Section 8: Safety Considerations
Eyes-closed movement adds collision and water-safety risks. Play only where the facility permits the game, with a clear area and participants suited to the conditions. Facility rules and lifeguard instructions take priority over these recreational rules.
Children need continuous attention from a designated supervising adult who is not playing or distracted. A lifeguard’s presence does not replace that supervision. If the group cannot provide suitable supervision, choose another activity.
- Stay in suitable water: Use the agreed shallow area. Do not transfer this version to lakes, rivers, surf, or other open water.
- Protect breathing: No dunking, underwater restraint, breath-holding challenges, or swimming beneath other players.
- Move gently: Keep hands relaxed and avoid lunges, forceful strokes, and kicks near others.
- Watch Marco’s path: Call “Stop!” before a collision with a wall, person, or pool fitting becomes likely.
- Keep exits available: Never block someone reaching the edge or leaving the pool. Stop the game when someone needs assistance.
- Take breaks: End a turn immediately for fatigue, distress, cold, or loss of confidence. Do not pressure someone to continue.
- Respond to trouble: Stop play and alert the lifeguard or supervising adult immediately when anyone appears to need help.
Before the first turn, practice the stop signal once: everyone stops chasing, Marco opens their eyes, and the group checks that everyone is safe. If safe eyes-closed play is not practical, use an eyes-open version of gentle pool tag instead.