ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) — The YMCA of Ithaca and Tompkins County is launching a new campaign to focus on water safety.

“Phones Down, Eyes Up” aims to designate an adult as a ‘Water Watcher’ to make sure at least one person is keeping an eye on kids in the water at all times. These watchers don’t need to be trained or have experience in water safety, they just need to make a commitment to keeping tabs on those in the water for 15 to 20 minutes at a time.

“Keeping a headcount, scanning the water, and doing verbal check-ins to make sure no one is struggling are some of the best ways to be a good Water Watcher. Water is such an important part of our summer here at the Y that we want to make sure we’re keeping safety a top priority,” says Johnathen Rockwell, Communication Director for the YMCA of Ithaca and Tompkins County.

Rockwell says statistics from National Drowning Prevention Alliance show that about 88% of children drown with at least one adult present. Phones, conversations, alcohol, grilling, and other small distractions that may seem benign can make all the difference.

“There are so many ways to be pulled from the present moment, especially as an adult. Knowing who’s in the group before starting water activities and being mindful of what’s going on is critical in reducing the amount of water safety accidents. It’s not always as obvious to be able to tell when someone is struggling in the water as people may think.”

A downloadable badge is available to help identify which adult is on duty as a Water Watcher on the YMCA’s Phones Down, Eyes Up webpage here. More information on the initiative as well as how to take the pledge to be a Water Watcher is also available on the same page.

To listen to Dave Ashton of Lite Rock 97.3 talk with Johnathen Rockwell about the campaign and how you can participate, click here.