Water Activities

With summer approaching, so is the thought of taking girls camping, swimming, and boating. Water activities are a fun part of camp, guiding events, and even meetings, so it is important that girls and Guiders feel safe when taking part in any water activity. Safe Guide can help! Safe Guide provides us with the necessary information and safety procedures so we can provide a comfortable level of safety when taking part in potentially risky events, like water activities. I would like to remind all Guiders that Safe Guide is a wonderful tool to help us provide such a standard of safety for our girls and its intent is not to be burdensome. When it comes to water activities, try not to get overwhelmed. As the Water Activity Adviser, I am here to help any Guider prepare for fun and safe water activities, I will help you through the process. Please contact me if you are planning any such event. The following information is to assist you in your process.

Water Activity Approvals

• Safe Guide indicates that all water activities, which have a Risk Level 3 or higher must be approved by the Water Activity Adviser. Please refer to Safe Guide page 'Risk Assessment-2&3'
• For Water Activities that require authorization, Guiders must complete the Water Activity Authorization form (WA.1) and send it with all required attachments to the Water Activity Adviser
• Please send forms at least 21 days prior to your activity

Water Activities, which require approval from the Water Activity Adviser

• Swimming at a non-established waterfront
• Swimming at an unsupervised pool (e.g. backyard pool)
• Instructional programs at a pool or waterfront
• All boating activities (e.g. kayaking, canoeing, row boating, sailing, rafting)
• Scuba diving

Water Activities, which do not require approval from the Water Activity Adviser

• Swimming at a supervised pool (e.g. Aquarena)
• Swimming at an established waterfront

How do I know the difference between an established waterfront and a non-established waterfront?

Basically, an established waterfront has lifeguards present or have lifeguards provided by the company operating the waterfront. If there is a roped off area and lifesaving equipment but no lifeguard the waterfront is non-established, even though it may appear to look like an established swimming area. If a guiding unit is providing their own lifeguard the waterfront is still non-established. Any non-established waterfront activities require a WA.1 form submission. Please refer to Safe Guide page Glossary-12 for further explanation.

If you are unsure about anything relating to water activities please do not hesitate to contact me.

Krista Parsons, Atlantic Canada Water Activity Adviser,
Ph: 709-726-1116
Ph: 1-800-565-8111
Fax: 709-726-4045
Email: provoffice@ggcnf.org