Which age range defines a child?

The age range from 1 year to puberty is widely recognized in child development and lifeguarding contexts as defining a child. This period is significant for several reasons. Children in this age range are generally developing fundamental physical, cognitive, and social skills. They are also more dependent on adults for supervision and safety while engaging in activities such as swimming.

During this time, children are learning to interact with their environment and may not yet have fully developed their swimming skills or an understanding of water safety. This makes it crucial for lifeguards to be especially attentive to their needs and vulnerabilities, as they may not be able to respond appropriately to hazards in the water compared to older individuals.

The other age ranges provided do not align with the commonly accepted definition of a child. For instance, the newborn to 5 years option captures early childhood but does not encompass the entirety of childhood until puberty. Similarly, defining a child from puberty to adulthood extends beyond the developmentally appropriate age range for a child, as puberty marks the transition into adolescence. Therefore, recognizing the age range from 1 year to puberty is essential for ensuring appropriate safety measures and supervision in aquatic environments.