With Summer Officially Starting, Greater Somerset County YMCA Has Water Safety Top of Mind
The Y is offering tips for parents to keep kids safe in and around water this summer.
Basking Ridge, N.J. – June 5, 2025 – Greater Somerset County YMCA wants to ensure that water safety doesn’t get lost in our communities’ eagerness to jump into summer. As temperatures rise, kids want to cool off, whether that is in home pools, ponds, lakes, rivers, streams, or oceans. And that means the risk of drowning is as prevalent as ever.
During National Water Safety Month, Greater Somerset County YMCA encouraged parents and caregivers to reinforce the importance of water safety skills with the whole family.
“Nationally and here at Greater Somerset County YMCA, the Y is recognized as ‘America’s Swim Instructor.’ During Water Safety Month, we’ve taught nearly 80 participants essential water safety and swimming skills,” shares Terrance Ewuell, Associate Vice President of Aquatics & Safety at Greater Somerset County YMCA. “Now more than ever, it’s crucial to remind parents and caregivers that water safety must be a top priority as families return to their favorite summertime activities.”
The Y is encouraging parents to play an active role in promoting water safety and providing six tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable swimming experience for all.
- 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.
- Never swim alone or 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Wear a life jacket. Inexperienced or non-swimmers should wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
- 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 to save them. Even if they are a great swimmer, a panicked person will overpower them, pulling the rescuer underwater.
Launched this year, as part of the Y’s broader Safety Around Water (SAW) initiative, the Phones Down, Eyes Up™ PSA urges parents and caregivers to stay focused when children are in or near water. A quick glance at a phone—whether replying to a text, checking email, or watching a reel—can lead to dangerous distractions. In fact, 88% of drownings occur with at least one adult present.
To help prevent tragedy, families are encouraged to designate a Water Watcher—a responsible adult who avoids distractions and keeps constant visual contact on all children near water. This summer, the Y reminds everyone: Your eyes can save lives. Phones Down, Eyes Up™. Take the pledge and learn more at www.PhonesDownEyesUp.org.
The Y also offers group and private swim lessons for all ages and abilities, led by certified instructors trained in CPR, AED, and First Aid. Lessons are available at Bridgewater, Hillsborough, Princeton, Somerset Hills, and Somerville YMCAs.
To learn more about aquatics offerings at the Y visit, www.gscymca.org/aquatics.
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About Greater Somerset County YMCA
Greater Somerset County YMCA is a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community by connecting all people to their potential, purpose, and each other. The Y empowers everyone—no matter who they are or where they’re from—by ensuring access to resources, relationships and opportunities for all to learn, grow and thrive. For information about Greater Somerset County YMCA and financial assistance, visit us at www.gscymca.org/.