Local summer camps are ready to open, and thanks to Erin Gray and the YMCA, camp counselors from across the midcoast region have been trained, tested, and certified as lifeguards. “Lifeguarding is SUCH an important role at waterfront camps! They literally cannot open without a trained staff and proper lifeguard-to-camper ratios,” explains Erin, YMCA Senior Program Director. Because the Y has two pools and a certified teaching staff, it can collaborate with camps in the region to instruct counselors in essential safety and life-saving skills.

So, on a brilliantly sunny morning early last week, two large white passenger buses rolled into the Y’s parking lot. Out walked 24 young women, smiling and laughing as they made their way into the lobby. This group was staff from Camp Wavus in Jefferson. They were signed up for a two-day Lifeguard/CPR/AED course that the Y offers for regional camps. Two days later, counseling staff from the Wavus collaborative, Camp Kieve in Nobleboro, arrived for the same training. Counselors hailed from all over the country and attend a variety of colleges including Vanderbilt, Cornell, Colby, UColorado, Emory, and U. of Nebraska. All in all, the Y trained over 45 staff members as they completed their certifications.

Erin Gray, a seasoned certification trainer for water rescue, first aid, and CPR/AED, began a summer training program for camp counselors seven years ago as an independent contractor. When she came to work at the Y five years ago, she brought the program with her. Erin says, “I love teaching—swimming, certification training, and aqua aerobics. But probably the most important aspect of my waterfront camp counselor training is teaching participants how to talk to campers about water safety and protocols.” Living by the rules “is really the key to a successful waterfront. Seeing all of these young counselors learning how to do their jobs better and in a safe manner is really satisfying.”

The lifeguards are happy to be back. Because of COVID-related restrictions last year, the Y was unable to offer these courses, while most camps in the region opted not to open for the 2020 season. Further, there were restrictions put in place through the Red Cross on how to teach rescue and first aid courses safely. However, with a high vaccination rate and lifted restrictions, teaching protocols are almost back to normal, save for a few alterations to certain teaching techniques and increased discussion about disease and personal protective equipment.

Ms. Gray is presently training her own camp staff who will be ready for the opening of Camp Knickerbocker, which started on Monday. Camp is full with 175 campers; there are 25 staff hired and trained; and staff working on the waterfront or supervising water activities or trips are certified lifeguards. “Even though we were able to provide an opportunity for camp last summer during COVID, we had limited numbers and had to adapt our activities. We are still following all COVID protocols for our campers but we are so happy to see the kids back in full force engaging in all kinds of camp activities.”

The Y is a center for learning and teaching, and helping camps like Wavus and Kieve to experience a safe summer for all on the waterfront is another example of how the Y serves as a community catalyst for good.