Sec. 10.16.06.47. Specialized Activities: Aquatic Programs

A. For a camp that offers an aquatic program, an operator shall ensure that:

(1) During the aquatic activity, a director is present at the camp or, when the activity occurs off the camp premises, at the activity site;

(2) A safety plan is developed and implemented:

(a) According to Regulation .52 of this chapter; and

(b) That includes procedures for:

(i) Evaluating and classifying a camper’s swimming ability and other appropriate aquatic skills before a camper participates in water activities;

(ii) Assigning a camper to areas, equipment, facilities, and activities appropriate for the camper’s abilities;

(iii) Maintaining water activity equipment and facilities in good working condition;

(iv) A safety system to account quickly for all campers during the water activity;

(v) Supervision ratios in §C of this regulation;

(vi) When natural swimming areas are used, meeting the requirements in §E(2) of this regulation; and

(vii) When watercraft activities occur, meeting the requirements of §F of this regulation.

B. Emergency and First Aid Information and Equipment. At the site of the aquatic program, an operator shall:

(1) Post in a conspicuous place, or for a primitive camp have available, a list of emergency procedures and, if a phone is provided, a list of emergency telephone numbers; and

(2) Provide first aid and rescue equipment.

C. Swimming. An operator shall ensure that:

(1) When swimming instruction is given, an instructor is present and supervising the activity;

(2) One lifeguard, with lifeguard certification appropriate for the swimming site, is on duty for each group of 50 campers or fraction of 50 campers in the water;

(3) A watcher, who is a staff member or volunteer who is 16 years old or older and is not the individual required in §C(1) or (2) of this regulation, is on duty at pool side observing the campers for each group of 25 campers or a fraction of 25 campers in the water;

(4) Two individuals certified in first aid and CPR are on duty at the activity;

(5) An additional instructor, lifeguard, counselor, or assistant counselor is on duty if any condition exists that compromises the ability of the staff member to perform the staff member's job duty; and

(6) One adult staff member, adult volunteer, counselor, or assistant counselor is on duty and supervising the campers for each group of ten campers or fraction of ten campers participating in the swimming activity;

D. Pool and Equipment. An operator shall ensure that a swimming pool facility and equipment:

(1) Complies with the requirements of COMAR 10.17.01; and

(2) Are maintained in good condition.

E. Natural Diving and Swimming Areas. For a youth camp that uses a natural diving or swimming area, an operator shall:

(1) Comply with the requirements of COMAR 26.08.09; and

(2) Ensure that:

(a) A hazard is assessed and eliminated or clearly marked before a camper swims, dives, or bathes at a natural diving or swimming area;

(b) A swimmer is not subjected to a dangerous condition such as a strong current, a sharp drop-off, a quicksand bottom, or rough surf;

(c) Water is free from dangerous aquatic life;

(d) The bottom is free from hazardous debris, sharp stones, and sharp shells;

(e) Swimming, diving, and boating areas are clearly marked or roped off; and

(f) Diving and swimming programs are conducted at separate times or in separate areas from boating programs.

F. Activities Involving the Use of Watercraft. An operator shall ensure that:

(1) A watercraft is equipped with U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation devices of Types I, II, or III, as prescribed for the specific type of craft and number and age of occupants;

(2) A water skier wears a personal flotation device approved by the U.S. Coast Guard for that particular activity;

(3) A watercraft towing a water skier has an observer on board in addition to the driver;

(4) An occupant of a watercraft wears a U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation device;

(5) An individual using a watercraft has been given training in boarding, debarking, and safety procedures for the craft;

(6) Except on a river trip when the instructor's supervision is described in a written safety plan, an instructor is within sight and hearing of the watercraft activity;

(7) An individual holding certification in first aid and CPR is present at each watercraft activity;

(8) One lifeguard or water safety rescuer who has lifeguard or rescuer certification appropriate for the watercraft site and activity is present at each watercraft activity; and

(9) One adult staff member, adult volunteer, counselor, or assistant counselor is on duty and supervising the campers for each group of ten campers or fraction of ten campers participating in the watercraft activity.