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Run: Camp Waterfront Buddy Check Verification Log

Track buddy pair assignments, swim headcounts, and lifeguard sign-off for each waterfront session. This log helps camps verify camper accountability, zone co...

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Session Setup & Personnel

Date of the waterfront swim session.
Scheduled start time of the swim session.
Specific waterfront area or zone (e.g., 'Main Dock – Lake Sunrise', 'Roped Swim Area – North Shore').
Full name of the certified waterfront director or head lifeguard supervising the session.
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.
Confirm the on-duty lifeguard count is sufficient for the number of swimmers expected this session per ACA Standard AQ-7.
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 headcount of campers present and checked in at the waterfront before the session begins.
Select the swim classification system used to assign buddy pairs and swimming zones for this session.
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.
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.
Total count of buddy pairs (or buddy groups of 3 — 'truddies') assigned. Should equal total campers ÷ 2 (rounded up for odd numbers).
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.
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

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.
Confirm swim zone boundaries (shallow, intermediate, deep) are marked with ropes/buoys and were verbally communicated to all campers before entry.
Confirm emergency whistle signals (e.g., 1 blast = attention, 3 blasts = emergency exit water) and exit procedure were reviewed with all campers and staff.
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

Time of the first in-session buddy check call.
Confirm 100% of campers in the water raised joined hands with their buddy and were counted. Record any discrepancy in comments.
Time of the second in-session buddy check call.
Confirm 100% of campers in the water raised joined hands with their buddy and were counted. Record any discrepancy in comments.
Time of the third in-session buddy check call (if session duration warrants).
Confirm 100% of campers in the water raised joined hands with their buddy and were counted. Record any discrepancy in comments.
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.
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

Confirm at least one USCG-approved rescue tube is immediately accessible at each active lifeguard stand or station.
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.
Confirm a stocked first aid kit (including CPR mask/barrier device) is present and accessible at the waterfront station.
Confirm the head lifeguard has a functional two-way radio or charged mobile phone to contact camp emergency services without leaving the 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

Actual time the swim session ended and all campers exited the water.
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.
Confirm a visual sweep of the swim area, dock, and shoreline has been completed and no campers remain in or near the water unsupervised.
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.
Document any additional observations, equipment deficiencies, camper concerns, or follow-up actions required.
Signature of the certified head lifeguard confirming all buddy checks were conducted, headcounts verified, and the session was completed safely.
Signature of the waterfront director confirming review and approval of this session log. Required for ACA accreditation recordkeeping.

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