Balancing fun and safety around camp waters
By Jim Castrataro
A body of water is one of the most exciting attractions at any camp, creating some of the most cherished memories for campers. Yet, it also stands as the single biggest stressor for any camp director. How can directors strike a balance between creating a vibrant, fun-filled atmosphere and honoring the serious responsibility of keeping campers safe? After all, no one wants to only dip their toes in; running, diving, and swimming to the dock and back are quintessential parts of the camp experience. To tackle these concerns effectively, it’s important to understand the regulations for aquatic activities at a camp and navigate best practices with expert guidance.
Understanding The Regulations
The Role Of Key Water-Safety Personnel
Managing any body of water at a camp starts with having the right people in the right roles. Here are the key positions that every camp must fill:
- Aquatic Director: This person is a seasoned water-safety professional, responsible for supervising all aquatic activities. He or she must be at least 21 years old and have experience in managing or supervising similar aquatic areas for at least six weeks. Ideal candidates also need current lifeguard certifications.
- Lifeguard: A lifeguard is the first line of defense in any aquatic emergency. The person must be at least 16 years old and hold the following certifications:
- American Red Cross Lifeguard Training or an equivalent certification recognized by the local health department
- CPR certification
- American Red Cross Standard First Aid or an equivalent certification recognized by the local health department.
Regulating Swimming And Diving Areas
Whether a pool, lake, river, or beach, these areas require strict supervision:
- Counselor-to-Camper Ratio: Camps must maintain a 1:10 counselor-to-camper ratio when in or near water.
- Lifeguard-to-Swimmer Ratio: Camps are required to have one lifeguard for every 25 swimmers.
- Aquatic Director Presence: If more than 50 swimmers are in the water, an Aquatic Director must supervise and can be counted as one of the lifeguards on duty.
- Off-Site Aquatic Activities: When camps travel to external bodies of water, they must provide certified lifeguard supervision, although an Aquatic Director is not required.
Swimming Pool Compliance Guidelines
The following regulations ensure the safe use of pools:
- Initial Swim Test: At the first pool session, each camper’s swimming ability must be assessed. This helps determine the areas in which a swimmer is allowed to swim based on a set of skills.
- Skill-Based Restrictions: A camper should only swim in areas that match assessed abilities or in areas that require lesser skills.
Making Regulations Into Reality
Best Practices For A Safe And Enjoyable Swim Time
Regulations provide a baseline, but the real challenge is maintaining safety when the energy levels spike during swim time. Here are some additional strategies to manage excitement and potential risks:
Managing Changing Rooms
Changing areas require a delicate balance of privacy and supervision. Staff should be stationed nearby and positioned to hear activity while still respecting privacy. Periodic walkthroughs can help ensure safety without intruding on personal space. Keep camper groups small to manage the changing area effectively. It’s important to remain patient—even when campers linger and delay transitions to and from the water.
Swim Tests: A Critical Safety Step
When it's time to assess swimming skills, group campers into smaller sets of 4-6 and guide them to the swim-test area. This is often a stressful moment for campers and staff alike. Watch for signs of nervousness or overconfidence. Some campers may dive right in, assuming they’ll be saved if they struggle—be vigilant during this phase.
Designate Clear Boundaries For Non-Swimmers
For campers who don’t pass the swim test, create a clearly marked shallow area where they can safely stand. Ensure that this space is easy to spot, so non-swimmers always know their boundaries. Also, clearly mark the campers for each section of the pool. Wristbands have proven to be most effective. Young campers may or may not know the difference initially, avoiding embarrassment, but also the wristbands send a subtle message as non-swimmers look around at other campers who have them.
Additionally, be sure to have those who have passed the test wear wristbands, not the other way around! Wristbands can fall off over the course of a day. It’s better to have a skilled swimmer relegated to the shallow end for loss of a wristband than for the opposite scenario.
Engaging Staff—The Heart of Aquatic Safety
A common challenge at a swim area is keeping all staff fully engaged. Camp counselors may sometimes view swim time as a break because the lifeguards are now in charge, leading to lapses in attention. This mindset needs to be corrected immediately. The swim area demands that staff be at their most alert. While lifeguards are trained to spot signs of distress, camp staff know the campers personally—their quirks, habits, and normal behaviors. This familiarity means they may detect signs of trouble before a lifeguard notices.
Creating A Cohesive Safety Team
Aquatic safety requires seamless teamwork among counselors, lifeguards, and senior staff. Everyone must be on the same page, understanding their roles and responsibilities. Regular communication and drills can help maintain this unity. The ultimate goal is a cohesive team that prioritizes safety without compromising the joy of the camp experience.
Safety First, Fun A Close Second
Bodies of water are a magnetic draw for campers. They’re where excitement and challenges converge, pushing children to test their limits while creating lasting friendships and memories. However, the responsibility of ensuring safety lies heavily on the camp staff’s shoulders. By adhering to regulations, employing best practices, and fostering a culture of vigilance and cooperation, camp directors can maintain a safe environment while preserving the fun and magic that make camp life so special.
Remember, safety doesn’t have to mean sacrificing fun—it's about setting the stage for a secure and memorable camp experience for everyone.
Jim Castrataro is a seasoned camp professional with over 20 years of experience, successfully working with local boards of health and securing permits for over 200 camps throughout his career. His work within higher education has provided him with a unique understanding of institutional and state requirements, enabling him to expertly collaborate with key departments such as human resources, risk management, legal counsel, public safety, food service providers, and facilities management. Find more of Jim’s advice at www.launchsportsventures.com.