Summer is here, and for pediatricians, that often means completing health forms for children heading off to day camps and overnight adventures. While these forms are a routine part of the season, they also provide an excellent opportunity to talk with families about an important topic: choosing a camp that is not only fun, but also safe.
We both have fond memories of summer camps. Looking back through the lens of a pediatrician, however, we now wonder how much thought was given to safety measures — especially around water activities, one of the leading causes of injury and death among children.
One of the greatest gifts summer camps can offer a child is the opportunity to learn to swim from trained instructors, providing a lifelong skill. Camps can also play an important role in teaching children skills that build both confidence and safety.
As you select a camp for your child this summer, consider asking questions about supervision, staff training, emergency preparedness, and water safety practices. A great camp experience should offer adventure and fun while providing parents with peace of mind that their children are in a safe and well-prepared environment.
Questions Every Parent Should Ask
You have chosen a summer camp for your children, Samantha and Steven, based on a trusted recommendation. Before camp begins, you visit your pediatrician to complete required health forms and discuss any health concerns.
Samantha loves the water but is still developing her swimming skills. At your community pool, she wears a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket because crowded environments and inevitable distractions make an extra layer of protection important. Steven, meanwhile, is a strong swimmer who hopes to become a junior lifeguard. Although their swimming abilities differ, both children will participate in water activities at camp.
Summer camp can be one of childhood’s most rewarding experiences, fostering fun, independence, and social growth. However, water safety deserves careful attention. Drowning is the leading cause of injury-related death among children ages 1–4 years and the second leading cause among children ages 5–14 years. As pediatricians, we discuss water safety with families in the clinic, in our communities, and through advocacy efforts.
Know the Water Environment
Before camp begins, learn about the aquatic activities offered and where they take place, whether in pools, lakes, rivers, or oceans. If possible, visit the camp and review its facilities, emergency procedures, and water safety policies.
Ask how the camp prevents unsupervised access to water. Pools should be securely fenced, and waterfront areas should be restricted when activities are not in session. Limiting access to water is one of the most effective ways to prevent drowning
Match Activities to Your Child’s Skills
Different water activities require different skills and levels of supervision. Swimming, boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, and surfing each present unique challenges.
Consider your child’s swimming ability and experience. Has your child completed swim lessons? Can they demonstrate basic water competency skills, such as floating, treading water, and swimming a short distance? Children who are comfortable in shallow water may not be ready for deeper or open-water environments. Swimming in a pool does not fully prepare a child for lakes, rivers, or oceans, where currents, waves, changing depths, and reduced visibility can increase risk.
Ask whether the camp evaluates swimming skills upon arrival and groups children according to ability. Camps that offer swim instruction can help children build confidence and improve skills in a supervised setting.
For boating and paddle sports, confirm that campers wear properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets during all watercraft activities.
Ask About Supervision
Effective supervision is one of the most important factors in water safety. Ask whether certified lifeguards are present during aquatic activities and whether staff receive activity-specific training. Inquire about camper-to-staff ratios, swimmer classification procedures, and methods used to account for every child in and around the water. Supervision involves more than having adults nearby. It requires continuous observation, clear responsibilities, and systems designed to quickly identify and respond to a child in distress.
Review Emergency Preparedness
Every camp should have clear emergency response procedures. Ask how water rescues, injuries, illnesses, and other emergencies are managed. Staff should be trained in first aid, CPR, and emergency action plans, and rescue equipment should be readily available.
A Shared Commitment to Safety
A safe camp experience depends on informed parents, prepared staff, and effective supervision. By asking questions about aquatic environments, swimming assessments, life jacket use, staff training, and emergency preparedness, families can help ensure children enjoy all the benefits of camp while staying safe in and around the water.
Remember your child’s pediatrician is an important source of information.
Resources
1. American Academy of Pediatrics. Policy Statement: Camp Health and Safety.
2. HealthyChildren.org. Water Safety and Drowning Prevention Resources.
3. Association of Aquatic Professionals. Aquatic Risk Management and Camp Water Safety Guidelines.
4. American Red Cross. Learn-to-Swim Program and Water Competency Guidelines.
5. Prevention of Drowning: Policy Statement. Rohit P. Shenoi, Tracy McCallin, Caitlin Farrell, Shabana Yusuf, Sadiqa Kendi, Julie Gilchrist, Linda Quan, Council on Injury, Violence, and Poison Prevention.
Chris Koutures, MD, FAAP grew up here in Irvine. He is a dual board-certified pediatric and sports medicine specialist who practices at ActiveKidMD in Anaheim Hills. He is a team physician for USA Volleyball (including participating in the 2008 Beijing Olympics); the U.S. Figure Skating Sports Medicine Network; Cal State Fullerton Intercollegiate Athletics; and the Chapman University Dance Department. He offers a comprehensive blend of general pediatric and sports medicine care with an individualized approach to each patient and family.
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