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Staff Certification Fact Sheets (First Aid, CPR, Lifeguarding)
Standards for CPR, first aid, and aquatic certifications are specified in the children’s camp regulations for certain camp staff. The fact sheets listed below describe the training courses that have been determined to be acceptable for these positions.
Each of the links below opens a fillable MS Word document from the NYS Department of Health website. These plans must be submitted to Tompkins County EH.
- First Aid Certifications for NYS Children’s Camp Staff (2024)
- The SSC Subpart 7-2 requires the health director, other staff specified in section 7-2.8, and certain camp trip and activity leaders to possess valid certification in first aid.
- The SSC Subpart 7-2 requires the health director, other staff specified in section 7-2.8, and certain camp trip and activity leaders to possess valid certification in first aid.
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certification for NYS Bathing Facilities (2024)
- The SSC requires certain staff to possess a valid two-rescuer CPR certification in a course accepted by the Department as providing an adequate level of training and certification in the use of an AED as specified on this factsheet.
- The SSC requires certain staff to possess a valid two-rescuer CPR certification in a course accepted by the Department as providing an adequate level of training and certification in the use of an AED as specified on this factsheet.
- Aquatics Director for NYS Bathing Facilities (2024)
- 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.
- 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.
- Lifeguard Factsheet (Aquatic Certifications) for NYS Bathing Facilities (2024) (See also our Pools and Beaches page.)
- When the SSC requires "lifeguard supervision" or a "qualified lifeguard" at a bathing facility, an approved lifeguard certification SPECIFIC to the type of bathing facility is required.
- When the SSC requires "lifeguard supervision" or a "qualified lifeguard" at a bathing facility, an approved lifeguard certification SPECIFIC to the type of bathing facility is required.
- Learn to Swim Fact sheet (2024)
- The SSC Subpart 7-2 allows non-swimmers to enter water that is chest deep or greater when participating in a learn-to-swim program that has been determined to use a supervision protocol which protects campers from injury or drowning.
- The SSC Subpart 7-2 allows non-swimmers to enter water that is chest deep or greater when participating in a learn-to-swim program that has been determined to use a supervision protocol which protects campers from injury or drowning.
- Progressive Swimming Instructor for NYS Children's Camps (2024)
- A progressive swimming instructor is required to assess the swimming ability of each camper prior to allowing the child to participate in aquatic activities.
- A progressive swimming instructor is required to assess the swimming ability of each camper prior to allowing the child to participate in aquatic activities.
- Camp Trip Swimming Program Safety Certifications Fact Sheet (2024)
- When swimming is conducted during a camp trip to an aquatics facility that is supervised by qualified lifeguard(s), the camp must supply one additional trained lifeguard or a staff member for each 75 campers at the swimming activity.
- When swimming is conducted during a camp trip to an aquatics facility that is supervised by qualified lifeguard(s), the camp must supply one additional trained lifeguard or a staff member for each 75 campers at the swimming activity.
- American Red Cross (ARC) Certificates & CEUs (Reviewed 2024)
- Digital certificates, certification courses, and info about continuing education credits are available on the American Red Cross Certificates and CEUs page.
- Digital certificates, certification courses, and info about continuing education credits are available on the American Red Cross Certificates and CEUs page.
- Sex Offender Registry Search NYSDOH website | Fact Sheet PDF (Update 2013, Reviewed 2024)
- Section 7-2.5(l) of the New York State Sanitary Code and Article 13-B of the Public Health Law requires children’s camp operators to determine whether an employee or volunteer at the camp is listed on the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) Sex Offender Registry.
- Section 7-2.5(l) of the New York State Sanitary Code and Article 13-B of the Public Health Law requires children’s camp operators to determine whether an employee or volunteer at the camp is listed on the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) Sex Offender Registry.
These Fact Sheets are also available on the Camp Operators page of the NYSDOH website.
If you have any questions regarding children's camp operations, please call Environmental Health at (607) 274-6688 or Click Here to send an email message.
Safety Plan Templates
Children’s camp operators are required to develop, review annually, update, and implement a written safety plan. Camp operators may complete the applicable templates below to fulfill safety plan requirements.
Each of the links below opens a fillable MS Word document from the NYS Department of Health website. These plans must be submitted to Tompkins County EH.
Activity-Specific Plans:
- Archery
- For on-site archery activities, the activity leader must be at least 18-years-old and competent in archery activities including, but not limited to; use and maintenance of equipment, proper constructing of a shooting range, and instruction of correct shooting techniques.
- For on-site archery activities, the activity leader must be at least 18-years-old and competent in archery activities including, but not limited to; use and maintenance of equipment, proper constructing of a shooting range, and instruction of correct shooting techniques.
- Boating
- A camp boating activity or trip leader is required to oversee all watercraft activities. The leader must be least 18 years-old, experienced, and competent in the type of boating activity they are overseeing.
- A camp boating activity or trip leader is required to oversee all watercraft activities. The leader must be least 18 years-old, experienced, and competent in the type of boating activity they are overseeing.
- Camp Trips
- A trip leader must be at least 18 years of age and have participated in at least three camp trips in a similar program activity as a children’s camp staff member, or have experience and training in the activity which the local health department has determined to be equivalent to three camp trips.
- A trip leader must be at least 18 years of age and have participated in at least three camp trips in a similar program activity as a children’s camp staff member, or have experience and training in the activity which the local health department has determined to be equivalent to three camp trips.
- Horseback Riding
- For horseback riding activities, the activity must be at least 18-years-old and a competent riding instructor who is knowledgeable in horse behavior and control, able to match horses with rider’s abilities, and demonstrate proper riding techniques.
- For horseback riding activities, the activity must be at least 18-years-old and a competent riding instructor who is knowledgeable in horse behavior and control, able to match horses with rider’s abilities, and demonstrate proper riding techniques.
- Riflery
- The activity leader for riflery must possess a current instructor's certificate issued by the National Rifle Association or equivalent training, and be competent in riflery activities including, but not limited to, use and maintenance of equipment, range setup and discipline, and instruction of correct shooting techniques.
- The activity leader for riflery must possess a current instructor's certificate issued by the National Rifle Association or equivalent training, and be competent in riflery activities including, but not limited to, use and maintenance of equipment, range setup and discipline, and instruction of correct shooting techniques.
- Rope and Challenge Courses
- The activity leader for a rope and challenge course must be competent in the course activities available at the camp, including but not limited to: equipment’s function, use and maintenance; belaying and spotting techniques; and communication/signals.
- The activity leader for a rope and challenge course must be competent in the course activities available at the camp, including but not limited to: equipment’s function, use and maintenance; belaying and spotting techniques; and communication/signals.
- Sports
- The activity leader for on-site sporting activities must be competent in the sport they are overseeing. A minimum of the activity leader and one staff member must supervise activities that occur at locations where additional camp staff assistance is not readily available (within five minutes).
- The activity leader for on-site sporting activities must be competent in the sport they are overseeing. A minimum of the activity leader and one staff member must supervise activities that occur at locations where additional camp staff assistance is not readily available (within five minutes).
- Spray Grounds
- The most important responsibility of a spray ground operator and supervisory staff is to maintain sanitation of the spray ground. This includes maintaining adequate water quality and responding to fecal incidents. Daily inspections of the facility are necessary to assure that adequate safety and sanitary conditions are maintained.
- The most important responsibility of a spray ground operator and supervisory staff is to maintain sanitation of the spray ground. This includes maintaining adequate water quality and responding to fecal incidents. Daily inspections of the facility are necessary to assure that adequate safety and sanitary conditions are maintained.
- Swimming - On-site
- Prior to allowing campers to enter water that is chest deep or greater, they must have his or her swimming ability assessed and be categorized as a “swimmer.” Only someone who is certified as a Progressive Swimming Instructor, as specified in Subpart 7-2 of the SSC, may assess/classify a camper as a “swimmer.”
- Prior to allowing campers to enter water that is chest deep or greater, they must have his or her swimming ability assessed and be categorized as a “swimmer.” Only someone who is certified as a Progressive Swimming Instructor, as specified in Subpart 7-2 of the SSC, may assess/classify a camper as a “swimmer.”
- Swimming - Off-site and Wilderness
- Except for wilderness sites, only those swimming pools and bathing beaches in New York State that have a valid permit to operate issued from the local health department having jurisdiction for the bathing facility, or those operated by a New York State Agency, may be used. When swimming is conducted during camp trips, including at aquatic amusement parks and wilderness swimming sites, that each camper have a signed statement of permission to participate from a parent/guardian.
- Except for wilderness sites, only those swimming pools and bathing beaches in New York State that have a valid permit to operate issued from the local health department having jurisdiction for the bathing facility, or those operated by a New York State Agency, may be used. When swimming is conducted during camp trips, including at aquatic amusement parks and wilderness swimming sites, that each camper have a signed statement of permission to participate from a parent/guardian.
These Safety Plan Templates are also available on the Camp Operators page of the NYSDOH website.
If you have any questions regarding children's camp operations, please call Environmental Health at (607) 274-6688 or Click Here to send an email message.
Bunk Bed Guardrail Requirements
Since June 19, 2000, the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has required all new bunk beds that are manufactured for non-institutional use to have guardrails that comply with CPSC Safety Standard for Bunk Beds.
A review of the children’s camps injury reports submitted to the Department of Health has shown that falls from bunk beds have resulted in serious injuries to campers of all age groups at camps in New York State. While the CPSC design standards are effective at preventing injuries from falls, the standards do not apply to bunk beds manufactured prior to June 19, 2000 or to those manufactured for institutional use.
In order to provide for the safety of the campers and staff, section 7-2.16(b) of Subpart 7-2 of the State Sanitary Code pertaining to the operation of a Children’s Camp in New York State, was amended during 2004 to require the upper bed of bunk beds be provided with adequate guardrails. Download fact sheet on Guardrail Requirements (PDF, 1.3MB, 2004)
Updated 4/4/2024.
