INDIANOLA CAMP AND RETREAT CENTER

10635 N.E. Shore Drive ~ P.O. Box 1150 ~ Indianola, WA 98342 ~ 360-297-2223 ~ office@campindianola.org

POLICIES AND SAFETY GUIDELINES

Upon arrival, our staff will provide your leadership orientation to the camp’s services, safety procedures, and regulations

· Each camper supplies his or her own bedding and linens.

· Parking is available in the main lot as you come in to the camp. Other areas are provided near the buildings for loading and unloading only.

· No pets, firearms, ammunition, alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs are allowed.

· Campers need to be reasonably quiet by 11pm until 7am.

· No smoking in any buildings. Smoking is allowed in outdoor areas only away from children and non-smokers.

· While at camp you can be reached for emergencies at 360-297-2223.

· Camp activities, including the rope swing, are done solely at your own risk. The camp, its sponsors and employees assume no responsibility.

· The cliffs southwest of camp are dangerous and are off limits to climbing.

· The beach and driftwood are hazardous to feet; shoes are advised.

· Aquatic activities are permitted only if the user group provides its own lifeguard with one of the following certifications: American Red Cross Lifeguard training, YMCA Lifeguard or equivalent. The lifeguard must also have age-appropriate CPR and First Aid certification by a nationally recognized provider and emergency skills in swimming and boating. When swimming, a buddy system to quickly account for all swimmers will be employed. All camp waterfront policies apply.

· Groups must provide their own first aid person and first aid supplies. The first aid person must be an adult with age-appropriate CPR and First Aid certification by a nationally recognized provider. All CPR and First Aid training mentioned must include instruction on blood-borne pathogens and use of breathing devices (pocket masks).

· Supervision of your group, its behavior, and any specialized recreation activities must be provided by your group’s leadership.

· User group leadership are advised to participate in the following staff screening for any of their staff with responsibility or access to minors: an annual voluntary disclosure statement, an annual check of the National Sex Offender Public Registry (www.nsopr.gov), a criminal background check for those who are 18 years or older, reference checks, and a personal interview.

· Personal sports equipment brought to camp must be approved for use and should be stored and handled safely for the protection of all people.

· Transportation of persons in vehicles not designed for passengers is prohibited.

· A complete cleaning schedule for your building will be given to your group upon arrival, along with an insurance participation form. Please leave the buildings in the same condition in which you found them. Make sure to plan cleaning time into your schedule. You may be billed for damages to buildings and equipment beyond normal wear and tear.

· Gasoline, kerosene, and other flammable fluids are to be labeled and kept outside of the buildings, and handled only by trained staff and stored in designated areas.

· Use of hand and power tools is only by authorization of camp management.

· Dial 911 and contact the camp director in the event of an emergency or for emergency transportation.

· In case of an emergency it is advised that the leadership have a record during this retreat that includes the following information for each participant

- First and last name and address

- Emergency contact name and phone number

- Health conditions, allergies, and restrictions or need for accommodation

- Signed permission for emergency medical treatment (for minors not accompanied by an adult).

· Each group must have a certificate of insurance for a minimum of $1 million naming the PNW Annual Conference as the additional insured or hold the Camp Harmless from any and all Liability related to their use of Camp facilities and grounds. Limited, secondary accident insurance is taken out automatically by the camp for all site users.

· The Director and Facilities Coordinator retain the right of entry to all facilities rented by the user groups.

· The camp staff reserves the right to refuse access and services to any guest when necessary.

· The camp and its staff will not be responsible for loss or theft of personal possessions.

PLEASE NOTE: Any exceptions to these policies must be approved in writing PRIOR to arrival.

Camp Indianola Waterfront Program

Policies and Guidelines

General:

1. Each aquatic activity shall be staffed by lifeguards certified by a nationally-recognized provider in accordance with the ratios established for the activity. There must be a person or persons certified in Standard First Aid and age-appropriate CPR including the use of breathing devices and educated about blood borne pathogens at each aquatic activity. The aquatic staff must have written documentation that he or she has demonstrated skill in rescue and emergency procedures specific to the area and activities guarded.

2. A first aid kit should be on hand at each waterfront activity.

3. All parties using the Camp Indianola waterfront must be registered with the Camp Management .

4. A lookout is on duty to assist the lifeguards in maintaining safe supervision of campers.

Lookouts have been oriented to their responsibilities and have demonstrated elementary forms of non-swimming rescue. Lookouts will not be reading, sunbathing, letter writing, or doing other activities that distract from camper supervision.

5. Campers and staff must follow all safety guidelines at waterfront areas. Staff persons accompanying campers are expected to assist in enforcing guidelines.

6. Supervision Ratios: A minimum of two people must be on duty, one of whom must be over 18.

Activity	Age	Leader to Camper Ratio
Swimming	6-8	1:6
Swimming	9-18	1:8
Rowing (not including lifeguard)	6-11	1:3
Rowing (not including lifeguard)	12-18	1:8
Kayaking	12-18	1:8

7. The buddy system is always in use at the waterfront areas. Staff will be trained in and demonstrate non-swimming rescues during orientation and will be told their responsibilities as lookouts. Emergency procedures will be periodically rehearsed throughout the season at the direction of the Waterfront Director.

8. All aquatic-certified persons and lookouts must be attentive to their responsibilities at all times and located in positions from which they can continuously observe and readily assist participants.

9. There will be no open fires on the beach. Watch out for glass, nails, ragged metal, barnacles, and other hazardous objects anywhere along the beach. Everyone must wear shoes, sandals, or aqua socks on the waterfront at all times.

10. Prior to any scheduled activity a lifeguard should check the waterfront and swimming area of any hazards. Hazards will be removed if possible and large obstructions in the swimming area identified.

11. Campers are requested to use cleared areas or ramps to reach the beach.

12. If any participant uses a wheelchair, all belts or restraints must be unfastened anytime the participant is near the waterfront or in danger of rolling into the water. Wheelchairs on the beach area must have the brake set and a wooden block in front of the wheel to prevent accidental rolling. Trained staff only may assist persons with restricted mobility as they transfer between the wheelchair and a rowboat or kayak.

Cont'd

13. If severe weather approaches (thunder and lightning) all waterfront areas will be closed and campers must leave the area immediately. Other weather conditions (fog, high winds, mist) which may close down the waterfront areas will be up to the discretion of the Waterfront Director and/or Camp Director .

14. Signals:

q A long blast of the lifeguard's whistle or air-horn: clear the water and find your buddy.

q Two short blasts of the lifeguard’s whistle: give the lifeguard your attention.

q Two short blasts of the lifeguard’s whistle and the lifeguard has hands clasped above their head: find and stand next to your buddy.

15. The lifeguard on duty shall be aware of how many swimmers/boaters are at the waterfront and in the water at any one time. Periodic head counts should be taken often by the lifeguard to account for all participants. Require the participants to designate one other person to be their buddy while at the waterfront (one group of 3 for odd numbers).

16. The lifeguard will require a safety orientation for participants prior to the scheduled swimming time. A lifeguard may ask any participant to demonstrate their swimming skills before proceeding into deeper water. Any participant that does not follow the safety guidelines may be asked to leave the waterfront area.

17. All boats and waterfront equipment should be inspected on a regular basis and any repairs reported immediately to the Director.

Swimming:

1. Swimming is permitted only when the lifeguard is on duty.

2. All swimmers must remain in the designated swimming area. No swimming is permitted from boats.

3. Refrain from all unnecessary horseplay in or around the swimming area. Absolutely no pushing, pulling, or holding another person under water.

4. All flotation devices used by swimmers must be pre-approved by the lifeguard. Any inflatables or floating items should be used with caution. Any participant using such items should not proceed into water deeper than their height, unless they have proven to be a strong swimmer.

5. One lifeguard shall be out of the water at all times while guarding and must be located in a position from which it is possible to observe and quickly assist any participant.

6. A basic swimming safety orientation is given at the beginning of every session unless all participants have been previously and recently oriented.

7. Whenever a long whistle or air horn blast is given all swimmers will immediately come out of the water, find their buddy and wait for instructions.

8. The applicable supervision ratios must be maintained at all times.

Boating:

1. Boating is permitted only when the lifeguard is on duty.

2. Staff and campers will be instructed in basic small craft safety rules and emergency procedures during boating orientation, including dry land practice before going out in the water. Training to include:

a. Self-rescue in case of capsize or swamping

b. Boat care, handling, boarding, debarking, trimming, loading, and changing positions

c. Donning and use of PFD

3. The applicable supervision ratios must be maintained at all times.

4. All boaters must wear a US Coast Guard approved PFD of proper type, size, and fit for the participant.

5. Participants must be accompanied by a designated trip leader. The destination and approximate duration of the trip must be determined.

6. It will be up to the lifeguard whether there must be an adult in a rowboat or not. Cont'd

Waterfront Emergency Procedures:

1. Lifeguard signals, with one long blast of the whistle or air horn, for the water to be cleared of all swimmers and boaters.

2. The assisting lifeguard and/or lookouts are responsible for ensuring that all swimmers and boaters get to shore and to safety, and/or assisting the primary rescuer at the direction of the primary rescuer and at the level of their training, including sounding the siren or air horn.

3. Two people will be designated to notify the camp director, the dean(s), and first aid staff who, once notified, will employ general camp emergency procedures as appropriate. The camp director and first aid staff will also assist at the waterfront as needed and at their level of training.

4. The lifeguard assesses the scene for safety and then employs the appropriate rescue techniques, Standard First Aid, and/or CPR.

5. If an aquatics participant is missing then: If the water is clear, waterfront staff get 2 or 3 boats to visually search the swimming or boating area as applicable. If the water is not clear, waterfront staff will organize a lost swimmer line.

6. If at any time waterfront staff determines that EMS are needed (swimmer/boater is not found, medical emergency becomes apparent) two people will be designated to contact 911.

NOTE: Throughout the emergency, staff should avoid making statements that will unduly excite people, especially the campers. Any questions regarding the emergency from reporters, parents, or law enforcement should be directed to the camp director.

Waterfront Policies and Guidelines for User Groups

User groups are advised in advance that all Camp Indianola Waterfront Policies and Guidelines must be followed. User groups must provide their own boating, rescue and emergency equipment. The leadership is aware of the pay phone located outside the office door. User groups will provide a safety orientation to their group members prior to their participation.

A WATERFRONT & CAMPGROUND ACTIVITY GUIDE: