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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU - pool safety question

36 replies

Wearegoingtobedlehem · 23/02/2015 21:01

Should a three year old be expected to walk poolside ( round to the opposite side of the pool) without an adult?

OP posts:
ghostyslovesheep · 23/02/2015 21:02

expected by who, where, in what context etc?

thatsucks · 23/02/2015 21:03

As long as there are adults there actually looking out for the three year old - either a lifeguard, a parent or an instructor I don't see the problem?

dementedpixie · 23/02/2015 21:03

What context?

dogscatsandbabies · 23/02/2015 21:04

Depends on the 3 year old I think. But certainly if said 3 year old is non swimmer and the water is deep I would say probably not. Bit like letting them walk unaccompanied along the pavement of a busy road... Better to be within arms reach just in case.

Pippidoeswhatshewants · 23/02/2015 21:04

I would say it depends on how big and how busy the pool is.
Olympic size pool during rush hour? Maybe not.
Small beginner pool - YABU.

getawaynow · 23/02/2015 21:05

A 3 year old is old enough to follow that simple instruction. Think you need to elaborate?

wigglesrock · 23/02/2015 21:05

They do at the swimming lessons at my local pool. The parents accompany the kids to one side of the pool, then the kids walk around the pool to the far side at wait on their classes starting. They are a lot of staff on duty. The lessons start from age 3.

LuckyLopez · 23/02/2015 21:08

Why do people post such basic ops and expect others to know exactly what the hell they are on about? How can we answer properly with such a lack of information?!

peutetre · 23/02/2015 21:08

Of course.

ChatEnOeuf · 23/02/2015 21:09

My 3yo can swim and follow the 'walk, don't run' instruction well. In a quiet area where I could see her (+/- intervene if needed) I'd be happy for her to do this. Busy public baths when I couldn't see her, I'd be more twitchy - similarly if she was unable to swim or to be trusted to walk safely.

youbethemummylion · 23/02/2015 21:11

Yes I would say that is fine. If a 3 year old is mature enough to take swimming lessons they are mature enough to walk sensibly at the side if the pool.

PeppermintPasty · 23/02/2015 21:13

Yes. Of course.

Sparklingbrook · 23/02/2015 21:17

More info required.

Original poster
Wearegoingtobedlehem · 23/02/2015 21:20

Ok, sorry for being so brief, I'm just prone to going on and on,

Dds aged 3 & 5 go for lessons at a school pool. The company that run the lessons hire part of the pool. To get to the lesson they have to walk round to the opposite side of the pool. The schools rules are that parents cannot escort their children round the pool. So the company running the lessons say that the instructor will collect and drop back the children if they are young.

Fwiw I have no problem with the 5 year old going round alone, it's the 3 year old.

These are private lessons not group.

The instructor does not get out of the pool at the beginning or end of lesson so would not be able to react quickly if there was a problem - but there is a life guard.

Put simply I just worry about the younger one slipping poolside- given then choice I would still be holding her hand as she is not as sensible by nature as her big sister,

But maybe I just need to get a grip?

OP posts:
bumbleymummy · 23/02/2015 21:26

But if your lo slips into the pool wouldn't it be better for the instructor to already be in the water? Confused

Original poster
Wearegoingtobedlehem · 23/02/2015 21:27

Bubbleymummy- yes if he was in the right bit of the pool but yes I do see that point too.

OP posts:
youbethemummylion · 23/02/2015 21:29

Why would she slip into the pool? As long as she is not walking on the edge she may slip as it will be wet but wont actually fall into the pool. I think you need to stop worrying.

Figster · 23/02/2015 21:33

Assuming the teacher is in pool and there is a lifeguard I can't see the problem sorry.

I have a 3yo who has lessons every week and has done for couple of yeArs now I expect him to understand the need for being sensible.

kinkyfuckery · 23/02/2015 21:35

If you feel your 3 year old is too 'young' to follow water safety instructions, they shouldn't be taking lessons in or around water.

bumbleymummy · 23/02/2015 21:35

Fwiw I would be watching my lot like a hawk and would be ready to spring into action if needed but I don't necessarily think it's a terrible set up as long as there is someone keeping an eye on them. It would depend on how busy/bustley it was though.

getawaynow · 23/02/2015 21:36

Get her to hold her big sister's hand, older one being closer to the pool and have them both wearing flipflops. Explain they are big girls and can be trusted. I am so OTT regarding water accidents, would never take my eyes off them for a second but have to back off and trust them within reason. If she did slip or run into the water you are watching and can intervene or alert the life guards within seconds.

MiaowTheCat · 23/02/2015 22:22

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

BackforGood · 23/02/2015 22:36

What kinky said.
There's no point in them having lessons if they are not developmentally ready to be able to listen to, and follow instructions.

Generally though, wouldn't a 3 yr old be wearing armbands before getting to the water's edge anyway ? Confused

The set up you describe wouldn't worry me from a 'safe if thy fall in the water' pov though, with a lifeguard on the side and the instructor in the water.

fluffymouse · 24/02/2015 00:44

Yabu as it sounds like a short walk, which you see, and there is also a lifeguard and instructor present.

If it is such a worry maybe you should withdraw the 3 year old from lessons though (for your sake).

MrsTerryPratchett · 24/02/2015 01:12

So how is it that I have to be within arm's reach if I'm at the pool with DD but they can make them walk around on their own? No way I would do this with DD.

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