- Molalla Retreat is a camp and conference center licensed by the state of Oregon as an organizational camp and governed by the Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) Chapter 333.
- As per state law the swimming waterfront is under the direction of an Aquatics Director (AD) an employee of the camp. The AD supervises the lifeguards while on camp property.
- All lifeguards must have current Red Cross or other recognized training and be current in their certifications. Molalla Retreat will require guests to maintain a minimum of 1 lifeguard for each 25 swimmers as per state law.
- Although Lifeguards are under the direction of the AD who is a Molalla Retreat employee, the lifeguards are contacted and contracted through each individual guest group. Swimming times will be arranged between the guest group coordinator and the lifeguard and payment for services will come from the guest group not from the Camp. Camp management must be informed of swim times.
- Molalla Retreat relies on the contracted Lifeguards to display professionalism and to utilize their training to maintain a safe swimming environment for guests of Molalla Retreat.
- Lifeguards are expected to oversee their area of responsibility which could be the entire beachfront for a group of 25 or fewer swimmers.
- The lifeguard will be always in direct contact with the AD either through a handheld radio or through the AD’s presence at the beach.
- Swimming at Molalla Retreat takes place at our beachfront, a 200’ x 60’ stretch of the Molalla River. The swimming area is designated by a rope at the downstream end and a set of rapids at the top end. No swimming is allowed outside of those boundaries.
- A set of swimming rules is posted in each building and at the entrance to the waterfront (Chapel area). All swimmers will receive an orientation before swimming where the rules will be explained.
- The guest group will maintain a ratio of one observer or lifeguard for each 10 persons in the water. Lifeguards should contact the AD if this ratio is not maintained.
- For elementary aged camps (Kindergarden-5th grade) a swim test will be administered to determine swimming ability. Swimmers with limited abilities will be asked to stay in the designated shallow area of the beachfront.
- The Aquatics Director will be responsible for safety checks of the waterfront. Management believes that sharp rocks, washed up river debris, and small sharp objects are an inherent risk at our waterfront and may go undetected or be incapable of being removed. Guest groups swim at their risk from these items.
- Lifeguards should bring safety issues to the attention of management as soon as they are noted.
- The waterfront shall be evacuated at the first sign of lightning or thunder. Patrons will be directed indoors.
- Molalla Retreat will supply Red Cross approved rescue tubes, backboard, gloves, resuscitation masks and a first aid kit. Guards shall supply their own whistles.
- Molalla Retreat does not have hazardous materials associated with its waterfront activities.
- Lifeguards’ actions, in the event of an incident, will be governed by their training and the Retreats Emergency Action Plan (EAP).