Pool Time!

[OllieDannyandMe]

Just yesterday, here in Richmond, VA, we had a 6 year old drown in the pool at the apartment complex where she lived. Friends and family were at the pool with her and a lifeguard was on duty at the time. She still drowned.

In February 2010, a child at the Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg, VA, was sexually assaulted near the fourth floor stairwell when she was playing some sort of scavenger hunt type game.

I am not aware of anyone ever being abducted from Disney World, but I believe that there have been a few sexual assaults over the years.

No matter the statistics, I believe it's better to stay with children until they are old enough to look out for themselves. The age probably varies depending on the child, but I think 6 is too young to be alone in a pool area.

Even for adults, it never hurts to have a buddy when you are swimming--someone other than the life guard who will look out for you.

To the OP, glad that your little boy was okay!

 

[nrpofp]

Hey I totally agree with you about relaxation time We all need it and parents deserve it too. I don't think I am explaining myself correctly. I am not talking about us playing some big game. I am talking about us all hanging close together at the side of the pool and the little ones jump to Mommy or Daddy or something along those lines. I agree that I would not start up Marco Polo or something and act shocked when others join. That would be stupid.
What I meant by parents not playing with their kids is this. Yes. All parents should be able to relax etc. That doesn't mean that they are not good parents etc. BUT- when your child is bored and looking for something to do and it has now become some other family's job to entertain them then the parent needs to get up and do something. That being said the kids we have met have always been very sweet and we really didn't mind letting them join in but thought it was odd that their parents were nowhere to be found.

I don't think a child is joining in because he is bored. Thats what kids do. You are also making an assumption that all parents are bothered by other peoples kids. If it bothers you just ignore the kid or ask them to go to their parents. I don't think other parents are sitting in their lounge chairs expecting you to entertain their kids. Kids are not going to know they are bothering you unless you tell them. If you engage the kids and make them feel welcome there going to stay, and how on earth are the parents going to know their kids are bothering you if you are playing with them, and look you are having fun. People aren't mind readers.

 

[Mouse House Mama]

I don't think a child is joining in because he is bored. Thats what kids do. You are also making an assumption that all parents are bothered by other peoples kids. If it bothers you just ignore the kid or ask them to go to their parents. I don't think other parents are sitting in their lounge chairs expecting you to entertain their kids. Kids are not going to know they are bothering you unless you tell them. If you engage the kids and make them feel welcome there going to stay, and how on earth are the parents going to know their kids are bothering you if you are playing with them, and look you are having fun. People aren't mind readers.

The kids don't bother us. It is hard to convey what I mean on the internet. A conversation would be so much easier. We do find it odd that small children are left unattended at a pool period. Regardless if they are hanging with us or just on their own. I also think the parents should know that sometimes their kid is overstepping and people are being kind. Hmmm....let's say you are in a restaurant having dinner and your child is standing up in the booth looking at the people behind you. They smile at your child etc. That doesn't mean her behavior is okay. It just means the people are being polite. Nobody is going to tell your kid to sit down and stop staring at them. I think that kind of explains what I mean. Maybe?

Honestly from what you have posted I think we are more similar than you think. Really though I don't think you need to follow a 6 year old like you would a toddler but I wouldn't let them out of my sight. They are still too young for complete freedom imo.

 

[bellebud]

The kids don't bother us. It is hard to convey what I mean on the internet. A conversation would be so much easier. We do find it odd that small children are left unattended at a pool period. Regardless if they are hanging with us or just on their own. I also think the parents should know that sometimes their kid is overstepping and people are being kind. Hmmm....let's say you are in a restaurant having dinner and your child is standing up in the booth looking at the people behind you. They smile at your child etc. That doesn't mean her behavior is okay. It just means the people are being polite. Nobody is going to tell your kid to sit down and stop staring at them. I think that kind of explains what I mean. Maybe?

Honestly from what you have posted I think we are more similar than you think. Really though I don't think you need to follow a 6 year old like you would a toddler but I wouldn't let them out of my sight. They are still too young for complete freedom imo.

I'm not in this conversation between you two, but I completely agree w/ you. There are many times kids overstep and other parents are simply being kind, but are honestly not 'happy' to be having stranger kids joining what was a fun, family time. I'd NEVER allow my child to jump into the pool w/ a stranger dad (or mom) catching them. I would simply know the other parent is just being kind - to me that's just common sense. I'd be aware of what my kid was doing, whether I was tagging along w/ them or not. If I saw this from across the pool, either dh or I would immediately go over and perhaps join in on the catching, telling my child to jump to me, and certainly thanking the other parent for being kind.

 

[Mouse House Mama]

I'm not in this conversation between you two, but I completely agree w/ you. There are many times kids overstep and other parents are simply being kind, but are honestly not 'happy' to be having stranger kids joining what was a fun, family time. I'd NEVER allow my child to jump into the pool w/ a stranger dad (or mom) catching them. I would simply know the other parent is just being kind - to me that's just common sense. I'd be aware of what my kid was doing, whether I was tagging along w/ them or not. If I saw this from across the pool, either dh or I would immediately go over and perhaps join in on the catching, telling my child to jump to me, and certainly thanking the other parent for being kind.

Thank you. That is exactly what I mean.

 

[nrpofp]

I'm not in this conversation between you two, but I completely agree w/ you. There are many times kids overstep and other parents are simply being kind, but are honestly not 'happy' to be having stranger kids joining what was a fun, family time. I'd NEVER allow my child to jump into the pool w/ a stranger dad (or mom) catching them. I would simply know the other parent is just being kind - to me that's just common sense. I'd be aware of what my kid was doing, whether I was tagging along w/ them or not. If I saw this from across the pool, either dh or I would immediately go over and perhaps join in on the catching, telling my child to jump to me, and certainly thanking the other parent for being kind.

Honestly I would never catch someone elses child. Thats when you ask the kid wheres mommy. I thought this thread was about what age is appropriate to roam a public enclosed pool without mom 5 ft away. It seems to have gotten a little off track. I hope 6 year olds are not still jumping to their parents in the pool. They should be swimming by then. We hang out out public pools and beaches everyday. I guess I am used to other kids playing with us or my kids. We get plenty of family time at home. I actually enjoy talking to parents and kids I have never met. I guess maybe I'm in the minority. I always think of public places as... well public. Not the place I go for private family time. If a kid is being annoying there are tactful ways to direct them back to their parents. I don't think parents are intentionally pawning there kids off on anyone. I think majority of parents with grade school age kids(not toddlers) enjoy sitting back and watching there kids play with others. If you don't want other kids playing with you I feel its perfectly fine to tell the kid so. Eventually kids will learn to ask before they join in, but that comes with age.

 

[JoshAndEvsMom]

I guess my thinking is: If I can't leave them home alone, why would I leave them unattended anywhere else?

Also, I think most of the pools have posted in the rules somewhere how old a child has to be to be unattended.

I know your son wasn't completely "unattended" per se. But I think like you think. All the little "what ifs" are always going through the back of my mind. I guess I'm just a paranoid mama and no amount of people telling me to relax is going to change that. Even if they are *kinda* right... oh well

I'd follow my son around too if it made me more comfortable

 

[Kat&Dom]

My son is 5 turning 6 in the fall and he is an excellent swimmer but I am always aware of where he is in a swimming pool. I let him go off the diving boards but I am watching him constantly. I might stay in the hot pool while he goes off the diving board but I don't take my eyes off of him. He is proud that he has the freedom to jump off the board and be in the diving pool but I am always ready to jump into the diving pool if I feel he is in any type of danger. Yes, there are lifeguards but he is my son and he is my responsibility so I am aware of where he is at all times. I personally think that swimming is a life skill and should be mandatory for all children.

 

[emma'smom]

Actually, I think the lifeguards at WDW (and Disney's HHI) are the most vigilant I have ever seen. Some are ALWAYS scanning and walking, while others are watching from the chairs. We always comment on how focused they are-- particularly at AKL.

At any rate, I have a 9 year old and a 6 year old-- both on our local swim team. My dd9 can pretty much have the run of the pool. I will either stay near the shallow end or at an umbrella table where I can see the pool. I look up to see where she is from time-to-time. DD6 will sometimes stick with her and then I let them go. If she is alone, I will ask her to stay where I can see her or let me know where she is going. She'll tell me when she is headed to the slide and/or the splash area (at Kidani). I don't usually follow her to the slide--but look for her to come down and I don't follow her to the splash zone, but will pop in occasionally to check on her and just have fun with her.

At the resort itself, I will let them go get ice cream from Mara by themselves and dd9 can fill the drink cups (dd6 would drop them). I also feel comfortable letting them use the restroom on their own (together) and dd9 on her own. Dd6...it depends on if I'm relatively close to the restroom where I can see the door.

HHI was the first place that my dd9 really got a taste of freedom as she would ride her bike around the resort starting at about age 6. We would walk and she would go on ahead.....same thing for buying ice cream, etc.

At home, our girls play outside with the other kids up and down the back yards and dd9 is now allowed to ride her bike or take her scooter around most of the neighborhood as long as she stays on the sidewalk.

 

[princesspeach]

I have no idea what people mean by unattended. My definition of unattended is sitting in your resort room while your kids are at the pool. We live in AZ where everyone has pools. I have spent countless hours in the pool teaching my kids to swim and how to behave at the pool. My kids have been swimming laps since age 2, and diving for rings in 6 feet of water since age 4. I stopped getting in the water with them by age 4. They were excellent swimmers. That does not mean they were unattended. At age 6 and 9 I have no worries. I have earned the the right to sit in my lounge chair sipping a mai tai. My kids can deal with the overcrowded resort pools while I relax. It shocks me when I go to wdw and see kids over the age of 5 with life jackets on in 4 feet of water. If a kid cannot swim by age 6 thats your problem, and you need to be in the water with your kid. Just don't criticize the parents relaxing on the lounge chairs. Their kids probably know how to swim. As far as stranger danger. Most kids are kidnapped or molested by someone they know such as parents, family members,teachers, or your friends. Instead of looking for the bogeyman behind every corner I think its more important to worry about people your children are in contact with on a regular basis. I teach my children to be cautious, but I wan't them to outgoing, friendly,confident, and helpful to people they don't know.. I don't wan't them afraid of strangers or thinking there are bad people everywhere. If I freak out because my kid was out of my sight for 5 seconds playing with a water gun what am teaching my child.

 

[jessica52877]

I don't let my child out of my sight at a pool, especially in Disney! He is 8 and does not need free reign for any reason.

 

[AZMermaid]

I think there is no need to be on top of a 6 year old. If he is being watched from afar, that is fine. Kids have very little freedom these days and they grow up thinking they can't do anything for themselves. But, if the Dad really didn't know where he was, I think that is an issue. I have not been to Kidani, so I am not sure how it is laid out. If the water area is like a large jungle gym and the Dad knew he was in there, that is good for me.

I also agree there is no reason a 6 year old should not be able to swim laps (unless there is some sort of special needs situation). The OP didn't say if this was part of the issue. Kids over 3 in floaties/ life vests (except for on boats) look ridiculous and I admit I totally judge the parents. I do not allow my son to wear them. They totally hinder swim development and give parents a false sense of security. I LOVE that they are not allowed at any of the public pools here. I wish hotels and WDW would follow suit.

 

[princesspeach]

I don't let my child out of my sight at a pool, especially in Disney! He is 8 and does not need free reign for any reason.

Do you stay in the water with you 8 yearold the whole time.? Why especially a disney pool? Are there a unusual amount of people paying 500 bucks a night waiting in the bushes to harm your child? I'm curious what your rationale is. I think my 9 yearold would be really annoyed if I followed him around the pool. Im just trying to understand what the fear is that people have.

 

[Aliceacc]

I haven't read all the pages.

But I would suggest a BRIGHTLY colored rash guard shirt. It's a whole lot easier to pick out that neon green shirt among the crowds than the navy blue bathing suit. You can watch your kids without having to constantly make eye contact.

My kids are total water rats. When the 3 of them are in my pool, I'm in the yard (OK, to be honest I occasionally do run into the kitchen for a second or two.). At Disney I'm either in the water with them (Hey, we go in August!!!!) or sitting nearby, scanning the pool for them every few minutes.

 

[bellebud]

Do you stay in the water with you 8 yearold the whole time.? Why especially a disney pool? Are there a unusual amount of people paying 500 bucks a night waiting in the bushes to harm your child? I'm curious what your rationale is. I think my 9 yearold would be really annoyed if I followed him around the pool. Im just trying to understand what the fear is that people have.

Well, I'm personally 'afraid' of this guy (who I posted about on the first page of this thread), and the thousands like him who live in Florida, and where better to get close to a child than WDW?

Yes, it happened 'only' once (that we know of... but tell that to the parents of that little, innocent girl - hey, it was only once), as opposed to the thousands upon thousands of kids using these pools yearly with no incidents.

BUT, I can't help that this type of person pops in my mind in places like this. Cute little kids running around in bathing suits, unattended (unlike at the parks, where kids are usually right w/ mom and dad, and fully clothed, etc).

I don't hover over my kids at the pool, but I do know where they are and watch from afar if I'm lounging... they fully know the details of this incident at the Disney pool, and we talk about what to do, etc. BUT that doesn't mean they wouldn't be in shock if something like this happened and totally forget what to do... happens to adults all the time (getting frozen in a situation). Even if you 'practice' at home, that is no guarantee the kid will be able to handle it in the real world. My job is to protect my kids, so yes, my eyes follow them everywhere.

Man accused of videotaping, molesting girl at Disney pool

The Associated Press

April 30, 2007, 5:10 PM EDT

A man accused of molesting a girl at a hotel pool on the Walt Disney World property and videotaping the act was being held today, police said.

William Bishop, 61, of Estero, was arrested Friday at the Walt Disney World Swan, which is on the popular park's property but not owned by it. Bishop has been charged with a felony count of lewd or lascivious acts to a minor.

According to the Orange County Sheriff's Office, guests at the hotel reported seeing Bishop take a young girl into the bushes of the pool area, touch her inappropriately and videotape it. Authorities said the victim was about 6 to 8 years old and said Bishop rubbed her genitals and exposed his own.

Bishop denied such action, according to the police.

Deputies said besides the handheld video camera Bishop was carrying, they found a small digital camera concealed under his shirt and held in place by a lanyard.

He was being held on $100,000 bond.

 

[brightspark]

I can't believe the folks who judge parents of children who can't swim on their own! I really hope DS will have the hang of it by then, but we live in the UK... where no-one has their own pool, and going swimming is a massive treat for most people.

We've spent a fortune on baby swim lessons (from the time he was 14 weeks old) for my DS, but at just coming 3 he still hates to go under the water...

Not everyone is lucky enough to be able to spend hours in the pool every week... maybe give the rest of us a break from the judgement eh?

 

[bellebud]

I can't believe the folks who judge parents of children who can't swim on their own! I really hope DS will have the hang of it by then, but we live in the UK... where no-one has their own pool, and going swimming is a massive treat for most people.

We've spent a fortune on baby swim lessons (from the time he was 14 weeks old) for my DS, but at just coming 3 he still hates to go under the water...

Not everyone is lucky enough to be able to spend hours in the pool every week... maybe give the rest of us a break from the judgement eh?

this I totally agree w/ too. We live in NY, have always had a pool (or access to one easily), and my kids learned around 3 - 5 yo. I have never, ever once looked at any age child who had a life vest or floaties on and thought anything about it. The kids are all different at which age they're comfortable doing different things. I agree it's a very important life skill, and I am horrified (scared for their safety, and scared for their children's safety around water) when I hear an adult say they can't swim, but not a child.

 

[princesspeach]

Well, I'm personally 'afraid' of this guy (who I posted about on the first page of this thread), and the thousands like him who live in Florida, and where better to get close to a child than WDW?

Yes, it happened 'only' once (that we know of... but tell that to the parents of that little, innocent girl - hey, it was only once), as opposed to the thousands upon thousands of kids using these pools yearly with no incidents.

BUT, I can't help that this type of person pops in my mind in places like this. Cute little kids running around in bathing suits, unattended (unlike at the parks, where kids are usually right w/ mom and dad, and fully clothed, etc).

I don't hover over my kids at the pool, but I do know where they are and watch from afar if I'm lounging... they fully know the details of this incident at the Disney pool, and we talk about what to do, etc. BUT that doesn't mean they wouldn't be in shock if something like this happened and totally forget what to do... happens to adults all the time (getting frozen in a situation). Even if you 'practice' at home, that is no guarantee the kid will be able to handle it in the real world. My job is to protect my kids, so yes, my eyes follow them everywhere.

Man accused of videotaping, molesting girl at Disney pool

The Associated Press

April 30, 2007, 5:10 PM EDT

A man accused of molesting a girl at a hotel pool on the Walt Disney World property and videotaping the act was being held today, police said.

William Bishop, 61, of Estero, was arrested Friday at the Walt Disney World Swan, which is on the popular park's property but not owned by it. Bishop has been charged with a felony count of lewd or lascivious acts to a minor.

According to the Orange County Sheriff's Office, guests at the hotel reported seeing Bishop take a young girl into the bushes of the pool area, touch her inappropriately and videotape it. Authorities said the victim was about 6 to 8 years old and said Bishop rubbed her genitals and exposed his own.

Bishop denied such action, according to the police.

Deputies said besides the handheld video camera Bishop was carrying, they found a small digital camera concealed under his shirt and held in place by a lanyard.

He was being held on $100,000 bond.

When you say kids running around unattended what do you mean. Thats what I am not getting. If the parents are at the pool how are they unattended?

 

[bellebud]

When you say kids running around unattended what do you mean. Thats what I am not getting. If the parents are at the pool how are they unattended?

that girl who was molested had parents at the pool. They probably were letting her just run around and just didn't know where she was, but were comfortable she was in the general vicinity. It takes a minute to be molested... she wasn't missing for an hour or anything.

 

[nrpofp]

I can't believe the folks who judge parents of children who can't swim on their own! I really hope DS will have the hang of it by then, but we live in the UK... where no-one has their own pool, and going swimming is a massive treat for most people.

We've spent a fortune on baby swim lessons (from the time he was 14 weeks old) for my DS, but at just coming 3 he still hates to go under the water...

Not everyone is lucky enough to be able to spend hours in the pool every week... maybe give the rest of us a break from the judgement eh?

I don't know what your situation is in the uk, but most people in this country have access to pools. I try not to be judgemental of parents,but lifejackets do bother me. If a parents kid can't swim why are they not in the water teaching them. I have seen kids as old as 8 at the poly pool with a life jacket on. I hope you use your time in Florida to work on his swimming. It will be a great opportunity for you.