Camp Aquatics Director for NYS Children's Camp Bathing Facilities

Fact Sheet – January 2011

A camp aquatics director must oversee all swimming activities that occur at swimming pools and bathing beaches operated as part of a children's camp. This person shall supervise lifeguards and other required staff during swimming activities and implement the camp safety plan. The camp aquatics director must:

  • be at least 21 years of age;
  • have a minimum of three seasons of previous waterfront experience as a lifeguard or have prior experience as a camp aquatics director;
  • hold an accepted and current cardiopulmonary resuscitation certificate as listed on the fact sheet Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Certification for NYS Children's Camps and NYS Bathing Facilities; and
  • be currently certified in an accepted title as a progressive swimming instructor or a qualified lifeguard as described below.
Code Standards Providers/Certification Titles Comments
Progressive Swimming Instructor* See Progressive Swimming Instructor Fact Sheet May also assess swimming ability.

May not perform lifeguard duties unless currently certified as a qualified lifeguard.
OR
Qualified Lifeguard* See Aquatic Certifications Fact Sheet Must be lifeguard certified for the specific type of bathing facility at the children's camp (i.e., surf, pool and beach and/or pool only).

May also perform lifeguard duties.

May not assess swimming ability unless certified as a progressive swimming instructor.

* Instructors for code standard or acceptable equivalent certification courses also qualify for the position of camp aquatics director. Candidates must present a valid certification(s) from the provider for the specific instructor's title. A lifeguard instructor may perform lifeguarding duties only when currently certified as a qualified lifeguard.