Water Safety Protocol & Policies
Kolibri Education & Consulting
Water Exploration Safety Plan & Water Use Policy
Purpose
Water exploration activities are conducted to support environmental education, nature study, ecology investigations, and outdoor skill development. Activities emphasize observation, scientific inquiry, stewardship, and safe interaction with aquatic ecosystems.
Approved Activities
Participants may:
Enter shallow water for scientific observation and sampling.
Collect water samples for testing and investigation.
Observe aquatic plants and animals.
Use dip nets, collection trays, magnifiers, and similar educational tools.
Engage in supervised water play when specifically authorized by the instructor.
Participants may not:
Dive into water.
Jump from rocks, banks, or structures.
Swim beyond designated boundaries.
Enter water deeper than instructed.
Handle wildlife in a manner that causes harm or distress.
Throw rocks or engage in rough play.
Site Selection
Water activities are limited to locations that meet the following conditions:
Easily accessible shoreline.
Shallow water suitable for wading.
No known hazardous currents.
No recent flooding or unsafe water conditions.
Adequate visibility and supervision opportunities.
Appropriate entry and exit points.
Sites are evaluated by the instructor before participant entry.
Environmental Conditions
Water activities will be modified or cancelled when any of the following conditions exist:
Thunder or lightning.
Heavy rainfall.
High water levels.
Fast or unsafe current conditions.
Poor water quality conditions.
Hazardous debris.
Any condition deemed unsafe by the instructor.
Whenever possible, recent rainfall and stream conditions will be reviewed prior to the program.
Rainfall and Water Quality Precautions
To reduce risks associated with elevated water levels, increased current, reduced visibility, and potential contamination from stormwater runoff, water entry activities may be modified, relocated, or canceled following rainfall events. Water quality can be temporarily impacted following rainfall due to increased runoff carrying sediment, bacteria, fertilizers, and other pollutants into local waterways.
As a general guideline, participants will not enter streams, rivers, ponds, or lakes within 48 hours of significant rainfall, as determined by the instructor based on local weather conditions, observed water levels, water clarity, current speed, and site-specific conditions.
The instructor reserves the right to extend this waiting period or cancel water activities whenever conditions appear unsafe or unsuitable for educational use.
Alternative land-based nature study, watershed investigations, and environmental education activities may be substituted when water entry is not appropriate.
Supervision
Participants must remain within visual supervision at all times.
The instructor will:
Establish clear water boundaries.
Review safety expectations before entering the water.
Monitor participant behavior continuously.
Limit the number of participants entering water at one time when appropriate.
Participants must immediately follow all instructor directions regarding water safety.
Water Entry Rules
Before entering the water:
Closed-toe footwear must be worn.
Participants will be briefed on hazards including slippery rocks, uneven bottoms, and aquatic wildlife.
Participants will identify designated boundaries.
While in the water:
Walking only.
No running.
No pushing, splashing at faces, or horseplay.
Maintain awareness of footing.
Remain within designated depth limits.
Depth Limits
For educational water exploration activities:
Water should generally remain at or below knee height.
Entry into deeper water may occur only under direct instructor supervision when necessary for educational purposes.
Participants must remain able to stand securely and independently.
Areas with deeper water may be designated as observation-only zones.
Personal Flotation Devices
Personal flotation devices (PFDs) may be required based on site conditions, participant ability, planned activities, or instructor judgment.
PFDs are required for:
Boating activities.
Activities involving deeper water.
Situations where participants cannot reliably stand.
Any circumstance determined by the instructor to present elevated risk.
For shallow-water educational investigations, PFD use will be determined based on site-specific conditions.
Swimming and Water Play
Swimming is not a primary program activity.
When water play is permitted:
Boundaries will be clearly established.
Participants must remain within designated areas.
Additional supervision may be required.
The instructor may suspend water play at any time.
Wildlife and Environmental Stewardship
Participants will:
Handle aquatic organisms gently and only when instructed.
Return organisms to their habitat promptly.
Avoid disturbing nests, dens, or sensitive habitat.
Leave natural areas cleaner than they were found.
The goal of all water activities is observation, learning, and stewardship.
Emergency Procedures
The instructor will carry:
First aid supplies.
Emergency contact information.
Communication device.
Site location information.
In the event of an emergency:
Ensure participant safety.
Remove participants from the water.
Provide appropriate first aid.
Contact emergency services if needed.
Notify parents/guardians as soon as practical.
Document the incident.
Instructor Authority
The instructor retains full authority to modify, suspend, or cancel any water activity due to weather, site conditions, participant behavior, or other safety concerns.
Participant safety takes precedence over program objectives.