What is a counselor's primary responsibility while overseeing children at a pool during free swim time?

The primary responsibility of a counselor while overseeing children at a pool during free swim time is to keep the children safe and supervised. This means being vigilant and attentive to the children's behavior, ensuring that they are following safety rules, and responding effectively in case of any emergencies or unsafe situations. A counselor's role is to create a safe environment where children can enjoy their time in the water while minimizing risks.

This responsibility involves constant monitoring of the pool area, actively looking out for any potential hazards, and being prepared to intervene if necessary. While socializing with other staff or participating in swimming activities can be part of the counselor's experience, these should not take precedence over the essential duty of supervising and ensuring the safety of the children. Providing swimming lessons may also be beneficial, but the focus during free swim should primarily be on maintaining safety and supervision.