Glossary
Water Watcher
An adult whose only job is to watch children in the water, with no phone, reading or other tasks, handing off at set times.
A Water Watcher is an adult whose only job is to watch children in or near the water. Pool Safely (opens in a new tab) says to designate one every time children swim, and that watching should be their only task: no reading, texting or playing phone games. Parents should still act as Water Watchers when a lifeguard is on duty, because lifeguards may not see the whole pool.
How to make it work:
- Name the watcher out loud before anyone gets in the water.
- Hand off at set times. The AAP (opens in a new tab) suggests passing a water watcher card to the next responsible adult, for example every 15 to 20 minutes.
- Stay sober. The CDC (opens in a new tab) says adults watching children should avoid alcohol and distractions like phones.
- Keep young children and weak swimmers within arm's reach.
Parties are the riskiest time, because every adult assumes someone else is watching. Print the Water Watcher Card and read how to supervise kids around water and how to host a safe pool party.
What you can do today: print a Water Watcher card and keep it with your pool or beach gear.