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Recreational Camp Opening Checklist

This checklist is provided as a guide to assist Recreational Camp operators in preparing for the seasonal opening of camps.

Opening:

Notify the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit each year 14 days prior to the seasonal opening of your camp.

☐ Health Unit has been notified 14 days prior to the opening of camp.

Camp Safety Plan:

Every year before opening or operating a recreational camp, the operator of the camp shall develop and submit a camp safety plan, in writing to the Medical Officer of Health or Public Health Inspector. Please refer to the included Camp Safety Plan Requirements for a complete list of items to include in the Camp Safety Plan.

☐ Camp safety Plan has been submitted to the Health Unit 14 days prior to the opening of camp.

Staff:

Adequate medical staff must be provided on site. Ensure one of the following is provided by your camp:

☐ A physician (if the physician is not is residence the services of a physician must be able to be obtained immediately in case of a medical emergency.)

☐ Registered nurse

☐ A person who has a current first aid certificate.

Water Safety:

Every camp that has a waterfront that is used for aquatic activities must be under the supervision of a lifeguard who is at least 16 years of age and who holds a lifeguard certificate obtained within the previous 2 years.

The required number of lifeguards must be provided in accordance with the following:

Adequate lifeguards must be provided depending on number of campers in water:

  • 2 lifeguards for 1 to 25 bathers
  • 3 lifeguards for 26 to 100 bathers
  • If more than 100 campers are in the water, one additional lifeguard is required for each additional group of 25 or less.

☐ A copy of the above lifeguard certificate(s) is on site and available for inspection

Water Safety Equipment:

The operator must ensure that the following equipment is easily accessible and in good condition during waterfront activities:

The following equipment is on site and is in good condition:

☐ One or more buoyant rescue aids attached to a shoulder loop with a six millimetre line at least 1.0 metres in length

☐ One or more reaching poles of 3 metres or greater in length

☐ One or more buoyant throwing aids attached to a 6 millimetre line at least 8 metres in length

☐ A spine board

☐ A paddle board or boat, when any part of the swimming area is more than 50 metres from shore

☐ First aid kit equipped with the following supplies:

  • A current copy of a standard first aid manual,
  • Safety pins,
  • Individually wrapped adhesive dressings,
  • Sterile gauze pads (50mm by 50mm and 100mm by 100mm)
  • Individually wrapped sterile surgical pads suitable for pressure dressings,
  • Triangular bandages
  • Rolls of splint padding,
  • Roll-up splints,
  • Scissors,
  • Non-permeable gloves,
  • A resuscitation pocket mask,
  • Tweezers,
  • Instant ice packs,
  • Antiseptic solution,
  • Water-resistant, sterile bandages,
  • Waterproof adhesive tape, and
  • A blanket and pillow.

Animals:

Dogs, cats and any other animal susceptible to rabies must be immunized against rabies at least 30 days prior to entering the camp

☐ Rabies vaccination certificates for all dogs and cats are on site and available for inspection

Ventilation:

☐ Windows in sleeping areas area can be opened to provide air flow

☐ Windows are provided with screens and screens are in good repair to prevent the entry of insects and vermin.

Lighting:

Minimum lighting intensity for specified rooms/buildings:

  • Hallways, corridors, stairways, sleeping quarters – 100 lux
  • Kitchen – 500 lux
  • All other rooms – 250 lux

☐ Lighting is adequate

Note: A flash light is not considered as minimum lighting in a sleeping area.

Fixed lighting is required.

Drinking Water Supply:

☐ Drinking water system complies with the requirements of Ontario Regulation 170/03 (Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change).

Sanitary Facilities:

☐ Sanitary facilities are clean, sanitary and well maintained and equipped with necessary supplies.

Food Preparation:

Food preparation areas must be in compliance with Parts III, IV and VI of the Food Premises Regulation 493/17.

To ensure that your camp is in compliance we recommend that all operators of Recreational Camps review Ontario Regulation 503/17 (Recreational Camps).

Please do not hesitate to contact your local Public Health Inspector should you have any questions regarding the operation of your Recreational Camp.

Community Health Protection Department: [email protected]