Yup, this is the part that bothers me.

5 year old kid who has been properly trained walking alone--I have no problem with that. My mother was blind, I was taught safe street crossing from an early age. I do not recall when I was crossing residential streets unsupervised, I do recall I was crossing major streets (at traffic lights) alone at 7. I'd take the bus to go visit grandma--no escort on either end.

But 5 year old unsupervised at a pond is another matter. Unless they have plenty of swimming experience that disturbs me.