What age did/would you let your DC go swimming at the pool alone?

[GreatWhiteWail]

If they can swim, obviously.

Our local pool allows it from age 8.

What age would you let them go in alone (you would not be able to see them, but there are lots of lifeguards).

My DCs are lifeguards, not babysitters. Personally I think 8 is too immature to be left in a pool out of sight of a responsible older person.
I’d be happier with secondary school age & competent / safe in water.

Council leisure centres say 8, I preferred 10.

And there are never loads of lifeguards. There will be the bare legal minimum on deck at any one time.

Mine are both strong swimmers, had fully completed the swimming levels before age 8. Both went swimming alone with friends at that age, the first few times I would watch from the cafe or spectators area to ensure they were behaving sensibly (they did!).

There are at least 4 there at any one time.

Around secondary school age, depending on the child. I'm considering it this summer for my just about to turn 11 year old as he's sensible enough. Just not with a big group - I'd let him with one friend for now so they didn't get giddy and stupid which groups of boys (and girls) can do. So I'd say, it is situation (and swim level) dependent.

My dd went with a friend from 12.

I think 8 is bonkers. My youngest is 8 and very sensible, but no way would I allow him at the pool by himself. He wouldn’t want to go either.

Definitely 11 for me. I think we went when they were 10 but can't remember for sure.

My son was when he started secondary school 12 ish

Children aged 10 years and older are allowed to swim without an adult in the water at my local swimming pool However, for those aged 10 to 15,an adult (over 18) must remain on the premises at all times

12 for my boys. But that was because I know they are good swimmers and very riskadverse.

10-12ish I think though my 8 year old went with a 15 year old sibling.

My son went with a friend when he was 12 and I was happy for him to go because he is sensible and so is his friend.

He never asked before that so I'm not sure what I would have said but probably I wouldn't have been comfortable in primary.
I think secondary school age is about right.

My local pool does a disco on a Friday evening for ages 12 and under, no adults allowed in the pool. DD used to go with friends when she was 10/11 but she'd done years of lessons and was a competent swimmer.

I used to be a lifeguard in a leisure centre. Certainly where I worked it was allowed from age 8 upwards. I think it’s fine as long as you can rely on them to follow the instructions of the lifeguards. In my experience most children alone in swimming pools actually do. If they don’t they are liable to be chucked out. Groups of boys/young men between the ages of about 12 and 25 tend not to do as they’re told and they often get thrown out.

Based on how strong a swimmer they are. Mine went from 5 in the late 80’s early 90’s. But were already in swim club and strong swimmers.

My child is 7 and the thought of sending her in to a pool by herself in a year is mind blowing! I mean she can’t really swim (despite years of lessons) so that means it’s a definite no anyway. She actually would follow life guard instructions, but even if she could swim, no way.

So having been a lifeguard for a pool and lakes and taught swimming (and saved lives) my concern wouldn’t be my kids competence (that’s important too).

When someone fears they are drowning or indeed are they can have an iron grip and will pull whomever and whatever down around them to stay above the water.

At 8 there is no way that very small young child wouldn’t be in danger if that happened. I have personally lifted a terrified four year old out of the water by my finger (one finger full out of the water ) as the slipped under and I grabbed them.

Drowning can happen in seconds so personally 8 is far far far too young and it is naive to think of a situation happened they would be okay.

At least secondary for me. If a lifeguard is occupied or not paying full attention or tending to someone else before everyone is told to get out of the pool it’s too much of a risk.

I am all for independence and grew up jumping in lakes, cliff jumping, swimming etc so this is just my perspective but water shouldn’t be taken lightly. It’s the same thinking as leaving an eight year old at home - are they mature and able enough in an emergency to deal with it? Almost every time no.

DD was 11 when she went with a friend, that was the Summer after Y6. She was already a competent swimmer though, started Rookie Lifesaver sessions the same time.

8 for mine. They were both swimming club by then (so 2km ish (80 lengths) in an hour) and familiar with changing rooms etc by themselves.

I think 11 or 12 although if they were a strong swimmer and the pool rule was 8, I'd let them but watch from the side or the cafe.

DD used to go swimming with a group of friends when she was in Year 6, so age 10.

Mine were at secondary school before they went swimming without me. I would never have felt comfortable leaving them alone before about 12 years old. 8 seems too young, but yes @GreatWhiteWail many swim centres (and the like,) allow children in the pool - unaccompanied by adults - when they're 8 and older, including the one in my local market town. Not sure how they can prove their age though. Some 8 year olds look 5 or 6, and some look 11 or 12.

Presumably the leisure centre wouldn't allow it unless it wasn't causing them problems.

As a few people have said, some children are strong swimmers by 8, and well behaved. Some are not, and then it wouldn't be appropriate.

I think it's good that council swimming pools allow it, so that some children can do it.

I would be more comfortable with my child going alone than going with friends, I think.

I can't imagine an 8 year old in a pool alone. Even one who is a competent swimmer. I would say probably 10 and above at the earliest and maybe even older if going as a group, depending on how sensible they were with friends.