All water-related activities must be
guarded by enough certified lifeguards to ensure safety. There should be NO
"unguarded areas" during water activities. A staff member who serves as
lifeguard must be certified through one of the following:
A current certification must be verified at the event with a copy of the
certification document.
NOTE 1: Lifeguards must be registered youth workers over age 21. A
15 to 20 year old may be a lifeguard only if they are a “Registered Youth
Worker Assistant” (special registered youth worker designation for 15–20
year olds).
NOTE 2: Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) must be worn at all times
while participating in rowing, boating, canoeing, floating, or tubing activities. In addition, PFDs must be worn by all participants while in any boat less than 26 feet in
length. All PFDs should be U.S. Coast Guard or Canadian Coast Guard approved
proper size, type, and fit for each user. These must be Type I, II, or III
PFDs designed to support the weight of each user.
LAKE ACTIVITIES: While rowing, boating, canoeing, floating, or tubing on
a lake, a certified lifeguard must be present and all participants must wear
their PFD at all times while in the boat or in the water and must maintain a
visible link with the lifeguard.
RIVER ACTIVITIES: While rowing, boating, canoeing, floating or tubing on
a river, a certified lifeguard must be present with the group and
all participants must wear their PFD at all times while in the boat or in
the water.
Boating and water-safety regulations differ between government jurisdictions.
It is the responsibility of the campground boards and camp directors to
understand and follow all local and state requirements.
