A lake beside camp is not a ready-made swimming program. Water activities need qualified leadership, approved areas, suitable equipment, supervision, emergency procedures, and local compliance.
A buddy system is useful only within a wider plan. It does not replace active adult supervision or specialist water-safety requirements.1
Separate swimming, boating, shoreline play, and other water activities in your risk review. They may need different competencies and controls. Do not let cabin staff create unofficial water time after scheduled activities.
Apply the same care to climbing, horses, archery, cycling, high ropes, or other specialist work. Check provider credentials, equipment, site approvals, insurance, and emergency arrangements for the exact activity.
Contracting out does not remove the need for clear handovers. Name who holds attendance, who handles medical information needed for action, and who can stop the session.
Offer an appropriate alternative for someone who cannot or does not take part. Do not make participation a test of courage or belonging.
Your task: Create a separate approved activity card for each specialist activity and prohibit unplanned additions.
Sources for this page
- CDC, Preventing Drowning. Supervision and water-safety guidance. Not a lifeguard qualification or a camp staffing ratio. ↩