DO:

·        Stay in the same exact area as the children

·        Interact with the children

·        Count bodies every fifteen minutes

DON'T

·        Sit back and relax

·        Be away from unsupervised children

·        Become involved in something else as children play

·        Congregate with other counselors or staff

What can happen when we get distracted and forget to keep our eyes and ears open?

·        Children get into mischief or danger

·        Preventable arguments and physical fights can break out

·        Children will do things which seem seasonable to them, but are dangerous to both themselves and others

·        Children can get lost or wander off.

 Some field trips or outing require special thought when supervising.  Try to keep these tips in mind.

Playgrounds and Parks:

·        Walk around play structures to ensure the safety of children on all levels

·        Locate and watch the highest point on the structure.

 Beaches:

·        Never turn your back on the water, or allow the campers to do so either

 Public Places:

·        Use the buddy system

·        Keep the kids with you at all times

·        Constantly count the children (or have them count off)

v     Staff in locker rooms when children are present (changing or going to the bathroom)

v     Make sure locker room trips are done in groups with a minimum of three people.

v     At least ONE staff on pool deck at ALL times

v     When kids are going down slide, staff need to be standing or sitting next to slide to help kids follow rules, to let them know when they can go down the slide, etc.

v One person on slide at a time

v     Person must be out of the roped off triangle before next person gets onto steps.

v     Dive only in the Big Pool’s deep end. (NO diving in the small pool or along the red line of bricks that surrounds the big pool.)

v     FACE FORWARD ONLY when jumping in (NO twirling, flips, or going off backwards in either pool)

v     Stay off the ropes and lane lines (NO hanging or sitting on lane lines or ropes)

v     Walk on the pool deck (NO running on the deck)

v     Keep hands and feet to yourself

·        NO horseplay in an out of the pool

·        NO dunking or holding others under.

·        NO hands or arms around others necks

·        NO hitting, kicking, biting, etc.

·        NO pushing or pulling others into the water

·        NO standing on shoulders of others

v     Ladders are used for entry and exit, not to swing or climb on

v     Keep water in the pool (NO splashing others)

v     Use kickboards, pull buoys, barbells, and aqua belts ONLY with permission of lifeguard on duty

v     Lifeguard consent and supervision is required prior to being on the starting blocks.

v     Campers and CITs are not allowed in the hot tub during camp sessions

v     A shower is required before using the pool

v     Water allowed on deck in plastic containers. (No gum, food, or drink allowed in pool area.)

v     Appropriate swim attire required in pools

·        Exception — clean shorts and shirts with lifeguard's approval

·        No cut-offs or torn clothing

v     An adult must accompany children unless they can touch the bottom of the pool or pass the swim test.

v     All patrons must pass the swim test to be allowed in the big pool.

v     Only lifeguard personnel are allowed in the office and the storage rooms.

v     Patrons are not allowed on the lifeguard stand

v     Lifeguard equipment is off limits

v     Please remember lifeguards are ON DUTY, allow them to do their jobs.