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Tuesday, 09 June 2026
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Written by Amanda Ransom
As families head to pools, lakes and beaches this summer, the YMCA of the Sandhills is reminding parents and caregivers that one simple action could save a life: put the phone down. The YMCA is participating in the national "Phones Down, Eyes Up" campaign, an initiative designed to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted supervision around water and encourage adults to stay focused on the children in their care.
According to Jeff Darling, President and CEO of the YMCA of the Sandhills, the campaign addresses a growing challenge in today's technology-driven world.
"In a time when cell phones and tablets dominate our attention, this campaign is intended to generate awareness around water safety," Darling said. "It only takes a split second for a child to be in distress in the water, which prompts us as parents and grandparents to set aside our distractions so we can keep our attention on our loved ones."
The message comes at an important time. National statistics show that 88 percent of drownings occur when at least one adult is present. Darling believes many adults do not realize how much time they spend distracted by their devices.
"I do not think people are aware of how long they are being distracted by their devices," he said. "I do not believe any adult thinks they are putting children at risk, but the statistics say otherwise."
The YMCA's dedication to water safety comes from a recognition that many drowning incidents are preventable with proper supervision and awareness. Darling noted that North Carolina has experienced more than 135 drowning deaths in recent years.
"We, as a YMCA, want to be a catalyst in raising awareness around water safety," Darling said. "We do not want to become aware of any water emergencies in the communities we serve, so we wholeheartedly participate in this campaign."
One of the biggest misconceptions surrounding drowning is that it is loud and easy to recognize. In reality, drowning is often silent.
"Many times, there is no yelling or frantic splashing," Darling explained. "A child simply gets exhausted and goes under and cannot come back up. It can happen very quickly and very quietly."
To help prevent tragedies, the campaign encourages families to designate a Water Watcher whenever children are near water. Similar to a designated driver, the Water Watcher's sole responsibility is supervising children without distractions.
"A Water Watcher is someone who agrees and is appointed to watch the kids playing in the water," Darling said. "That is their only task, and they are to do it until they are relieved by someone else."
For families spending long days at pools, lakes or beaches, Darling recommends rotating Water Watcher duties among adults.
"It can be as simple as creating a schedule where adults rotate through as Water Watchers," he said. "For this to be successful, the watcher cannot have any distractions or other responsibilities."
While swim lessons remain an important part of water safety, Darling cautions that swimming ability does not eliminate risk.
"Swim lessons definitely help with safety around water," he said. "But there still needs to be supervision around water. We cannot assume that because our child is a good swimmer, they are in no danger."
The campaign also reflects the YMCA's broader mission of promoting healthy and safe communities.
"The reality is, we want to raise awareness around child safety in general," Darling said. "We hope parents, grandparents and anyone supervising children will accept the challenge of putting devices down when they are responsible for children's safety."
Ultimately, Darling hopes families remember that drowning incidents are often unexpected and happen faster than many people realize.
"Take the challenge to ensure that your child does not become one of these statistics," he said.
Families interested in taking the "Phones Down, Eyes Up" pledge and learning more about water safety can visit the YMCA of the Sandhills website at
https://ymcaofthesandhills.org/ for resources, tips and educational materials. For more information, visit the water safety page.
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Tuesday, 09 June 2026
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Written by Crissy Neville
Move over Dancing with the Stars — Dancing Without Sin® Fitness is to Fayetteville and Cumberland County what DWTS is to Hollywood, and then some. CEO/Owner Stephanie Brown Kegler impacts her clients’ physical, cognitive and spiritual health through dance, exercise, nutrition and mindful, faith-filled practices. Kegler creates life-changing opportunities that are more than just dance routines but are what she has named and trademarked, Dancing without Sin®.
The program’s name comes from the mantra she shares with her dance fitness class participants, whether in a church setting or a recreation center. Kegler, a certified instructor of Zumba, Zumba Kids, Chair Zumba, Zumba Toning and Group Fitness, began teaching dance fitness in 2009.
“While teaching, I would always say, look, it's ok to dance; we are not smoking, drinking, cursing, so this is Dancing Without Sin. I said that for years and then, duh! The Lord tapped me on my forehead, and that's how this business was created,” she shared.
Kegler works hard on her playlist, mixing Gospel, inspirational and Christian hip hop with old school R&B and Afro beats. While the music selections are picked for wide appeal and to pique the interest of “the forgotten Christians” of the fitness genre, Kegler also practices inclusivity in her workouts. The No Christian Left Behind session focuses on participants with standing disabilities and those in wheelchairs. Dancing Without Sin® has multiple dimensions, from line dancing and high energy step routines to cardio, circuit, strength and resistance training.
“Everyone can get a work-out,” Kegler said enthusiastically.
Dancing Without Sin®'s purpose is to help people move, heal and live healthier lives, Kegler said. Classes are held at the DWS Movement Center at 208 Campbell Ave. in Fayetteville, weekly at the Massey Hill Recreation Center and upon request.
In elaborating on what’s found at the Movement Center, Kegler said, “It’s designed to be a calm and welcoming environment where people feel safe and supported. Within the center, we have a full kitchen for hands-on healthy cooking demonstrations, ample space for physical warm-ups and personalized coaching sessions. We also offer quiet areas for reading and reflection, massage therapy to promote relaxation, and even a prayer closet for those seeking spiritual connection. My aim is to provide a holistic and safe space that truly encourages personal growth and success in all aspects of well-being.”
Visit https://www.dancingwithoutsin.com/ to find out more.
Available for bookings are live and in person services including event and line dancing performances and instruction, church gospel fitness led by a certified instructor and Movement Minister, regular group fitness sessions, event hosting and DWS Virtual Cooking experiences. Explore Kegler’s many offerings at https://www.dancingwithoutsin.com/services-9.
In the past year, the studio has added several new choices. DWS Beat Burn, a drumstick workout class, combines cardio, toning, arm exercises, rhythm and fun. DWS Superstar Surprise, which is available for parties, surprise pop-ups, corporate events and special celebrations, “allows us to bring movement, entertainment and excitement directly to events in a fun and memorable way,” Kegler explained.
DWS Mobility Movement, which is a gentler movement class inspired by Pilates, yoga, stretching and functional mobility, aims to improve flexibility, balance, core strength, posture and overall body movement in participants.
“It is especially helpful for those who want to keep moving but may need a lower-impact option,” she continued. DWS workout classes can also be found on social media platforms.
“Dancing Without Sin® has continued to expand with new programs and specialty offerings that bring more variety, fun, and purpose into the studio experience,” Kegler said.
This future-thinking includes the addition of the Movement Ministry, a focus that helps Kegler serve faith-based communities in a more intentional way. Movement Ministers connect the physical, emotional and spiritual sides of wellness in a very personal way, yet the new initiative stemmed from Kegler’s realization that personally, she can’t do it all. A dynamic, energetic woman, Kegler often juggles many events in a day and always wants to do more.
“I even remember one Saturday where I juggled five different events in a single day! It can become quite overwhelming. The vision behind this (Movement Ministry) is to train passionate individuals to take the joy and benefits of movement out into their own communities, churches, families and beyond. Ultimately, the goal is to have Movement Ministers spread across the globe, creating a ripple effect of positive change and getting the entire world moving.”
Fittingly, Kegler uses the hashtag #MovePeopleMovement to describe her far-reaching goals for Dancing Without Sin® and desire to spread fitness.
I really want people to understand that in this journey of fitness and well-being, the ultimate goal isn’t to achieve some unattainable ideal of a runway mode physique,” she said in conclusion. “Instead, it’s about cultivating the ability to run down the runway of life with energy, vitality and strength.”
(Photo: Stephanie Brown Kegler is the CEO and Owner of Dancing Without Sin®. "I am an over 50 Fitness Coach. I do cater to those that are older to make them realize they can workout too!" Kegler said. Photo courtesy of Stephanie Brown Kegler)
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