Camp Waterfront Buddy Check Verification Log

Documents buddy pair assignments, headcount checks, and lifeguard sign-off for waterfront swim sessions at ACA-accredited camps. Ensures camper accountability in open water per ACA aquatics standards and applicable OSHA/NFPA life-safety requirements.

Session Setup & Personnel

• Session Date
  Date of the waterfront swim session.
• Session Start Time
  Scheduled start time of the swim session.
• Waterfront Location / Area Name
  Specific waterfront area or zone (e.g., 'Main Dock – Lake Sunrise', 'Roped Swim Area – North Shore').
• Waterfront Director / Head Lifeguard on Duty
  Full name of the certified waterfront director or head lifeguard supervising the session.
• Number of Certified Lifeguards on Duty
  Count of currently certified lifeguards (current Red Cross, Ellis, or equivalent certification) stationed at the waterfront for this session. ACA Standard AQ-7 requires a minimum 1:10 lifeguard-to-swimmer ratio for open water.
• Lifeguard-to-Swimmer Ratio Meets ACA Standard (≥ 1:10 for open water)
  Confirm the on-duty lifeguard count is sufficient for the number of swimmers expected this session per ACA Standard AQ-7.
• Weather and Water Conditions Acceptable for Swimming
  Confirm no lightning within 10 miles, wind speed is safe, water visibility is adequate, and no hazardous current or debris present. Session must be suspended if conditions are unsafe.

Swimmer Classification & Buddy Pair Assignments

• Total Number of Campers Checked In for This Session
  Total headcount of campers present and checked in at the waterfront before the session begins.
• Swimmer Ability Classification Method Used
  Select the swim classification system used to assign buddy pairs and swimming zones for this session.
• All Campers Have Been Assigned a Named Buddy
  Confirm every camper in attendance has been verbally assigned and acknowledges a specific buddy partner. No camper should enter the water without a designated buddy.
• Buddy Pairs Matched by Equal or Greater Swim Ability
  Confirm that no buddy pair has been assigned where a stronger swimmer is paired with a non-swimmer in a zone beyond the non-swimmer's classification area.
• Number of Buddy Pairs Assigned This Session
  Total count of buddy pairs (or buddy groups of 3 — 'truddies') assigned. Should equal total campers ÷ 2 (rounded up for odd numbers).
• Non-Swimmers / Beginners Restricted to Designated Shallow Zone
  Confirm that campers classified as non-swimmers or beginners are restricted to the roped shallow area and are not permitted in intermediate or deep zones.
• Buddy Pair Assignment Record Attached or Logged
  Confirm a written or digital buddy pair roster (listing each camper's name and their assigned buddy) has been completed and is available for review.

Pre-Swim Safety Briefing

• Campers Briefed on Buddy System Rules (stay within arm's reach, respond immediately to buddy call)
  Confirm the waterfront director verbally reviewed buddy system rules: campers must remain within arm's reach of their buddy, respond immediately when 'Buddy Check!' is called, and raise joined hands.
• Zone Boundaries Explained and Visually Marked
  Confirm swim zone boundaries (shallow, intermediate, deep) are marked with ropes/buoys and were verbally communicated to all campers before entry.
• Emergency Signals Reviewed (whistle codes, exit procedure)
  Confirm emergency whistle signals (e.g., 1 blast = attention, 3 blasts = emergency exit water) and exit procedure were reviewed with all campers and staff.
• Campers Requiring PFDs (Personal Flotation Devices) Identified and Equipped
  Confirm all non-swimmers or campers with medical/physical conditions requiring a USCG-approved Type III PFD are identified and properly fitted before entering the water.

In-Session Buddy Check Headcounts

• Buddy Check #1 — Time Conducted
  Time of the first in-session buddy check call.
• Buddy Check #1 — Camper Count Verified (all pairs accounted for)
  Confirm 100% of campers in the water raised joined hands with their buddy and were counted. Record any discrepancy in comments.
• Buddy Check #2 — Time Conducted
  Time of the second in-session buddy check call.
• Buddy Check #2 — Camper Count Verified (all pairs accounted for)
  Confirm 100% of campers in the water raised joined hands with their buddy and were counted. Record any discrepancy in comments.
• Buddy Check #3 — Time Conducted
  Time of the third in-session buddy check call (if session duration warrants).
• Buddy Check #3 — Camper Count Verified (all pairs accounted for)
  Confirm 100% of campers in the water raised joined hands with their buddy and were counted. Record any discrepancy in comments.
• Total Number of Buddy Checks Conducted This Session
  Total count of buddy check calls made during the session. Minimum 1 check per 10 minutes of swim time is recommended per ACA aquatics guidance.
• Any Discrepancy or Missing Camper Identified During a Buddy Check
  Indicate YES if any buddy check resulted in a count discrepancy or unaccounted camper. If YES, describe the incident and resolution in the comments field.

Emergency Equipment Readiness

• Rescue Tube(s) Staged at Each Lifeguard Station
  Confirm at least one USCG-approved rescue tube is immediately accessible at each active lifeguard stand or station.
• Throwing Ring Buoy with ≥ 50 ft. Line Accessible at Dock/Shore
  Confirm a ring buoy with at least 50 feet of throw line is mounted and accessible within 10 seconds at the dock or shoreline entry point.
• First Aid Kit Stocked and Accessible at Waterfront
  Confirm a stocked first aid kit (including CPR mask/barrier device) is present and accessible at the waterfront station.
• Communication Device (radio or phone) Functional and on Lifeguard Person
  Confirm the head lifeguard has a functional two-way radio or charged mobile phone to contact camp emergency services without leaving the waterfront.
• Emergency Action Plan (EAP) Posted or Available at Waterfront
  Confirm the site-specific waterfront Emergency Action Plan is posted or immediately accessible to all lifeguard staff on duty.

Post-Session Closeout & Sign-Off

• Session End Time
  Actual time the swim session ended and all campers exited the water.
• Final Headcount Matches Check-In Count (100% of campers accounted for)
  Confirm the post-session headcount equals the number of campers checked in at the start of the session. No camper may be unaccounted for at session close.
• All Campers Have Exited the Water and Waterfront Area
  Confirm a visual sweep of the swim area, dock, and shoreline has been completed and no campers remain in or near the water unsupervised.
• Incidents or Near-Miss Events to Report
  Indicate YES if any incident, injury, near-miss, or behavioral concern occurred during the session. If YES, a separate Incident Report must be completed per camp policy.
• Additional Notes / Observations
  Document any additional observations, equipment deficiencies, camper concerns, or follow-up actions required.
• Head Lifeguard Signature
  Signature of the certified head lifeguard confirming all buddy checks were conducted, headcounts verified, and the session was completed safely.
• Waterfront Director Signature
  Signature of the waterfront director confirming review and approval of this session log. Required for ACA accreditation recordkeeping.