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]