SUPERVISION
Active Supervision
There Is No Substitute for Active Supervision! Actively supervise children in and around open bodies of water, giving them your undivided attention. When there are several adults present and children are swimming, use the Water Watcher card strategy, which designates an adult as the Water Watcher for a certain amount of time (such as 15.-minute periods) to prevent lapses in supervision.
Teach children NEVER SWIM ALONE and that they MUST have an adult with them near a pool/canal/lake.
Drowning prevention experts agree that supervision is an important layer of protection. Supervision is the first and last line of defense in drowning prevention. Unfortunately, supervision can NEVER be relied on alone to be effective in preventing drowning. Approximately 75% of all drowning deaths to children ages 1‐4, there was an adult providing supervision at the time.
IF YOUR CHILD IS MISSING, CHECK NEARBY POOLS and OTHER WATER AREAS FIRST.
SUPERVISION WITHOUT INTENTION OF SWIMMING
This situation occurs daily for pool and spa owners. These are the countless days when regular household routines are being followed, the pool is closed, and there are no plans for swimming in the pool or spa. Regular daily supervision of children can’t be guaranteed to be present each and every minute of the day. Momentary lapses in daily supervision are expected, such as during household chores, using the restroom, or when the child is napping. It is during these times, WITHOUT INTENTION OF SWIMMING, when other layers of protection should be in place to guard against unauthorized access to the pool or spa.
Use these Layers of Protection as back‐up to Supervision Without Intention of Swimming:
- 4‐Sided Isolation Fencing
- Self‐Closing, Self‐Latching Pool Gates
- Pool Safety Alarms on doors, windows, gates, and at the pool
- Pool Safety Covers
SUPERVISION WHILE SWIMMING
Pools and spas are designed for enjoyment – safe enjoyment. Unfortunately, drownings still occur even when adults are present at the poolside. When swimming is intended recommendations for supervision is quite different. All the Layers of Protection designed to limit access (fences, gates, alarms, covers, etc…) are no longer helpful in reducing the risk of drowning. Supervision at the poolside must be diligent and attentive. The NDPA and CPSC recommend using a Water Watcher: a responsible adult who knows how to swim and who knows CPR. The Water Watcher’s job is to do nothing but watch the water and should be changed every 30 minutes. Always enforce the “buddy system” for children and adults when swimming: never let anyone swim alone – even for a minute.
Use these Layers of Protection as back‐up to Supervision While Swimming:
- Swim Lessons for everyone over the age of 1 year
- CPR Certification for all supervising adults
- Use US Coast Guard approved life‐jackets for all poor swimmers
- Use “Touch supervision” for all infants, toddlers or poor swimmers (one adult to one child)
- The Water Watcher should remove all children from the pool area if he needs to leave
- Never leave young children in the pool are under the supervision of older children
- If a child should be missing, the pool area should be checked immediately. Precious seconds of lost time can make a difference in rescue and recovery.
Water watcher
ADULT ACTIVE SUPERVISION & TOUCH SUPERVISION
WATER WATCHER
- Object that designates
- Responsible Adult
- Communication
- Time Line
- CLOSE and LOCK ALL GATES.
- Secure the pool/spa.
- Know where children are at all times.
Please teach your children NEVER SWIM ALONE, and that they must have an adult near a pool/canal, lake. You can use the FREE “Stewie the Duck Learns to SWIM” app.
Remove all toys from the pool and pool area when not in use.
Pool Safely have wonderful videos and activities to help children enjoy learning about water safety and family fun in the water. Here is a link to their page.
Lifeguarding
If you are having a family gathering or private party at a pool or near the water, we strongly suggest hiring lifeguards. Reach out to SWIM DOCTORS!