YMCA CEO Discusses Water Safety, New Programs, and Community Outreach on WEIS Radio
WEIS- WEIS Radio had the honor of hosting Heidi Darbo, CEO of the YMCA of the Coosa Valley, in-studio on Thursday morning to discuss water safety and the wide range of initiatives the organization is currently undertaking.
You can listen to the interview in it’s entirety here:
Darbo highlighted the YMCA’s involvement with Gadsden City Schools and their outreach to Parkinson’s patients in Rainbow City. However, she emphasized that the organization’s primary focus this summer is water safety.
With the summer season bringing increased activity around area pools, lakes, and rivers, Darbo explained the YMCA’s commitment to educating families on how to keep children safe around water. Much of their effort centers not only on the swimmer but also on those supervising the water, encouraging them to remain focused and avoid distractions.
One of the key messages Darbo delivered was the importance of vigilance, referencing the YMCA’s “Phones Down, Eyes Up” campaign. She stressed that drownings are often silent events, not the dramatic, noisy emergencies that people might expect. Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4, and in 88 percent of those cases, an adult was nearby.
To help prevent such tragedies, the YMCA advocates for the use of a designated “Water Watcher”—a person assigned to keep a close eye on swimmers. These watchers should rotate in short shifts to ensure continuous, focused supervision.
Darbo and WEIS host Jerry Baker also discussed the importance of CPR and the need for lifeguards at swimming locations. Darbo noted that the YMCA is the only local provider of certified lifeguard training. While CPR certification is ideal, she encouraged everyone to learn basic CPR skills, stating that certification is not required to perform this lifesaving act.
The YMCA also offers vital services for local families and public pools, including lifeguard and staff training, as well as providing Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and other lifesaving devices.
Darbo encouraged listeners to visit the Phones Down, Eyes Up campaign page to learn more and take the pledge. https://www.ymca.org/phones-down-eyes-up#take-the-pledge While phones are essential tools in an emergency, they are also a leading source of distraction, she explained. She warned that even socializing or reading poolside can cause someone to lose track of a child in distress.
Preventing a water emergency is far better than responding to one, Darbo said. She underscored that even with lifeguards present, accidents can still happen—and extra eyes on the water are always beneficial.
The YMCA is also expanding water safety education beyond the pool. Darbo shared that children are being taught self-rescue skills on land. Programs teach vital techniques such as “reach, throw, don’t go,” and how to push off and propel back to safety—skills that can be practiced in gym environments before ever getting into water.
Darbo also celebrated the YMCA’s new partnership with the City of Attalla, which will allow them to offer swim lessons to 80 children this year. She expressed hopes to expand these programs to additional areas and pools by next summer. The YMCA has coloring books available supporting the initiative that they are leaving at various areas and pools, which can be acquired by reaching out.
To see more:
Water Safety Pledge and Stats (1)-1
Despite not having had a traditional centralized facility recently, the YMCA has continued to operate out of 16 different locations. That has now changed with the opening of a new HUB location at 1000 Noccalula Road, behind Cahaba Cycles, headed toward Noccalula Falls.
The HUB will serve as an “outfitters” resource for families and individuals looking to enjoy the outdoors but lacking the necessary equipment. The YMCA will soon offer rentals for camping gear and other outdoor essentials. Donations of items such as yard games and outdoor equipment are currently being accepted at the HUB on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon.
Volunteers are also needed to support the organization’s growing efforts.
Additionally, the YMCA is offering a day camp for Gadsden City students, with scholarships available. Darbo said the goal is to eventually open up such programs to the wider public. She emphasized that financial hardship will never be a barrier to participation in YMCA programs, thanks to the generosity of community donors.
Through its emphasis on safety, education, and access, the YMCA of the Coosa Valley continues to be a vital resource in the region.
YMCA of the Coosa Valley Urges Community to Prioritize Water Safety by Joining National
“Phones Down, Eyes Up Campaign
Coosa Valley, AL – The YMCA of the Coosa Valley is proud to participate in the launch of YMCA of the
USA’s National Phones Down, Eyes Up campaign. This campaign is focused on reducing distractions
around water and raising awareness about the importance of vigilance when families visit pools and waterfronts
this summer.
Statistics from the National Drowning Prevention Alliance show that 88% of drownings occur with at least
one adult present, highlighting the critical need for caregivers to stay alert when supervising children
around water. The Phones Down, Eyes Up campaign encourages families to keep their phones away and
stay focused while supervising children at pools, lakes, beaches, or other bodies of water.
“The YMCA of the Coosa Valley is excited to be part of this important national campaign,” said Heidi Darbo,
CEO of the YMCA of the Coosa Valley. “People think they’ll hear someone if they’re struggling in the
water, because that’s what we see in tv and movies,” says Darbo. “In actuality, drowning is silent and can
happen in as little as 30 seconds. When we’re looking at our phones, we don’t see what’s happening
around us.”
As part of the Phones Down, Eyes Up campaign, the YMCA of the Coosa Valley is calling on families to
designate a “Water Watcher”—an adult whose sole responsibility is to supervise children near water, free
from distractions like phones, conversations, or alcohol. “We know how easily distractions can happen
around water, but just one moment of inattention can have serious consequences. The YMCA of the
Coosa Valley is committed to empowering families with the tools and information they need to stay safe
around water.”
The campaign’s website, PhonesDownEyesUp.org, offers a variety of helpful resources for families, including
digital safety materials, a pledge to commit to water safety, and educational tools to help families stay
safe this summer. Families who take the pledge will have access to resources such as phone wallpaper
reminders, monthly safety tips, and downloadable Water Watcher lanyards.
For more information on how you and your family can become Water Watchers and take part in
the Phones Down, Eyes Up campaign in Gadsden and Etowah County, visit www.ymcacoosa.com or go
to phonesdowneyesup.org
About the Y
Driven by its founding mission, the Y has served as a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community
for more than 177 years. The Y empowers everyone, no matter who they are or where they are
from, by ensuring access to resources, relationships and opportunities for all to learn, grow and thrive. By
bringing together people from different backgrounds, perspectives and generations, the Y’s goal is to improve
overall health and well-being, ignite youth empowerment and demonstrate the importance of connections
in and across 10,000 communities nationwide. ymca.org
You can reach Heidi Darbo by email at ceoymcacoosavalley@gmail.com
or visit their website at: https://ymcacoosa.com/
Or find out more on their water safety initiative here:
