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Swimming with the youth group

dangerous swimming
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Could there be anything better than going for a swim with the entire youth group during summer? Whether in the pool, at the lake or in the river - especially in hot temperatures swimming is wonderfully refreshing and makes a lot of fun!

However, usually the youth worker has a lot to do to keep an eye on everyone and see hazards, if possible, in advance. However, what risks are we talking here about?

The sources of risk

While swimming, basically there are risk lurking in many places. Both, through the water and by the exuberance of children and young people in general. It seems that exhibits particularly highly in group events.

swimming with youth at the lake

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Let's look at the dangers posed by the water. Basically, in a swimming pool - whether indoor or outdoor - the group is safer than swimming in the sea, a lake or even a river. In lakes and rivers, you have to pay particular attention to shallows and currents.

Example quarry lake:

This is where, even close to the banks, the bottom of the lake takes a steep drop. If you are not a good or accomplished swimmer you can get yourself really quickly into trouble, when you suddenly lose the ground under your feet. It may be helpful to ask a local guide about the nature of the lakebed in the lake first.

swimming with youth at the seaside
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When swimming in rivers, it is rather the current, which can be dangerous. Again, this is particularly true for not so good swimmers, who lack the proper technique to withstand the current. In terms of rivers, suitable swimming areas are usually clearly marked. The youth leader is required to reinforce the children to stay within those signs.

In swimming pools, however it is mainly to keep track of the young people in midst of the crowd. Especially in summer, when the pools are overcrowded, the task may prove difficult for the youth worker. It can get really dangerous if individuals jump in from the edge and thereby jump on other people already in the water. Therefore, the jump in indoor and outdoor pools is usually only allowed in a few secure places. Young people should definitely be encouraged to observe these rules.

swimming with kids in the camp
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Because teens like to jump into the water, jumps from a bridge or high rock are a challenge for them. However, dangers can lurk underwater. Either by bridge struts, old wooden poles that are invisible under water, or rocks that are not deep enough in the water. When it comes to rock jumps, the climbing up already poses a danger. Kids and young people can slip and fall because usually those climbs are usually made barefooted or in flip-flops.

In a storm or when high waves are present, no youth group should go into the sea. If a thunderstorm is on the horizon, there is absolutely no swimming. Even if the storm is still a bit away, the water can already carry the electricity from a lightning bolt. You should always keep far away from water, because water attracts the lightning.

Overconfidence represents another risk that is not to be underestimated. When swimming out into the sea, many do not consider that they also have to swim back again to the shore. If there is an undercurrent or the onset of the low tide, this creates a suction out into the sea, which can double if not triple the effort of swimming back again. This has been the undoing for many excellent swimmers.

The legal side

Cliff jump
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Basically, the group leader is responsible for the supervision, which he can’t afford to neglect under any circumstances. His own interests have to be at the back burner all the time. In order to be legally on the safe side, you should consider the following tips:

Obtain a written permission from the parents that the child is allowed to go swimming alone and unsupervised. (Even if it is supervised in the group).
Before going for a swim you have to clarify which children belong to the non-swimmers and those who can already swim well.
Also before swimming the young people have to be informed about the rules.
Always take a First Aid kit with you, so you can deal with minor injuries.
To exclude liability risks, the youth worker must intervene immediately should it come to physical confrontations between young people.

Additional Rules and Hints

Going swimming with a youth group can come with a lot of stress for the youth worker. To make his task a little easier he could make a few “allies” among the participants. In particular, keeping an eye on other kids could be helpful. However, the legal duty of care and supervisions remains always with the group worker. From a certain group size on more official supervisors should be involved.

In order to keep track of large groups, the group should be divided into several subgroups, which then go for a swim in turns. A good tip is, whether when swimming in pools or lakes, to have a life guard on board and register your group in advance of the event. He will help you to keep an eye on the kids.

This important advice must also be observed:

Before going into the water your body should cool down a little without jumping in the water when you are really hot. The sudden difference in temperature can lead to a cold shock and a collapse of the circulation.
Don’t go into the water with a full stomach. That means not straight after eating. Give yourself time to digest.
Do not stay too long in the water. Get out of the water before your lips are blue and you are close to hypothermia. Blue lips and shivering children are a signal of danger. If your body gets too chilled, it may lead to lack of strength or even to convulsions.

Conclusion: Good organization is the most important thing!

For the youth worker a swimming adventure starts already long before the event. He should definitely take the necessary measures to prevent accidents as far as possible. This includes setting up of appropriate rules and enlisting other people such as lifeguards. Equipped like that, the wet fun for all can go ahead!