Why This Matters #
Water sessions are among the highlights of camp — but they also carry the highest risks. Drowning can happen silently and in seconds. Every staff member must follow water safety rules precisely to protect children and create a safe, fun environment.
Adventure Camps follows current NPLQ (National Pool Lifeguard Qualification) guidelines and industry best practice for ratios, supervision, and emergency procedures.
Core Principles #
- No child enters the water without a qualified lifeguard present.
- Supervision is active — eyes on children at all times. No phones, no distractions.
- Ratios are stricter in water than on land — staff numbers increase, not decrease.
- Every session has a clear plan: boundaries, depth checks, ability checks, emergency signals.
- Every child must feel safe and included — adapt activities for ability, confidence, and needs.
Ratios (Based on NPLQ & Adventure Camps Policy) #
- Minimum Requirements (in addition to lifeguard provision):
- Children under 8 years old → 1 staff to 8 children (1:6) → Swimming Lessons
- Children 8 years and over → 1 staff to 12 children (1:12) → Swimming Lessons / Games / Lifeguard
- One NPLQ-qualified lifeguard must be on duty per pool session (cannot be doubled as group staff).
- Adventure Camps Best Practice Ratios (for added safety):
- Shallow water / Learn-to-swim / Under 8s → 1:6
- General free swim (8+) → 1:10
Note: These ratios are in addition to the qualified lifeguard(s) provided by the pool facility. Our staff supervise behaviour, headcounts, and group safety; lifeguards supervise the water environment.
Pre-Swim Procedures #
- Briefing: Explain pool rules to children before entering (no running, no pushing, shallow end only unless approved, signals explained).
- Ability Assessment: Quick “confidence check” in shallow water for new swimmers.
- Allergies/Medical: Know children with asthma, epilepsy, or other conditions. Inhalers/meds kept poolside with leader.
- Jewellery/Clothing: Remove loose items; only swimwear allowed. Rash vests for sun protection if outdoors.
- Headcounts:
- Before entering the pool.
- Every 10 minutes during session.
- On exit before moving to changing rooms.
During the Swim #
- Positioning:
- Lifeguards on poolside, with full visibility.
- Adventure Camps staff spaced around poolside and in changing areas — not clustered together.
- Active Supervision:
- Scan constantly — never sit or chat.
- Rotate positions if session is long.
- Group Control:
- Use whistles or agreed hand signals for stop, exit, or gather.
- Staff should model calm and safe behaviour (no pushing/jumping in).
- Zones:
- Shallow/deep ends clearly marked.
- Weak swimmers restricted to shallow end.
- Inflatable/slide sessions only run with extra staff and lifeguard approval.
Emergency Procedures #
- Signal System:
- 1 long whistle blast = stop activity and freeze.
- 3 whistle blasts = evacuate pool immediately.
- If a Child is Missing:
- Raise alarm with lifeguard immediately.
- Clear pool within 30 seconds for emergency scan.
- Rescue:
- Only lifeguards perform in-water rescues.
- Staff assist with clearing pool, controlling group, and supporting lifeguard instructions.
- First Aid:
- Lifeguard provides primary response.
- Staff assist with crowd control, calling emergency services, or notifying Site Manager.
Changing Rooms & Transition #
- Supervision: Staff positioned inside/outside entrances — no unsupervised areas.
- Safeguarding: Same-gender staff for changing room supervision where possible; if not, staff remain outside doors with open access.
- Time Management: Give clear limits to keep transitions smooth.
- Privacy & Respect: Knock before entering, keep supervision appropriate and professional at all times.
Example Scenarios #
Scenario 1: Child panics in shallow water
Wrong: Yelling across the pool, “Don’t worry!”
Right: Staff closest signals lifeguard, encourages child calmly, and supports exit with lifeguard approval.
Scenario 2: Missing child during pool time
Wrong: Searching alone.
Right: Raise alarm → clear pool immediately → lifeguard and staff complete a coordinated search.
Scenario 3: Behaviour issue (splashing/pushing)
Wrong: Ignore until it escalates.
Right: Step in instantly, remind rule, redirect behaviour; repeat offenders sit out for 2 minutes under supervision.
Staff Responsibilities #
- Lifeguards (Pool Provider): Water scanning, rescues, first aid.
- Adventure Camps Leaders: Headcounts, behaviour, transitions, allergy/medical care, inclusion.
- Site Manager: Ensures ratios are correct, lifeguard provision is in place, and pool induction has been completed.
Quick Tip 💡 #
Think of pool time as a zone change with double risk. You don’t relax supervision — you tighten it
