On the one hand, this was me as a kid. We were the 'pool rats' and proud of it. I think my friends and I went every day for three weeks, riding our bikes on the streets, without parents. Probably from 8 or so onward we were allowed to go by ourselves. The helicopter parenting thing is waaaay out of control if you think you can't send kids that age to the pool.  On the other hand...I was also the lifeguard who fucking hated the constant presence of the pool rats. Sure, you're happy they're alive and all, and enjoying the pool, but come on, I don't want to babysit. 11 hours a day should be for parents, not underpaid 16 year olds.