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 the best swim school near me offering result-oriented swimming lessons in Katy that cater to all ages and abilities. Our well-trained and experienced swimming instructors provide a variety of programs for infants through adulthood. For the little ones, we offer swimming lessons for babies and swimming lessons for toddlers focused on survival swimming skills to build a strong water safety foundation and foster water confidence at a young age. Once your child knows how to swim, our swim lessons for children will help refine techniques and build endurance, as the consistent practice of their swimming skills is an imperative part of becoming a strong swimmer. 

Our adaptive aquatics program is designed for children of all ages and abilities to ensure every child, including children on the autism spectrum, can benefit from these fundamental skills and enjoy the water in a safe and comfortable environment. Adults seeking to improve their swimming prowess or learn how to swim for the first time can enroll in adult swim lessons tailored to their specific goals.

Our swim lessons near me are a convenient and accessible way for you and your family to learn how to swim in a comfortable environment. Our dedicated instructors are passionate about teaching and ensuring your progress in the water. Take a few minutes to view Our Swimmer Stories to learn more about what other families are saying about their experience with Texas Swim Academy. 

Contact us to learn more about our programs or stop by our state-of-the-art swimming facility in Katy to register today. Be sure to follow our Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube pages for important news, updates, and swimming safety tips, and read our blog to keep up-to-date with important information on water safety and proper swimming lessons.