

The YMCA of Klamath Falls is committed to being "America's Swim Instructor" for the basin — teaching more children critical water safety and swimming skills every year. From toddler classes through adult swim lessons through lifeguard certification, the Y's aquatics program is one of the most important services it provides.

A Simple Ask This Summer

When you're at the lake, the river, the pool, or the bathtub:

Phones down. Eyes up.

Your kids deserve your full attention for those moments. The phone can wait.

The YMCA of Klamath Falls · 1221 S Alameda Ave · (541) 884-4149 · kfallsymca.org