What Is a BWW?

88% of child drownings occur with at least one adult present. When many adults are present, this leads to diffusion of responsibility. Each adult may assume that someone else is keeping an eye on the kids in the pool. 

As a backyard water watcher, your job is to be the designated lifeguard. That means being fully focused on watching the children. 

Below are some tips for being an effective water watcher.

Helpful Tips

• Organize a shift system—Lifeguards work in 15-30 minute rotations, so set up a rotation with other adults to reduce fatigue.

• Create a plan for emergencies—know who will call 911, perform CPR, etc.

• Make sure that all swimmers in the pool can swim—if they can't, pay extra attention to them.

• Keep a headcount of everybody in the pool.

• Know the signs of distress—check out our infographics.

• Actively scan the surface, middle, and bottom of the pool.

• Have first aid kits and life jackets available at all times.