James Setton 
1. Why does the score go negative?
Negative scores indicate that you have more protective measures in place than risk factors. This is a good thing! The scale is designed to show that prevention is about layers—the more layers you have, the lower your risk score.
2. My child is a strong swimmer. Do I still need all these layers?
Yes. Swimming skills are just one layer of protection. Even strong swimmers can tire, panic, or encounter unexpected conditions. Supervision, barriers, and emergency preparedness remain essential regardless of swimming ability.
3. What’s the difference between “constant supervision” and “water watcher”?
“Constant supervision” means an adult is always watching. A “water watcher” is a specific person assigned to supervise without distractions, often wearing a tag or lanyard. This tool encourages both concepts.
4. I don’t have a pool. Why do I need to answer those questions?
Drowning can occur in many water environments—bathtubs, kiddie pools, ponds, or at a neighbor’s house. The questions help assess all potential risks, not just those at home. Even without a pool, other layers like CPR and supervision apply.
5. What if I don’t have access to open water for the life jacket question?
Select “Not applicable.” The tool will not add or subtract points for life jackets in that case, but will still consider other factors.
6. How often should I reassess?
Consider reassessing annually, after any change in your home environment (installing a pool, moving), or after a child reaches a new developmental stage (starting to walk, opening doors). Also reassess after any water-related incident.
7. What is a “close call” in the incident question?
A close call means a situation where a child required rescue or had water aspiration that could have led to drowning. If you’re unsure, err on the side of selecting the more serious option to get appropriate recommendations.
8. Are life jackets really necessary for confident swimmers?
Yes. In open water (lakes, rivers, oceans), conditions change quickly—currents, waves, cold water, or unexpected obstacles can overwhelm even strong swimmers. Life jackets provide critical buoyancy and flotation.
9. My child is an infant. Why are swimming skills asked?
Even for infants, water competency skills like floating are included because some parents choose to teach these early. The tool accounts for them if present, but does not require them. The focus for infants is always on supervision and barriers.
10. What’s the single most important action I can take today?
If you haven’t already, learn CPR. It’s a skill that can save a life in the minutes before emergency services arrive. Pair that with designating a focused “water watcher” whenever children are in or near water.
Guest article
The above may not coincide with the methodology and opinion of the SwimRight Academy Team.
James Setton 
