The Importance of Adult Supervision Around the Pool

When it comes to kids swimming in the pool, the importance of adult supervision should go without saying. But that’s not always the case. Drowning is fast, it is silent and it doesn’t discriminate. While we think drowning can’t and won’t happen to us, there is never a guarantee. So it’s imperative that we understand how crucial designated adult supervision is during swim times and what can happen when we let our guard up, even for a second. 

What is a Water Watcher?

As elementary as it sounds, when children are in and around water, there should always be a designated Water Watcher. This adult is in charge of supervising the children without distraction. While moms are notorious for multitasking, any Water Watcher should forgo doing anything – browsing their phone, reading a book, texting, talking on the phone, etc. – that will impede their judgment and hinder their ability to pay attention to what’s going on with the kids in the pool. 

A Water Watcher needs to be able to react immediately should an emergency occur. It’s said that a child drowning can happen within 20 seconds, which is shorter than it takes to send a text message. By designating a Water Watcher and tasking an adult with the sole responsibility of keeping eyes on the kids in and near the pool, as well as being within arms reach if necessary, you’re providing an added layer of protection that is certain to help prevent an aquatic accident from taking place. 

Supervision Matters

Accidents happen. That’s a fact of life. While formal swimming lessons reduce the risk of drowning by 88 percent, there’s still the chance that an accident can occur. We should never assume children will exercise sound judgment when they are in or near the water. They get excited. They run, they jump, and they act like kids, which is why supervision matters. Not only do children need to be reminded of pool safety and the dangers of getting in or near the water without an adult present, but we also need to be aware of how fast something disastrous could happen. 

It’s important to note that supervision is just as important during non-swim times, as that’s when most aquatic accidents occur. If you’re visiting friends or family members who have pools, be sure to familiarize yourself with where the pool is located and any access points available to the pool. Just because you don’t intend on swimming doesn’t mean curious kids won’t find themselves near the water. Supervise the situation and always remain vigilant of your surroundings and your child’s whereabouts. 

By being present without distraction, we are able to engage with our kids, know our surroundings and provide an environment for them to safely enjoy the water. Stop by the Texas Swim Academy reception area to pick up a Water Watcher tag, which is perfect for keeping around the pool so you know who is in charge of providing the supervision. We also encourage you to sign a Pool Safely pledge while you’re here to make sure your family is safer around water this year. 

Your Katy Survival Swim School

Adult supervision is just one layer of protection designed to keep kids safe while they are around water. At Texas Swim Academy, we remain dedicated to providing children with survival swimming lessons and giving them the skills necessary to help themselves should an aquatic accident occur. Contact us today to learn more about our survival swim program and how children as young as 6 months old can learn the roll-back-to-float technique.  

SWIM SCHOOL IN KATY 

Texas Swim Academy is a state-of-the-art swimming facility offering water safety, survival swim, and kids swimming lessons in Katy, Texas. Owners Kathleen and Bruce McMordie, alongside our certified staff, help parents introduce children to water at an early age through the Infant Survival Swim Program , teaching life-saving techniques and basic swimming skills.

Our Stroke Development Program offers six different levels to help students progress in their swimming skills at his or her own pace. Our Adaptive Aquatics Program was created specifically for children with special abilities. Find swimming class registration information here. By subscribing to Texas Swim Academy’s blog , you can stay current on valuable water safety resources such as survival swim, health and wellness, Texas Swim Academy news and more. Follow our Facebook , Twitter, and YouTube pages for even more news, updates, and tips!