Supervising children

When children are near water, you must supervise them all the time.

Supervise means to watch carefully.

A young girl wearing bathers, a swimming cap and goggles looks into the camera from a swimming pool.

Never leave a child alone in the water.

If your child is under 5, be in the water with them.

A man supports his young son in the water, helping him float in the swimming pool.

Be prepared - have everything you need before you go, so you don’t have to leave.

Use your full attention - look at children, not at your phone.

Be close - ready to help if they need help.

A woman plays on her phone at the swimming pool whilst children play in the background. A red cross over her indicates she should be focusing her attention on the children she is supervising.

If you are always watching, you can make sure children are safe in the water.