Water Safety at Camp

The reality is; not all kids are born water babies, swimming lessons don’t come cheap, not all of us can afford to maintain pools in our homes or a gym membership whereby you get access to a pool, and, most of us as parents are mortified about letting our children get in touch with water. 
 
We really do have every right to be concerned about water safety, since all children care about is the amount of fun they’re having. Their own safety is not even a thought that crosses their mind, which makes it our responsibility as parents to ensure that they’re safe. 
 
Most children come to Sugar Bay Resort, a holiday camp for kids and teens without the knowledge of what a beach is and leave having adapted expert skills in at least one type of water sport.
 
The camp, which is located on the dolphin coast of KwaZulu-Natal, has private access to the local lagoon and beach. The locations warm climate makes water temperatures great for swimming and various watersport all year round.

Water sports and activities play a big role in the camp’s program. Some watersports offered include; body-boarding, fishing, kayaking, stand-up-paddle-boarding (SUP), surfing, swimming and water polo.

The camp has been running successfully for the past sixteen years, and parents have no concerns regarding the water safety at camp because of the reliable water safety measures the camp has in place.



Here is how Sugar Bay Resort reinforces water safety at camp: 
 
1. The staff to child ratio is 1:1 when kids are participating in higher-risk activities such as surfing, as compared to 1:3 when they are doing lower risk activities, which is the highest in South Africa. This makes it easier for staff to assist children who are struggling in the water efficiently. 
 
2. No child is allowed to enter a body of water without one of the counselors. The counselors are exceptional swimmers and trained in First Aid and CPR should any child obtain an injury and or require treatment. 
 
3. A compulsory swim test is held on the first day of every camp to grade children on their individual swimming abilities. Weak swimmers are then given a special rash vest with black sleeves for easy identification and are not allowed deeper than their knees when they’re in the ocean.

4. A trained lifeguard is always on duty on a high chair with a clear view of all the children at the pool and at the beach, and a second, trained lifeguard is deployed deeper than the deepest child in the water to assist children in distress. 
 
5. Ocean safety lessons are held, where children are taught about rip currents, sandbanks, shore breaks, surf, and other potential risks.


These water safety measures have never failed and are the reason why parents can trust Sugar Bay to give their children the opportunity to have fun, learn new skills and gain experience in the safest and most reliable way in water.

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