Checklist
Name the water watcher and hand over before attention moves
Everyone nearby is not the name of a supervisor.
When it fits
- Children are in or near a pool or another water setting.
When to avoid it
- A lifeguard, flotation aid or a child's confidence is not a substitute for the required supervision. Adapt the activity to abilities and local safety guidance; do not supervise while impaired.
Checklist
- Agree who is responsible before the activity starts.
- Keep supervision continuous and keep a phone available for emergencies rather than entertainment.
- Confirm the replacement watcher is ready before handing over.
Why it matters
Assign an attentive, capable adult whose only task is watching the children. Put unrelated reading, messaging and conversation aside. If that adult must stop watching, arrange an explicit handover before attention moves, or take the children away from the water.
An example
At a gathering, the designated watcher does not leave to answer a nonurgent message until another capable adult has clearly taken over.
Check your result
There is no interval in which each adult assumes the other is watching.
Keep this limit in mind
- A lifeguard, flotation aid or a child's confidence is not a substitute for the required supervision. Adapt the activity to abilities and local safety guidance; do not supervise while impaired.
Evidence and sources
Supports
CPSC recommends a designated adult whose only task is watching children in or near water, even when a lifeguard is present.
A name on a rota is not active supervision, and a handover must not create an unattended interval.
Safety Tips · Designate a water watcher