A skimmer unit for use with a body of water. The water skimmer comprises a housing, a basket for collecting debris, and a partitioning baffle with upper openings and optionally lower openings, a skimmer chamber, and other chambers. The baffle's lower opening is preferably positioned below the rim of the perforated basket and its upper, screened or gated opening is positioned above the rim of the basket for allowing water to pass in the event of debris clogging the first opening, overflow conditions, larger flow demand, and/or filter demand.