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21st Jun 2022

Mum warned against letting son (4) in swimming pool alone

Kat O'Connor

“Maybe I’m being too relaxed”

A mum has been called out for suggesting that it is acceptable to let her 4-year-old son in the pool alone.

She said he would have armbands on in the water.

She would also be sitting by the pool on a sun lounger.

However, she has noticed that other parents are always with their children.

“Just curious because I noticed all the other parents getting in or following their 4/5/6 yr olds around.”

“Maybe I’m being too relaxed,” she said on Mumsnet.

Parents stressed that you should never leave your child unattended in the pool.

“I’d say that’s too young to be without you unless you are eyes on him the whole time,” one parent said.

Another added, “I was in a pool where a small child slipped out of her armbands and almost drowned.

“My husband grabbed her and put her on the side. If we hadn’t been nearby she’d have been dead.”

Another warned that she saved a 4-year-old from drowning last week because her mum was sitting on a sun lounger.

“I have an 8-year-old who is a good swimmer but we still watch him closely. Kids muck about and can easily get into difficulty even if they can swim.”

“I was a lifeguard for several years at a local outdoor pool and have seen too much to not be very cautious,” another added.