Outdoor Education (Swimming - on Watercraft and Land-based Trips)

• Those supervising the waterfront area (for example, Lifeguard/Water Safety Supervisor) must have a whistle or other signaling device.

Watercraft Trips

• A correctly fitting Transport Canada approved personal flotation device (P.F.D.) or lifejacket must be worn at all times by all swimmers.

Land-based Trips

• A correctly fitting Transport Canada approved personal flotation device (P.F.D.) or lifejacket must be worn at all times by identified non-swimmers and those students that did not successfully complete the Swim Test for Land-based trips.

Non-Designated Swim Areas for Watercraft and Land-Based Trips

• Accessibility to the following safety equipment is required:

  • One or more buoyant rescue aids (for example, a spare P.F.D./lifejacket/self-inflating P.F.D).

  • One or more Transport Canada approved throw bags or 15m buoyant heaving line with float.

  • Water Safety Supervisors/Lifeguards must have a P.F.D. or lifejacket in hand.

  • A first-aid kit must be easily accessible for the duration of the swimming activities.

• Appropriate attire must be worn.

• Water Safety Supervisors/Lifeguards must be dressed appropriately (for example, wearing shoes, swimsuit or appropriate attire) to enter the water (if necessary) while guarding.

• Closed toed shoes must be worn by all students.

• Swimming in moving water up to Class I (for example, Flat gentle moving water that may have small waves or riffles with very few [if any] rocks or significant obstacles) can occur with school/school board approval.

• Prior to swimming on the trip, the Teacher must check with local authorities to determine whether water is safe for swimming (for example, location, water quality and distance from fast moving water).

Non-Designated Swim Areas for Watercraft and Land-Based Trips

• Must have boundaries clearly defined by the Water Safety Supervisors/Lifeguards with suitable visual markers and/or distance from shore;

  • Visual markers may include the following:

  • A natural feature (for example, a visible rock, tree stump, edge of the shoreline, edge of a sandy beach, a tree on the shoreline).

  • A watercraft (for example, canoe or kayak with a Teacher/Monitor, or anchored, a suitable distance offshore).

  • A floating marker buoy or floating rope line.

  • Distance from shore boundaries may include the following:

  • Suitable number of front crawl strokes from shore (for example, ten front crawl strokes from shore).

  • Suitable number of canoe lengths from shore (for example, three canoe lengths from shore).

• Must avoid hazards (for example, drains, dams, boating areas);

• Must be checked by the Water Safety Supervisor and/or Trip Guide for underwater hazards (for example, broken glass, drop-offs, dangerous bottoms [for example logs, large rocks], undertows); and

• Must be of suitable water temperature.

• The Teacher, Trip Guide, Qualified Instructor, and Lifeguard (as appropriate) must:

  • be aware of and respond to changing weather and water conditions prior to and during the activity; and

  • cancel, postpone, or alter the activity if conditions put Students’ safety at an elevated level of risk (for example, wind, temperature, lightning storms, fog).

• Do not swim if there are any indications of hazardous weather (for example, lightning, high winds). If hazardous weather approaches, leave the water immediately. Prior to allowing students back into the water, there must be a 30-minute lapse from the last visual observation of lightning or sound of thunder. If possible, consult local weather radar predictions and Canadian lightning danger maps.

• Watercraft trips: All students must swim with a P.F.D. or lifejacket.

• Land-based trips: Students that did not successfully complete the Swim Test for land-based trips and all identified non-swimmers must swim with a P.F.D. or lifejacket when in the water.

• Students must swim with a partner.

• Students must swim within the defined swim area boundaries.

• Water toys that go outside the defined swim area boundaries can only be retrieved when safe to do so via watercraft, (approved by a Trip Guide or Assistant Trip Guide), and not by the acting Water Safety Supervisor/Lifeguard while supervising.

• No swimming after sunset or before sunrise.

• A student counting system must be used at regular intervals (for example, number students, blow whistle and have them count off). Use this counting procedure at the beginning, every 15 minutes, and as the students exit the water.

• Duration of swim must depend on:

  • the capability of students;

  • the weather conditions;

  • the conditions of water; and

  • the time of day.

• Diving is not permitted.

• Students must be made aware of all rules and regulations associated with the swimming area.

• Students must be informed of acceptable standards of behaviour.

Emergency Procedures

• Water Safety Supervisors/Lifeguards must be readily identifiable to all swimmers at all times.

• In a water emergency situation, the Water Safety Supervisor/Lifeguard is in charge. Where an emergency situation extends beyond the water, accessing emergency medical services or emergency transportation from the site, the Teacher in charge of the trip in consultation with the Water Safety Supervisor/Lifeguard and where appropriate Trip Guides are to determine an action plan in accordance with school board procedures.

• An emergency action plan must be in place and communicated to all Trip Guides, Qualified Instructors and Teachers.

• During the initial swim, students must demonstrate procedures for exiting the water during emergency situations (for example, 3 loud whistle blasts).

• Inform in-charge person of any student with a medical history or any medical problems that may affect the student’s safety in water (for example, diabetes, asthma, heart condition, convulsions, epilepsy, frequent ear infections).

• Teachers must be aware of Students whose medical condition (for example, asthma, anaphylaxis, diabetes, epilepsy) may affect participation. Consult Medical Conditions.

• Teachers must be aware of Students participating with orthopedic device(s) and/or assistive devices and establish safety rules and procedures to ensure Students can participate safely in activities.

• Teachers are required to inform all individuals who assist with the activity (for example Qualified Instructors, Aquatic Instructors, Lifeguards, Volunteers) of Students who have needs, orthopedic, assistive devices, and/or medical conditions that may influence participation.

• Refer to school board policies and procedures (i.e., transportation, excursion/field trip) for parent/guardian communication and permission (for example, the location of an off-site activity, description of the activity and physical environment, means of transportation, inherent risks of the activity, supervision).

• Teachers and all individuals who assist the Teacher with the activity must be aware of the possibility of pressuring Students. Students must be informed not to coerce a reluctant student into participating in any component of the activity with which they display or vocalize reluctance.
• When a student displays or vocalizes reluctance about participation, at any time, before or during any component of the activity, they must be provided with alternative ways to participate in the activity (for example, permit Students to select a role within the activity, remain at or return to a different component of the activity, break down new experiences/components into smaller steps, be introduced to a new component with which they are comfortable).

• Duration of swim must depend on:
  • the capability of Students;
  • the weather conditions;
  • the conditions of water; and
  • the time of day
• Prior to participation all Teachers and all individuals who assist with the activity (e.g. Qualified Instructors/Trip Guides) must be aware of all Students' swimming ability, comfort and experience in water, and the water environment in which the activity takes place (for example, lakes, ponds, rivers.) (Refer to the Sample Swim Ability and Swim Comfort Assessment Questionnaire Form).

Prior to the activity, the Sample Swim Ability and Swim Comfort Assessment Questionnaire Form must be completed (Refer to Sample Swim Ability and Swim Comfort Assessment Questionnaire Form).
The Sample Swim Ability and Swim Comfort Assessment Questionnaire Form must be completed within the school year in which the activity is taking place.
Results of the Sample Swim Ability and Swim Comfort Assessment Questionnaire Form must be documented and communicated as per school board policy (for example, to the student, Teacher, Principal, Parents/Guardians, Trip Guide(s), Volunteers, Lifeguards, Water Safety Supervisor, and Outside Provider [as applicable]).
The completedSample Swim Ability and Swim Comfort Assessment Questionnaire Form must be completed and submitted, or the student must not participate in the activity.

• Students must successfully complete the following in-water swim assessment in its entirety, in sequence, and without any aids or stops to be permitted to swim without a PFD/lifejacket:
  • Swim 50 m (164’) continuously any stroke
  • Tread water for 1 minute
• In lieu of completing the In-Water Swim Assessment, Students must provide proof of Bronze Star certification or higher.
• If the public aquatic facility has a swimming competency test (i.e. an alternative to the In-Water Swim Assessment) schools must adhere to the components of this in-water swim assessment as well as those of the facility.
• The In-Water Swim Assessment must be administered by a Certified Aquatic Instructor or a Certified Lifeguard. If the Aquatic Instructor does not hold a Lifeguard certificate or an assistant Lifeguard certificate, a Certified Lifeguard must also be on the deck/dock/shore during the In-Water Swim Assessment.
• The In-Water Swim Assessment must be completed within the school year in which the activity is taking place.
• Results of the In-Water Swim Assessment must be documented and communicated as per school board policy (for example, to the Student, Teacher, Principal, Parents/Guardians, Trip Guide(s), Lifeguards, Aquatic Instructor, and Outside Activity Provider [if applicable]).).
• Students who do not successfully complete the In-Water Swim Assessment or who do not have a Bronze Star certification or higher must be identified and wear a correctly fitting, properly secured/fastened, and Canadian approved PFD or lifejacket at all times when near the water, where the depth of the water poses a risk, and in the water or must not participate in the activity.

• Prior to participation, Students must be familiar with safety rules and emergency procedures.

• A swimmer counting system must be used at regular intervals (for example, number Students, blow whistle and have them count off). Use this counting procedure at the beginning, every 15 minutes, and as the Students exit the water.

• Students must swim with a partner.

• No swimming after sunset or before sunrise.

• Water toys that go outside the defined swim area boundaries can only be retrieved when safe to do so via watercraft, (approved by a Trip Guide or Assistant Trip Guide), and not by the acting Water Safety Supervisor/Lifeguard while supervising.

• Students must swim within the defined swim area boundaries.

• Lifeguards/Water Safety Supervisors must be readily identifiable to all swimmers at all times.

• In a water emergency situation, the Lifeguard/Water Safety Supervisor is in charge. Where an emergency extends beyond the water, accessing emergency medical services or emergency transportation from the site, the Teacher in charge of the trip in consultation with the Lifeguard/Water Safety Supervisor and where appropriate Trip Guides are to determine an action plan in accordance with school board procedures.

• An emergency action plan must be in place and communicated to all Trip Guides, Instructors, and Teachers.

• During the initial swim, Students must demonstrate procedures for exiting the water during emergency situations (for example, three loud whistle blasts).

Watercraft Trips

• After initial instruction, Students must demonstrate the ability to select a correctly fitting PFD/lifejacket and to properly secure/fasten it.

Land-based Trips

• After initial instruction, Students who must wear a PFD/lifejacket must demonstrate the ability to select a correctly fitting PFD/lifejacket and to properly.

• Watercraft Trips - Non-Designated Swim Areas:

  • On-Site Supervision is required by the Teacher when a Water Safety Supervisor (s) is providing safety and initial skill instruction, and monitoring.

  • Direct Supervision is required for the duration of all other components of the activity when students are in the water.

  • On-Site Supervision is required for the duration of all other components of the activity when students are on land.

• Land-based Trips - Non-Designated Swim Areas:

  • On-Site Supervision is required by the Teacher when a Lifeguard is providing safety and initial skill instruction, and monitoring.

  • Direct Supervision is required for the duration of all other components of the activity when students are in the water.

  • On-Site Supervision is required for the duration of all other components of the activity when students are on land.

• A Teacher must accompany students to the swimming area and be present at the swimming area during the activity.

  • Teachers, Monitors, and Trip Guides who are not supervising the swimming area will monitor onshore student activities, equipment, behaviour, and group management issues.

  • Water Safety Supervisors/Lifeguards must not swim while supervising swimming activities.

Supervision Ratios

Watercraft Trips - Non-Designated Swim Areas

• The minimum ratio at the swimming area and in the water is:

  • 2 Teachers/Monitors for up to 10 students:

  • 1 Teacher/Monitor must be a certified Water Safety Supervisor.

  • 1 Teacher/Monitor must be trained in waterfront emergency procedures (water safety supervision certification is not required).

  • 2 Water Safety Supervisors for 11 to 20 students.

• The maximum number of students in the water at one time must not exceed 20.

Land-Based Trips - Non-Designated Swim Areas

• The minimum ratio of Lifeguards to students at the swimming area and in the water is 1 Lifeguard for up to 10 students with a second Monitor (certified with Standard First Aid or equivalent) present to assist in a waterfront emergency.

• The maximum number of students in the water at one time must not exceed 10.

Water Safety Supervisor Qualifications for Watercraft Trips

Non-Designated Swim Areas

• A Water Safety Supervisor must be 18 years of age or older and possess a current (the date on the certificate must not be older than two years) certification issued by one of the following organizations:

  • Lifesaving Society - Bronze Cross

  • Wilderness Water Safety Standard

  • Whitewater Rescue Technician (WRT)

  • Swiftwater Rescue Technician (SRT)

• Verified copies of certification must be provided prior to the activity.

• A student may not act as a Water Safety Supervisor if they are participating in the activity.

Lifeguard Qualifications for Land-Based Trips

Non-Designated Swim Areas

• A Lifeguard must be 18 years of age or older and possess a current (the date on the certificate must not be older than two years) lifeguard certificate issued by one of the following organizations:

  • Lifesaving Society – National Lifeguard – Pool/Waterfront

  • Equivalent certificate approved by Minister of Health and Long-Term Care

• Verified copies of certification must be available.

• Copies of certification must be available to the Teacher in charge of the group and/or the school administration and/or the school board for verification prior to the activity.

• A student may not act as a Lifeguard if they are participating in the activity.

• At least one individual must have a minimum of a current (three years from the date of issue) first aid certificate (minimum 15 hour course) including CPR C issued by one of the following agencies: St. John Ambulance; Canadian Red Cross; Lifesaving Society; Canadian Ski Patrol; or an organization whose certificate is deemed equivalent by the medical officer of health in the local health unit. This individual must be at the swim area for the duration of the activity.