Become a Water Watcher.embed-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; max-height: 100% } .embed-container iframe, .embed-container object, .embed-container embed { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; } Are you a Water Watcher?Assign an adult to constantly watch children in water. Sign the pledge to be a Water Watcher >Watch Out for Curious Children Stay within arms reach when your child is near water72% of drownings take place at homeAvoid floaties - use lifejackets insteadTeach your child to swim.

Water Safety Tips Drowning is Preventable Drowning is silent and quick Only need mouth and nose covered to note breatheUse caution around bath tubs, bodies of water, buckets, and backyard pools88% of drownings take place under some supervision60% of drownings take place within 10 feet of safety.Signs and SymptomsDrowning victims are rarely able to wave or call for help. Watch for: Head low in the water or tilted backGaspingTrying to swim but not movingHair covering forehead or eyesEyes closed or unable to focus

Blow bubbles on surface, submerge facePractice front floatBreathing on side for front crawlFront crawl flutter kickFront crawl armsFront crawl balanceSidestroke legsFlip turn movementsDiving movementsPlank for endurance

Water Safety Month

For over 100 years, as America's swim instructor, the YMCA has been providing high-quality swim instruction to children and families to prevent drowning and build a love of the sport.

Tips to Staying Safe in and Around the Water

Learn to recognize signs and symptoms of drowning, find out how to prevent it from happening, sign the pledge to be a Water Watcher, and see ways to have fun safely.

Learn Prevention

Become a Water Watcher

Are you a Water Watcher?

Assign an adult to constantly watch children in water. Sign the pledge to be a Water Watcher >

Watch Out for Curious Children

Stay within arms reach when your child is near water
72% of drownings take place at home
Avoid floaties - use lifejackets instead
Teach your child to swim.

Know the Facts

Water Safety Tips

Drowning is Preventable

Drowning is silent and quick
Only need mouth and nose covered to note breathe
Use caution around bath tubs, bodies of water, buckets, and backyard pools
88% of drownings take place under some supervision
60% of drownings take place within 10 feet of safety.

Signs and Symptoms

Drowning victims are rarely able to wave or call for help. Watch for:

Head low in the water or tilted back
Gasping
Trying to swim but not moving
Hair covering forehead or eyes
Eyes closed or unable to focus

Practice Skills

Learn about Reach, Throw, Don't Go

NY SWIMS Initiative

Thanks to funding provided through Governor Kathy Hochul's NY SWIMS Initiative and the New York State Department of Health, the YMCA of Greater NY is offering free swim lessons to help more children gain lifesaving water safety and swimming skills.

This initiative is designed to expand access to swim lessons for children who may otherwise face barriers to participation. We will partner with NYC Schools, programs and non-profit partners to provide these lessons to our communities.

To learn more about who we are partnering with in your community or suggest a partner, please contact our Aquatics Director at your local branch.

Water Safety

Tips to Staying Safe in and Around the Water

Become a Water Watcher

Are you a Water Watcher?

Watch Out for Curious Children

Water Safety Tips

Drowning is Preventable

Signs and Symptoms

NY SWIMS Initiative

More from the YMCA

Become a Lifeguard

Swim Lessons

Contact the Y

Questions