Sun, Nov 22 2009
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Clubs use swim tests, chaperone-to-kid ratios for supervised outings Two lifeguards and three water safety supervisors were on duty at the water park at the time of the drowning, according to James Burt, owner.
Because the park is designated a private pool, Copeland said it is not under his jurisdiction. No criminal charges are expected to be filed against the park or against the Boys and Girls Club, Newton County investigators said. Pool rules Ramsey said the drowning shocked many parents who send their children to the Y’s summer camp. “I had a lot of parents call after the drowning,” she said. Ramsey said public pools in Joplin require groups such as hers to have no more than 10 children per chaperone. “It can be less than that,” she said of the ratio. “But 10 to 1 is the max. If we’re there with 11 or more kids per supervisor, we can’t come in.” Before being cleared to swim, each child also must pass a swim test administered by one of the lifeguards at the municipal pools. The children must be able to swim across the pool and tread water for at least one minute. “Our kids, usually the older ones, get so annoyed because they make them take it every time,” she said. “Younger kids aren’t allowed to go beyond a certain point, period.” Other organizations, including the Ozark Trails Council of the Boy Scouts of America, have similar guidelines. Dean Ertel, Council Scout Executive for Ozark Trails Council of Boy Scouts, said any outing requires a detailed “tour permit” that outlines where the outing will take place, how many Scouts will attend and whether it will be a water outing. Depending on the ages of the children involved, Ertel said some wouldn’t be allowed in deep water, regardless of their swimming ability. “If you went to our Cub Scout (boys under 10) camp in Joplin, the deepest place in that pool is four feet. It doesn’t get any deeper for kids at that age.” Chaperones at the Joplin Family Y are all at least 18 years old, Ramsey said, while Ertel said chaperones for Scout trips are usually parents. “We encourage parents to participate with their kids at all times,” Ertel said. “We have almost a one-to-one ratio on most outings.” 
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