Name the adult who is watching
When several adults are near a pool, it is easy to think someone else is watching. Before children enter or play near the water, choose one capable adult to be the water watcher and make sure everyone knows who that is.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s Pool Safely guidance says a water watcher’s only task is supervising children in the water. No reading, texting or phone games. The National Drowning Prevention Alliance calls for close, constant and capable adult supervision whenever children are in or around water. A lifeguard does not remove a caregiver’s responsibility to keep watch.
Make the handoff spoken and clear
When it is time to switch, the first adult should get the next adult’s attention, identify the children being watched and wait for that person to accept the job. A practical handoff might sound like: “You have the watch for Maya and Sam now?” “Yes, I have them.”
The first watcher stays responsible until the next adult has clearly taken over. Do not let a trip inside, a phone call or a conversation quietly create a gap. NDPA suggests rotating water watchers about every 15 minutes to help keep attention fresh.
Keep supervision close
The watcher needs a clear view and full attention. NDPA advises an adult to be within arm’s reach of infants, toddlers and children who lack water competency when they are in or near water. A float toy or a child’s swimming lesson does not replace adult supervision.
Supervision is one layer in a wider plan. Barriers, alarms, water competency, appropriate life jackets and emergency preparation work alongside it. Use the family checklist to talk through those layers with the adults who care for the children. Georgia can help introduce that family conversation; the adults make and carry out the plan.
Updated
Sources & further reading
Have a question about this article? Contact the editorial team.
Our editorial approach
