Glossary
Touch supervision
Staying within arm's reach of a baby, toddler or weak swimmer in or near water, close enough to grab them instantly.
Touch supervision means staying within arm's length of a young child or weak swimmer whenever they are in or near water, close enough to grab them at any moment. The AAP (opens in a new tab) recommends constant touch supervision for babies and toddlers, whether it is bath time or swim time, and says to get in the water with your toddler and take them with you if you need to get out, even if lifeguards are present.
The AAP's 2026 drowning-prevention recommendations (opens in a new tab) add that the supervising adult should be able to swim, and that touch supervision applies to infants, toddlers and weak swimmers.
What it looks like in real life:
- in the bath, a hand on your baby the whole time, with towels and supplies ready before you start;
- in the pool, you in the water, within reach, not on a lounge chair;
- no phone, no alcohol and no stepping away.
Why so close? Young children can drown in seconds and often silently. See how to supervise kids around water and water safety for toddlers.
What you can do today: set out towels and bath supplies before bath time so you never have to step away.