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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/swim-watch-kids-even-with-lifeguard

If a lifeguard is on duty, do parents still need to watch their kids in the water?

Yes. A responsible adult should still stay with the children.

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  1. Yes, an adult should still stay and watch ✔
  2. No, watching is the lifeguard's job
  3. Only if the child cannot swim

Why: Lifeguards watch a whole crowd. The Red Cross says that even if lifeguards are present, you or another responsible adult should stay with your children.

Huh, didn't know that: At parties, the AAP suggests a water watcher who passes a watcher card to the next adult about every 15 to 20 minutes.

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Why did the lifeguard bring a whistle shaped like a fish? So everyone would know he was on porpoise.
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References

Answer: Yes, an adult should still stay and watch. Lifeguards watch a whole crowd. The Red Cross says that even if lifeguards are present, you or another responsible adult should stay with your children.

  1. American Red Cross: Water Safety www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/water-safety.html
    Even if lifeguards are present, you (or another responsible adult) should stay with your children.
    Checked 2026-10-12.
  2. AAP HealthyChildren: Drowning Prevention for Curious Toddlers www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-play/Pages/Water-Safety-And-Young-Children.aspx
    assign a "water watcher" to constantly keep eyes on the child
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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