What is required when children are in or near water during activities?

Active supervision is essential when children are in or near water because it directly contributes to their safety and well-being. In aquatic environments, the risk of accidents increases significantly; therefore, caregivers must be vigilant and attentive to ensure that children do not get into dangerous situations, such as near the edge of a pool or in deep water.

Active supervision means that caregivers are not only present but are also engaged in closely monitoring the children’s activities, providing immediate assistance if needed, and being able to respond quickly to emergencies. This type of supervision helps prevent drowning or other incidents that might occur due to inattention.

While having one caregiver present may seem adequate in some situations, it does not meet the safety standards required for water activities, especially where multiple children are involved. Allowing children to play unsupervised or relying on life jackets without constant oversight poses significant hazards and undermines the necessary protective measures that active supervision provides. Thus, maintaining active supervision is the clear and critical requirement for ensuring children's safety around water.