Waterfront Activities and Safety Standards
(May 15 – June 1 and September 1 – 30)

To request swimming and/or boating, use the postcard which will be in the confirmation packet that you will receive after you apply and are accepted to go troop camping. NOTE: No motors are permitted.

To Use the Waterfront

1. Application and fees must be on file at Marion Chester Read Center 2 weeks prior to camping dates.
2. You must provide a lifeguard(s) (according to Safety-Wise Standard, page 120) who must show current American Red Cross Lifeguard Training certification to Site Ranger for swimming/watercraft activities.
3. An adult currently certified in Standard First Aid/CPR must be present for ALL waterfront activities.

Weather Conditions: NO waterfront activity will take place during severe weather conditions such as electrical storms, tornado watches or tornado warnings. The Site Ranger will inform you if weather conditions will not allow you to swim or boat.

Wading: Is defined as feet on the bottom, not more than knee deep in the water. Supervision is by the adult(s) in charge who is/are knowledgeable in basic water safety and rescue techniques. If wading occurs in water more than knee deep, a person who holds certification in or can show evidence of having been trained in water safety and rescue procedures should be present.

Swimming: See Safety-Wise pages 120-121

1. A person holding current American Red Cross Lifeguard Training certification and Waterfront Life Guarding Module (or an equivalent from the YMCA or Boy Scouts of America) and two other “watchers” are to supervise directly each group of up to 30 persons. All lifeguards must be 18 years of age, and both watchers must be skilled in the use of basic rescue equipment such as reaching poles, rescue tube, and ring buoys.
2. The lifeguard and watchers are to stay out of the water except in emergencies, and should be stationed at separate posts.
3. Basic rescue equipment must be readily available.
4. Water activities must take place only during daylight hours.
5. Each person is tested and classified according to swimming ability. Otherwise, untested persons are limited to shallow water.
6. A check-board system (indicating which girls are in the water and where they should be) and buddy system must be used.
7. Instruction should be given in basic swimming safety rules.

Waterfront: Rowboats and Canoes: See Safety-Wise, pages 115-119

1. The adult/participant ratio must be appropriate to the boat’s size and capacity, the number of boats, the girls’ skill and experience, and the water and weather conditions. See the “Lifeguard Ratios” section, Safety-Wise, page 120.
   - A minimum of two qualified adults must supervise all boating activities.
   - At least one adult must be a currently certified lifeguard.
   - One adult must be a certified instructor/qualified leader for the type of small craft used.
   - The currently certified lifeguard and the instructor/qualified leader may not be the same person.
2. Each person is tested and classified according to swimming ability. Untested persons are classified as non-swimmers.
3. Everyone must wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation device (PFD) at all times while boating, regardless of swimming ability. Everyone must also be instructed on the proper use and fit of their PFD. Pick up PFD’s from the Site Ranger.
4. All boaters must be instructed on boating safety and emergency procedures. Refer to Safety-Wise pages 115-119 and applicable Red Cross standards.
5. A check system and buddy system must be used.
6. For canoeing, see specific guidelines in Safety-Wise, pages 115-116.

THE SITE RANGER HAS THE AUTHORITY AND RESPONSIBILITY TO CLOSE THE WATERFRONT IF EQUIPMENT IS ABUSED AND/OR SAFETY PROCEDURES ARE NOT OBSERVED OR IN THE EVENT OF BAD WEATHER.

At Camp

1. Posted safety rules are observed.
2. Keys for equipment and to unlock canoes and boats can be picked up from the Site Ranger.
3. The paddles, oars and life jackets are stored in the waterfront shed at Silverbrook, and the boat house at Alice Chester Center.
4. If other troops wish to use the waterfront on the same weekend. It will be up to the troops to work out times or share the waterfront.
   

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