Winging And Kicking
As an old-timer in aquatics, I’ve taught literally thousands of hours of swimming lessons. I became a water-safety instructor (WSI) in 1977 and water-safety instructor training (WSIT) in 1984, and have maintained those certifications.
Ready, Set, Swim
Whether done on-site or on a trip, swimming can be one of the most challenging activities to host at camp. Not only does the environment have to be fun and engaging, but swimming must be done safely with large groups of kids—all of whom have varying swim levels.
For Safety’s Sake
As camp season rapidly approaches and camp owners, managers, and directors cross items off their “to-do lists,” there is one area where “good enough” just won’t cut it. When it comes to safety, extra care must be taken to ensure the safety of staff as well as campers.
Three Real-World Aquatic Emergencies
In Camp Waterfront Management ($24.95 on Amazon), author Cathy Scheder emphasizes the distinction between lifeguards’ certifications and their competence. Scheder, who also holds a doctorate in educational leadership and serves on the faculty of the University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point, was one of the first aquatic professionals to advocate for rigorous on-site lifeguard training and skills verification.
Camp Administration 101: Guidelines For Swimming
Campers swimming and engaging in other water activities with friends can be the highlight of the summer. However, swimming is also dangerous and should be taken seriously
On The Waterfront
The waterfront can be the most fun—yet dangerous—part of a summer camp. Whatever water elements camps have (i.e., pools, ponds, or lakes), water safety remains one of the biggest concerns for most directors.
Evaluating Water Activities
Water is a staple of many camps. Yes, of course, camps provide and encourage drinking water throughout the heat of summer, but water also hosts a number of activities that allow campers to cool off, squeal with delight while playing with friends, and beam with pride while learning a new skill (or even brush up on an old one).
Grade "A” Lifeguard
“As a lifeguard you have six hours of boredom [interrupted] by 30 seconds of terror,” says Mike Howard, operations director for Coney IslandPark in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Sunlite Pool at Coney Island receives
Safeguarding Aquatic Facilities
The protection and safety of guests at aquatic facilities has gained recent attention with the passing of the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act of 2007 (H.R. 1721). President Bush signed this into law late in 2007 as the first federal pool and spa safety legislation.
Safe Sailing
Sailing-related injuries at camp—and in junior sailing in general—are rare; however, when accidents do occur, the results can be serious and even deadly. Too often, camps invest heavily in lifeguard training for sailing staff members, but neglect the type of training needed to prepare instructors to operate powerboats in close quarters to kids in sailboats.
Emergency Response
The drowning process includes a series of destructive progressive stages, which will result in cardiac arrest and death if rapid and effective intervention is not provided by appropriately trained rescue