Keep Yourself, Kids, And Others Safe In And Around Water
ALARMING! Hawai‘i Data from the Hawaii State Department of Health:
- Hawai‘i has the 2nd highest resident drowning rate in the nation, behind Alaska.
- Drowning is the leading cause of death for Hawai‘i children ages 1–15.
- Fewer than 2% of Hawai‘i’s 2nd graders have the basic swimming skills needed to avoid drowning.
Phones Down, Eyes Up
88% of child drownings occur with at least one adult present—often distracted by phones or other activities. That’s why the YMCA’s Phones Down, Eyes Up™ campaign is so important. It encourages families to take the pledge to stay off their phones and keep their eyes on kids at all times near water.
Families can also download a free phone lock screen reminder and watch the PSA—simple tools designed to prevent distracted supervision and help keep children safe.
We're also expanding swim lesson access, offering financial aid to families in need, and partnering with the Hawai‘i Water Safety Coalition to build a safer future for all.
Take the pledge. Sign your child up for lessons. And review water safety tips that save lives.
Water Safety Tips Every Family Should Know
Tip 1: Always ask permission before going near water. Teaching children to ask first helps reinforce awareness and safe habits. 70% of child drownings occur during non-swim times, especially when a child has access to a backyard pool.
Tip 2: Never swim alone or without a Water Watcher.
Make sure a lifeguard or undistracted adult is always watching—and assign someone to that job.
Tip 3: Supervise children within arm's reach. Whether at the pool, ocean, or bath time, children should never be left unattended near water.
Tip 4: No breath-holding games.
Prolonged breath-holding can be extremely dangerous for both kids and adults.
Tip 5: Wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket. This is essential for inexperienced or non-swimmers, especially in open water. Lifejackets are required for children 12 and under on all vessels.
Tip 6: Don't jump in to rescue if you are untrained to do so—reach or throw, don't go. Panicked swimmers can pull others under. Use a long object to help bring them to safety, or throw them an object that floats.
Our Partnership with the Hawai‘i Water Safety Coalition
The YMCA of Honolulu is a proud partner of the Hawai‘i Water Safety Coalition (HWSC)—a statewide alliance of public health officials, lifeguards, nonprofits, educators, and advocates working to prevent drowning in our communities.
In 2025, HWSC launched the first-ever Hawai‘i Water Safety Plan—a comprehensive roadmap to address the state's drowning crisis. This plan includes key data, targeted strategies, and culturally informed solutions for children, adults, visitors, and families across all types of aquatic environments.
We support this plan through action, advocacy, swim education, and community outreach.