Center parcs swimming paradise - what age do you let them run freeeee?

[cakesandchocolate]

Ages 7 and 9, confident swimmers... Do I still have to follow them round the slides and lazy rivers? I am happy to (actually want to!) but they want to go it alone...
Wwyd?

[readysteady]

Let them have fun and watch from afar

[AmazingJumper]

Sounds fine

[Walkacrossthesand]

Letting them run free is a gradual thing isn't it - they're still quite young so I would begin by moving from 'being with them' to 'each knowing where the other is' (eg you bob about in the outdoor pool /hot tub while they do wild water rapids/flumes, but they have to let you know if they decide to go to indoor pool so you know where they are). Before you know it, they'll be going to the pool on their own while you have another coffee in the villa! I luffs center parcs

[scornedwoman67]

They're confident swimmers. If there are life guards too I would let them loose but just keep an eye on them.

[Walkacrossthesand]

Thinking about it, aren't there 'rules' about accompanying adult - I think age 8, but accompanying = in the pool area not glued to their side. scorned, CP is bristling with lifeguards on every corner! All looking spectacularly bored but that's part of the lifeguard person spec I think..,,

[sadwidow28]

I was the main child-care provider for my LN from aged 7 years to 12 years.

I had a rule: "You must always be in my eye-sight". LN could skip off and swim, play football, mooch under a tree ..... as long as I could see him.

Would that work for you at Centre Parcs?

[atosilis]

Not the rapids but I think they have to have an adult with them for that.

[frumpypigskin]

Just got back from CP. I lost hold of my 3 year old on the lazy river. She grabbed hold of the rope hand rail and refused to let go and I couldn't get to her. She was holding herself underwater and only let go when she ran out of breath. It was a bit scarey.
I was shouting at her to let go right underneath the bored teenage lifeguard.

Just saying don't rely too heavily on the lifeguards. I would say the keep your eye on them is a good rule.