Childcare Aquatic and Water Safety Inspection
Drowning is a leading cause of accidental death in children ages 1-4. When childcare programs provide pool access or water play, extraordinary safeguards are required. This inspection verifies all physical barriers, supervision, and emergency readiness measures are in place.
- Industry: Childcare and Education
- Frequency: Before each aquatic session and monthly safety review
- Estimated Time: 30 minutes
- Role: Program Director / Aquatic Supervisor
- Total Items: 32
Pool Barriers and Enclosures
Inspect all pool barriers and drowning prevention features.
- Four-sided pool barrier at least 4 feet high completely enclosing pool?
- Self-closing, self-latching gate with latch out of child reach?
- No gaps, handholds, or footholds allowing children to climb barrier?
- Barrier fully intact with no damage, bent sections, or missing panels?
- Door or gate alarm present and functional for any direct home access to pool?
- Pool drains Virginia Graeme Baker Act compliant (anti-entrapment covers)?
Supervision and Lifeguard Requirements
Verify supervision meets aquatic safety standards.
- Certified lifeguard present whenever pool is in use?
- Enhanced supervision ratio in effect during aquatic activities?
- Non-swimmers identified and in appropriate flotation or wading area only?
- All supervising adults using active supervision (positioned to see all children)?
- Supervising adults free from phone use and other distractions during water activities?
Emergency Readiness
Verify emergency equipment and readiness.
- Reaching pole and ring buoy accessible at poolside?
- AED and first aid kit within 60-second access of pool?
- CPR/AED certified adult on site during all aquatic activities?
- Emergency numbers and pool address posted at pool?
- Written aquatic emergency action plan posted and practiced?
- Phone immediately accessible at pool for emergency calls?
Water Quality
Verify water quality and chemical safety.
- Chlorine levels tested and within acceptable range (1-3 ppm)?
- pH tested and within acceptable range (7.2-7.8)?
- Water clarity sufficient to see bottom in deepest section?
- Pool chemicals stored safely locked and inaccessible to children?
- Water testing log completed before each session?
Child-Specific Safety Rules
Verify child safety rules are in effect.
- USCG-approved life jackets (PFDs) for non-swimmers in deep water?
- No running rule enforced on pool deck?
- No diving enforced in areas less than 5 feet deep?
- Swim test required before children access deep water areas?
- Children required to use bathroom before entering pool?
Health Exclusions
Verify health exclusion policies are enforced.
- Children with diarrhea, vomiting, or open wounds excluded from pool?
- Children excluded from pool for 2 weeks after cryptosporidium illness?
- Sunscreen applied before outdoor water activities per parent authorization?
- Water breaks provided and children hydrated during outdoor pool activities?
- Aquatic session log completed with date, number of children, and safety checks?
Related Childcare Education Checklists
- Childcare Behavioral Guidance and Positive Discipline Compliance
- Childcare Stranger Safety and Child Protection Awareness Program
- Child Protection and Abuse Prevention Policy Compliance Check
- Childcare Staff Background Check Compliance Audit
- Childcare Center Vendor and Visitor Safety Screening
- Infant Room Daily Environment and Safety Check
- Childcare Daily Parent Communication and Reporting Protocol
- Preschool Weekly Curriculum Planning and Implementation Review
Related Child Safety Checklists
- Child Protection and Abuse Prevention Policy Compliance Check - FREE Download
- Childcare Staff Background Check Compliance Audit - FREE Download
- Childcare Mandated Reporter Compliance Checklist - FREE Download
- Childcare Lockdown and Shelter-in-Place Drill Protocol - FREE Download
- Childcare Facility Alleged Abuse or Neglect Response Protocol - FREE Download
- Childcare Stranger Safety and Authorized Pickup Security Protocol - FREE Download
- Childcare Emergency Supply Kit and Go-Bag Inspection - FREE Download
- Childcare Mandatory Child Abuse Reporting Compliance Protocol - FREE Download
- Childcare Environmental Health Hazard Identification and Remediation - FREE Download
- Childcare Behavioral Guidance and Positive Discipline Compliance - FREE Download
Why Use This Childcare Aquatic and Water Safety Inspection?
This childcare aquatic and water safety inspection helps childcare and education teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for program director / aquatic supervisor professionals, this checklist covers 32 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: before each aquatic session and monthly safety review.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Childcare Aquatic and Water Safety Inspection cover?
This checklist covers 32 inspection items across 6 sections: Pool Barriers and Enclosures, Supervision and Lifeguard Requirements, Emergency Readiness, Water Quality, Child-Specific Safety Rules, Health Exclusions. It is designed for childcare and education operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed before each aquatic session and monthly safety review. Each completion takes approximately 30 minutes.
Who should use this Childcare Aquatic and Water Safety Inspection?
This checklist is designed for Program Director / Aquatic Supervisor professionals in the childcare and education industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Can I download this checklist as a PDF?
Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.