Water Safety at Camp
Being in, on and around water can be an exciting part of camp, whether it entails boating, swimming or participating in another aquatic activity. As a camp counselor, you need to be aware of the dangers water presents so you can keep campers safe while they are having fun.
Water safety involves taking the necessary precautions to address the risks of injury or death that campers may face while in, on or around water. Water-related injury or death can occur within a moment, so it is vital for you to take precautions to prevent these tragedies. You must also be prepared and equipped to swiftly respond to water-related emergencies.
This article discusses water safety best practices, explains how to recognize drowning and rescue victims, and outlines the equipment needed to ensure water-related safety.
Water Safety Best Practices
Having water competency can help improve water safety for you and those around you, according to the American Red Cross. There are three main components of water competency: water smarts, swimming skills and knowledge of how to help others. The following practices can improve your water competency and help you keep campers safe:
Have water smarts. You should take precautions when campers are in, on or around water.
Utilize best practices, such as never swimming alone or letting campers swim alone (even with lifeguards present) and wearing a properly sized, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
Understand the dangers of hyperventilation and hypoxic blackout.
Be able to assess and adjust for each water environment’s unique risks, such as its temperature, currents, depth and clarity.
Account for underwater hazards, including animals and vegetation.
Have adequate swimming skills. Being able to return to the surface after water goes over your head, float or tread water for one minute or more, turn over and around in water, swim at least 25 yards and exit the water environment are all key skills for you to have to improve safety.
Have the knowledge of how to help others when necessary. This includes closely watching children or weak swimmers under your supervision and recognizing the signs of drowning, knowing how to assist a drowning person, and knowing how to administer CPR and first aid.
When swimming in rivers or other natural environments, additional best practices include closely monitoring the weather, water temperature, and currents; prohibiting swimming during lightning; avoiding hazards such as rocks, underwater obstacles and dams; and being aware of others using the same waters. It is imperative to mandate safe behaviors such as entering the water cautiously and feet first, only diving in clearly designated areas at least 9 feet deep with no underwater obstacles and not jumping into the water from high structures like bridges.
Drowning Recognition and Rescue
As a counselor, you need to be familiar with the signs of a camper experiencing distress in the water and know the steps to rescue them. The American Red Cross states that indications of someone being in trouble in the water include that individual floating or treading water, holding onto a floating object or safety line, or trying to swim but not moving forward.
Signs of drowning may include the individual being upright (vertical) in the water, not moving forward, not treading water, spending energy to keep their head above water or pressing their arms down at their sides to keep their head above water.
Additionally, an individual who is drowning may appear to be trying to climb an invisible ladder. Their face or eyes may be hidden by hair and they may not be able to call for help or display other signs of distress, such as splashing or thrashing around. Further, a passive drowning victim may be motionless and floating near the water’s surface or near the bottom. It’s important not to assume that a swimmer is joking or fooling around if you witness these actions.
If you notice signs of trouble, it’s vital to react promptly and properly. Actions to take include yelling for help to alert the lifeguard and extending something out to the person that they can grab; if they are out of reach, throw an object that floats to the person to hold onto. You should also know when to call 911 or seek assistance. According to the American Red Cross, only people who are trained in water rescue should enter the water to try and save an individual who is in trouble.
Life Jackets and Safety Equipment
Proper use of life jackets and other safety equipment can help protect campers during water activities. According to the American Red Cross, a properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket should be used in the following circumstances:
When small children or weak or inexperienced swimmers are near, on or in the water
When anyone is on or in oceans or open water
When anyone is boating, water skiing or participating in water-based sports
When anyone is around cold water and ice
It’s essential that you ensure the appropriate type of life jacket is used for each activity campers are participating in. Check to make sure the buckles and straps on each life jacket are functioning properly and that there is no torn fabric or loose straps. Review the life jacket’s label and the manufacturer’s instructions for additional details on proper use. Also, make sure that life jackets fit the campers appropriately.
Additionally, having access to a first aid kit, automated external defibrillator and cellphones/radios can help keep campers safe. It is also advisable to have reaching and throwing equipment, such as poles or buoys, available and ready to use if a camper becomes distressed in the water.
Conclusion
Being in, on or around water can be fun, but it is essential for you to understand the risks associated with aquatic activities in order to keep campers safe. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask your supervisor.
This Safety Matters flyer is for general informational purposes only, and is not intended as medical or legal advice. © 2023 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.