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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To go swimming in the sea whilst the kids are in bed?

462 replies

Maezzle · 12/07/2025 18:44

We live by the sea. It is fifteen metres through the garden from the door to the edge of the water. It is a safe place to swim and we are good swimmers.

Are we unreasonable to go for a fifteen minute swim once the kids (preschool) are asleep? They never wake. We would have a friend lined up who would come and babysit if they don't hear from us after half an hour (in case of shark attack or other unforeseen event)!

Basically the only risk is a house fire. We would not have any appliances running and the house would never be more than 30 metres away and in full view. Window open so we'd hear smoke alarm.

I feel like this should be acceptable as it's basically like having a swimming pool in your garden. But for some reason I feel it isn't okay, but I don't know why!

What would you do?

YABU you should be locked up for even thinking of it.
YANBU it's just like a swimming pool, it's fine.

OP posts:
PenelopeSkye · 12/07/2025 18:48

If a preschooler wakes up and is distressed not to be able to find you, half an hour is a really long time.

TwoFeralKids · 12/07/2025 18:47

In my morbid mind I can imagine you drowning and the kids touching things they shouldn't do.

Weirdestfamily · 12/07/2025 18:47

Just get a babysitter and then go

ShittyHottie · 12/07/2025 18:47

You say "we" - just take it in turns!

You can't leave pre schoolers alone while you leave the garden to go sea swimming, no.

And I'm way more chill than most people about leaving DC alone but even I wouldn't do that. Especially not if there was another adult to tag team with.

TwoFeralKids · 12/07/2025 18:46

Are you joking?

Thatslife234 · 12/07/2025 18:46

Is this a real post?

FurryHappyKittens · 12/07/2025 18:46

I'd say it's unwise. I feel you need someone in the house while you're gone.

I feel like this should be acceptable as it's basically like having a swimming pool in your garden. But for some reason I feel it isn't okay, but I don't know why!

Because it's the sea! It's unpredictable.

youreactinglikeafunmum · 12/07/2025 18:46

Yabu sorry - the potential for a horror story is just too great, even though I don't think you sound like a bad mum or anything xx

TimeForTeaAndG · 12/07/2025 18:46

I'd say it's nothing like a swimming pool unless you fill it with sharks, tides, jellyfish etc.

Can you take turns? So there's one of you on hand immediately should you be needed rather than an arbitrary 30 minute rule for someone else?

Comedycook · 12/07/2025 18:46

No. Your DC are way too young to be left. Why can't you take it in turns?

CheeseWisely · 12/07/2025 18:46

You can take it turns surely, one of you stay in the garden and the other swim then swap?

Brokenforsummer · 12/07/2025 18:45

YABU