Water safety is a vital skill for people of all ages. The YMCA of the Sandhills in Fayetteville, NC, and Cameron, NC, provides essential education and training to help children, youth, and adults develop confidence and awareness in and around water. We are teaching skills that save lives!
This summer, join the Y in our Phones Down, Eyes Up™campaign- take the pledge to keep kids safe this summer!
Responding to a text, answering an email, listening to a podcast, or making a grocery list—these tasks may seem quick and harmless, 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. Your feed can wait. Their safety can’t.
Whether you're learning the basics of water safety or improving your swimming skills, our swim lessons promote lifelong safety practices in a fun and supportive environment. Learn more about group swim lessons, infant and toddler swim lessons, teen/adult swim lessons and private swim lessons.
Remember these water safety tips all year long, and especially in the warmer months when people are enjoying lakes, rivers, oceans and other bodies of water.
Tip # 1: Make sure children know to always ask permission before going in or near the water.
Teaching your children to be water smart is the first step in water safety – be sure they understand the importance of asking permission before going in or near the water.
Tip # 2: Never swim alone without a water watcher.
When children are swimming, make sure they are actively supervised at all times. Teach your children that they should only swim in locations where a lifeguard is on duty, or where a responsible adult agrees to watch the children in the water without distractions.
Tip # 3: Supervise your children whenever they’re in or near water.
Whether it’s bath time or taking a dip in a pool or waterfront, make sure your children are within arm’s reach at all times.
Tip # 4: Don’t engage in breath holding activities.
Both adults and children should not hold their breath for a prolonged amount of time while swimming, as this can be dangerous.
Tip # 5: Wear a life jacket.
Inexperienced or non-swimmers should always wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket while in or around the water.
Tip # 6: Don’t jump in the water to save a friend who is struggling in deep water.
If an adult or child finds their friend in deep water unexpectedly, their natural reaction may be to jump in the water to try and save them. Even great swimmers can be overpowered by a panicked person though, and get pulled under the water trying to help. Instead, use the “reach, throw, don’t go” concept of using a long object to reach for them, and pull them to safety. By using this technique, an adult or child can help their friend without compromising their own safety.
Talk with your family about water safety and take the Water Safety Family Pledge!
Learn more about swiming and water safety at the Y!
We are celebrating Marvelous Mondays in May! Join the Y any Monday in May 2025, and save! On Mondays in May, the join fee is waived and dues are prorated from the date you join the YMCA of the Sandhills! Visit us at the Saleeby Family YMCA in Cameron or the Fayetteville YMCA on Fort Bragg Rd. on May 5, 12, 19 or 26 to join and save!
When at the pool, beach, or lakeside, remember: Your eyes can save lives. This summer take the Phones Down, Eyes Up pledge! Learn more about this nationwide YMCA campaign to keep kids safe around water and check out htis article in Parents.
Saleeby Family YMCA: 910-426-9622: Option 2
Email Saleeby Youth Program:
Saleebyyouth@
Afterschool Care
Fayetteville YMCA:s: 910-426-9622, Option 1