05/28/2026
Whether it’s at the beach, pool, or lake, kids enjoy playing in the water, but with this fun comes a serious responsibility—supervision.
Drowning remains one of the leading causes of unintentional deaths for children under 5, and even competent swimmers can find themselves at risk in a moment of distraction.
Here are a few helpful tips while supervising children under the age of 5 while around water...
💧Constant Supervision: The responsible adult must stay within arm’s reach of the child at all times, whether the child is in or out of the water.
💧In-the-water Supervision: Parents or guardians must be in the water with the child. It’s not enough to be on the sidelines; you must be physically in the water, prepared to act if needed.
💧One-to-Two Ratio: A responsible adult may not supervise more than two children under the age of 5 at a time. If you’re caring for more than two children, it’s recommended to bring another adult for additional support.
As children grow older, they may show more independence, but supervision remains just as important. For children aged 5-9, the guidelines are as follows:
💧 Constant Visual Contact: The responsible adult must maintain constant visual contact with the child, ensuring there are no physical barriers between them.
💧No Distractions: Avoid distractions such as using mobile devices or reading materials. Active supervision means being fully engaged and alert at all times.
💧Ready to Assist: The adult should be ready to enter the water should the child need immediate assistance.
💧One-to-Four Ratio: An adult may supervise up to four children in this age group, provided they are able to keep track of each child effectively.
For children over 10 years of age, the responsibility of supervision can vary depending on the child’s swimming ability. Here’s how to approach supervision for older children:
💧Assess Individual Ability: Parents should use their knowledge of the child’s swimming skills and general development to determine the level of supervision required.
💧Recommended Supervision: Although children aged 10 and above may be more independent, it is still recommended that they are not left unsupervised at the pool.
💧Parent’s Responsibility: Parents should stay nearby and be prepared to step in if necessary, especially in unfamiliar or potentially hazardous environments.
