BASICS water safety
A camp director should have a solid understanding of aquatics to ensure the safety and enjoyment of campers and staff participating in water-related activities This page will provide camp directors and leaders with some basic information to start creating a safety plan for any aquatic activities. Below are a few topics that affect Camp Directors and Supervisors universally:
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Develop a risk management plan that includes risk assessments, hazard identification, and strategies for minimizing risks associated with aquatic activities
Staffing & Staff Training
Be sure to follow your state, county and local regulations as it pertains to staffing and camper ratios. Provide ongoing training for your emergency response staff. Encourage them to stay current with the latest safety guidelines and techniques
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Supervision
It is not just the aquatic staff’s responsibility to watch campers during aquatic activities. Regardless if you are at your own facility or visiting an aquatics facility it is important for everyone to be vigilant Non aquatic staff can add extra layers of protection helping ensure that all activities are safe and appropriate. Responsibilities can include watching for vulnerable campers, managing campers in the water, enforcing rules, and assisting with non-aquatic activities
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Emergency Procedures
Develop and regularly review emergency action plans for aquatic activities
Part of the review should be realistic, site-specific drills including all staff members. Ensure that all staff are trained in responding to water-related emergencies, including drowning, injuries, and waterborne illnesses.
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Parent and Camper Education
Educate parents and campers about water safety rules, procedures, and expectations Provide information about swim tests, water depths, and the importance of following lifeguard instructions.
Communication
Establish clear communication protocols between staff members during aquatic activities. Radios or whistles can be essential tools for effective communication.
Insurance
Ensure that your camp has appropriate liability insurance coverage for aquatic activities and that staff are aware of the insurance policies and procedures in case of incidents.
Record Keeping
Maintain records of staff certifications, incident reports, water quality tests, and emergency response drills These records are important for accountability and continuous improvement
Weather Policies
Establish policies for inclement weather, such as thunderstorms, and lightning safety protocols Ensure that all staff know when and how to clear the water in the event of severe weather If you are visiting a facility, they should educate you on their process, so you are knowledgeable before the visit.
Swim Testing
Implement a safety swim test and swim-level identification (bands, caps, etc.) protocol for all swimmers Consider restricting poor and non-swimmers to chest-deep water or less, with additional protections in place (wearing a USCG-approved life jacket and/or within arm’s reach of an adult); inability to swim is the primary cause of drowning.
Buddy System & Checks
The buddy system is a safety practice commonly used in various outdoor and aquatic activities The primary purpose is to have individuals pair up and look out for each other while engaging in these activities. Follow your local regulations as to the frequency of buddy checks if required In the absence of local regulations, buddy checks generally happen every 10-20 minutes depending on age, and ability of the campers.
WATERFRONTS Camps with
Safety Regulations and Supervision
Familiarize yourself with local, state, and federal regulations governing aquatic activities These regulations may include lifeguard-to-swimmer ratios, water quality standards, and signage requirements. Some states may not require lifeguards for waterfronts. That DOES NOT mean you should not utilize lifeguards. If this is the case, you may want to consider requiring your staff to become certified. Contact your local health department for more information.
Certifications
Ensure that all aquatic staff, including lifeguards and swim instructors, have the necessary certifications These typically include lifeguarding, CPR, First Aid, and Water Safety Instructor (WSI) certifications. Be sure to consult state regulations and your insurance carrier about the need for lifeguards to be certified with water front training.
Facility Maintenance
Understand the maintenance requirements for your waterfront Regular inspections and maintenance are crucial to prevent accidents
Water Quality
Reach out to local environmental agencies, water management organizations, or the state's environmental protection department. They often monitor and report on the water quality of lakes in the region and may have recent data available
Swim Area Design
Be knowledgeable about the design and layout of swim areas Ensure that they are appropriately marked, have clearly defined boundaries, and are free from hazards and know the depth of the water
Equipment
Be familiar with the various types of aquatic equipment, such as life jackets, rescue tubes, and backboards Ensure that they are in good condition and available when needed
Age and Skill-Level Appropriate Activities
Plan aquatic activities that are suitable for the age and skill levels of your campers Ensure that there are separate areas for beginner, intermediate, and advanced swimmers.
Safety Regulations and Supervision
Familiarize yourself with local, state, and federal regulations governing aquatic activities These regulations may include lifeguard-to-swimmer ratios, water quality standards, and signage requirements Regulations vary greatly by state and county If you are not required to have lifeguards, that does not mean you don’t need to utilize them If this is the case, you may want to consider requiring your staff to become certified Contact your local health department and insurance carrier for additional information In addition, the CDC has a Model Aquatics Health Code (MAHC) that can be found here: https://www cdc gov/mahc/editions/current html State, county and local regulations take precedent over anything contained in the MAHC
Certifications
Ensure that all aquatic staff, including lifeguards and swim instructors, have the necessary certifications These typically include lifeguarding, CPR, First Aid, and Water Safety Instructor (WSI) certifications Facilities with water park features (e g , water slides, splash pads, water playgrounds, etc ) should consult their state regulations and insurance carrier about the need for lifeguards to be certified with water park training
Facility Maintenance
Understand the maintenance requirements of your aquatic facility Regular inspections and maintenance are crucial to prevent accidents and ensure water quality
Water Quality
Learn about water chemistry and quality control Regularly test water for pH, chlorine levels, and other parameters to ensure it is safe for swimming
Equipment
Be familiar with the various types of aquatic equipment, such as life jackets, rescue tubes, and backboards. Ensure that they are in good condition and available when needed.
Swim Area Design POOLS
Be knowledgeable about the design and layout of swim areas. Ensure that they are appropriately marked, have clearly defined boundaries, and are free from hazards.
Age and Skill-Level Appropriate Activities
Plan aquatic activities that are suitable for the age and skill levels of your campers Ensure that there are separate areas for beginner, intermediate, and advanced swimmers
Camps with
WSafety Regulations and Supervision
Be aware of the visiting facilities rules and how it will be staffed. Understand what the expectations are and who will be supervising the campers. Be sure to ask what about the level of training of the staff.
Emergency Procedures
The facility you are visiting should have an emergency action plan and should cover the basic rules before the campers are allowed to play at the facility.
Swim Area Design
Be knowledgeable about the layout of swimming areas and know where campers are allowed to swim Be sure to report any hazards or concerns to the waterfront staff
Age and Skill-Level Appropriate Activities
Plan aquatic activities that are suitable for the age and skill levels of your campers. The waterfront may not have boundaries that match the skill level you have determined for each camper, and you may have to adjust accordingly.
Establish clear communication protocols between staff members during aquatic activities Radios or whistles can be essential tools for effective communication Communication
Risk Management
Develop a risk management plan that includes risk assessments, hazard identification, and strategies for minimizing risks associated with aquatic activities.
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Safety Regulations and Supervision
Be aware of the visiting facilities rules and how it will be staffed Understand what the expectations are and who will be supervising the campers Be sure to ask what about the level of training of the staff
Emergency Procedures
The facility you are visiting should have an emergency action plan and should cover the basic rules before the campers are allowed to play at the facility
Swim Area Design
Be knowledgeable about the layout of swimming areas and know where campers are allowed to swim Be sure to report any hazards or concerns to the aquatics staff.
Age and Skill-Level Appropriate Activities
Plan aquatic activities that are suitable for the age and skill levels of your campers The waterfront may not have boundaries that match the skill level you have determined for each camper, and you may have to adjust accordingly
Facility Maintenance
Understand the maintenance requirements of your aquatic facilities, including pools, lakes, or waterfront areas Regular inspections and maintenance are crucial to prevent accidents and ensure water quality Make sure that the facility that you are going to does regular maintenance and meets industry safety standards
Water Quality
Water testing is left to the swimming pool operator. However, if you cannot clearly see the bottom of the swimming pool at the deepest point, do not let campers enter the water.
Equipment
Be familiar with the various types of aquatic equipment, such as life jackets, rescue tubes, and backboards Ensure that they are in good condition and available
By having a strong understanding of these aspects of aquatics, a camp director can create a safe and enjoyable aquatic experience for campers while minimizing risks and ensuring compliance with regulations. Additionally, ongoing monitoring and evaluation of aquatic programs can help identify areas for improvement and enhance the overall camp experience.
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