DCF 252.44(6)(i)2.
2. Persons working with children shall wash their hands with soap and running water before handling food, after assisting with toileting and after wiping bodily secretions from a child.
DCF 252.44(6)(i)3.
3. Soap and water-based wet wipes may be used to wash hands when there is no running water immediately available. Disinfecting hand sanitizers may not replace the use of soap and water when washing hands.
DCF 252.44(6)(i)4.
4. Cups, eating utensils, toothbrushes, combs and towels may not be shared and shall be kept in a sanitary condition.
DCF 252.44(6)(i)5.
5. Children shall be clothed to ensure body warmth and comfort. Wet or soiled clothing and diapers shall be changed promptly from an available supply of clean clothing.
DCF 252.44(6)(i)6.
6. There shall be a supply of dry and clean clothing and diapers sufficient to meet the needs of all children at the camp.
DCF 252.44(6)(i)7.
7. As appropriate, children shall be protected from sunburn and insect bites with protective clothing, if not protected by sunscreen or insect repellent. Sunscreen and insect repellent may only be applied on the written authorization of the parent. The authorization shall include the ingredient strength of the sunscreen or repellent. If parents provide the sunscreen or insect repellent, the sunscreen or repellent shall be labeled with the child's name. Children may apply their own sunscreen or insect repellent with written parental authorization. Recording the application of sunscreen or insect repellent is not required.
DCF 252.44(6)(i)8.
8. Center staff shall follow universal precautions when exposed to blood and blood-containing bodily fluids and injury discharges.
DCF 252.44(6)(i)9.
9. Single use disposable gloves shall be worn if there is contact with blood-containing bodily fluids or tissue discharges. Gloves shall be discarded in plastic bags.
DCF 252.44(6)(j)
(j)
Diapering. When children are diapered, the camp counselor shall do all of the following:
DCF 252.44(6)(j)1.
1. Consult with the child's parent to develop a toilet training plan so that a child's toilet routine is consistent between the camp and the child's home, if the child is in the process of becoming toilet trained.
DCF 252.44(6)(j)3.
3. Change each child on an easily cleanable surface that is cleaned with soap and water and a disinfectant solution after each use. The disinfectant solution shall be registered with the U.S. environmental protection agency as a disinfectant and have instructions for use as a disinfectant on the label. The solution shall be prepared and applied as indicated on the label.
DCF 252.44(6)(j)4.
4. If the diapering surface is above floor level, provide a barrier or restraint to prevent falling. A child may not be left unattended on the diapering surface.
DCF 252.44(6)(j)5.
5. Place disposable soiled diapers and gloves, if used, in a plastic-lined, hands-free, covered container immediately.
DCF 252.44(6)(j)6.
6. Remove soiled diapers from containers as needed but at least daily for washing or disposal. Containers shall be washed and disinfected daily.
DCF 252.44(6)(j)7.
7. Apply lotions, powders or salves to a child during diapering only at the specific written direction of the parent or the child's physician. The directions shall be posted in the diapering area. The application of diapering lotions, powders or salves is not required to be recorded in the camp medical log.
DCF 252.44(6)(j)8.
8. Wash the child's diaper area before each diapering with a disposable or fabric towel used only once.
DCF 252.44(7)(a)(a)
Definitions. In this subsection, “waterfront" means a pool or beach accessible to or used by children in care.
DCF 252.44(7)(am)1.1. Pools and other swimming areas used by children shall be located, constructed, equipped and operated according to the requirements of chs.
SPS 390 and
ATCP 76 for pools and water attractions. A beach shall be in compliance with applicable local ordinances.
DCF 252.44(7)(am)2.a.a. Swimming pools shall be enclosed with a 5 foot fence with a self-closing, self-latching door. Spaces between the vertical posts of the fence shall be 3
½ inches or less. In addition, all of the following restrictions apply when the pool is not in use by children.
DCF 252.44(7)(am)2.c.
c. If access to the pool is through a door, the door shall be closed, visibly locked and equipped with an alarm at the door that signals when someone has entered the pool area. The door may not be used as an exit.
DCF 252.44(7)(am)2.e.
e. The free-standing wall of an above ground pool may not serve as an enclosure unless it is at least 5 feet in height and not climbable. If a ladder is present, the ladder shall be removed or raised up so that it is inaccessible to children.
DCF 252.44(7)(am)2.f.
f. The area around the pool enclosure shall be free of toys or equipment that would allow a child to climb or otherwise gain access to the pool.
DCF 252.44(7)(am)3.
3. The swimming area used by a day camp shall have designated areas for non-swimmers, intermediate swimmers, advanced swimmers and divers. A child shall be restricted to the area of the pool or beach that is within the child's swimming ability.
DCF 252.44(7)(am)4.
4. Access to a water activity area or beach shall be controlled so that children may not enter the area without the knowledge of waterfront staff and any area used for swimming shall be clearly marked.
DCF 252.44(7)(am)5.
5. Equipment in water activity areas, including docks, ladders, rafts, diving boards, boats, life jackets, and paddles, shall be maintained and in good repair.
DCF 252.44(7)(am)6.
6. Rescue equipment, including a shepherd's crook type pole, a backboard, ring buoy, and rescue tube shall be maintained and immediately available at each water activity area as specified in s.
ATCP 76.26.
DCF 252.44(7)(b)1.1. Each day camp offering swimming, boating, canoeing, or other water activities whether at a pool or a beach shall designate a staff person as waterfront supervisor. All water activities, whether on or off the premises, shall be under the direction of the waterfront supervisor or an equally qualified adult who is present at the waterfront during water activities. The waterfront supervisor shall:
DCF 252.44(7)(b)1.b.
b. Hold a current certification as a life-guard from a nationally recognized certifying agency.
DCF 252.44(7)(b)1m.
1m. If the center uses a pool, beach, or other water attraction that is not located on the center premises and certified lifesaving personnel are on duty, the waterfront supervisor is not required to meet the qualification in subd.
1. b. DCF 252.44(7)(b)2.
2. The camp shall maintain a ratio of one person with a current Red Cross certified lifesaving certificate per 25 children in the water, except where a public swimming place has life-saving personnel on duty. While children are in the water, only staff who can swim may be included when determining counselor-to-child ratios under Table DCF 252.425.
DCF 252.44(7)(b)3.
3. The waterfront supervisor or an equally qualified person shall be on duty at all times whenever children are in the water.
DCF 252.44(7)(b)4.
4. The waterfront supervisor shall establish and enforce a method for supervising children in the water such as the buddy system, the colored cap system or another method of supervising children. The supervision plan shall be included in the camp's written waterfront plan and reviewed during pre-camp training.
DCF 252.44(7)(b)5.
5. The waterfront supervisor shall establish and enforce a method for checking persons in and out of the water. The check-in and check-out procedures shall be included in the camp's written waterfront plan and reviewed during pre-camp training.
DCF 252.44(7)(b)5m.
5m. The waterfront supervisor shall establish and enforce procedures for ensuring that children who have access to a beach or are engaged in fishing or other shoreline activities are properly supervised.
DCF 252.44(7)(b)6.
6. The waterfront supervisor or person acting as the waterfront supervisor may not be included when determining counselor-to-child ratios during any period when children are in the water.
DCF 252.44(7)(c)1.1. The swimming ability of each child shall be assessed by either the parent or the camp. Documentation of the assessment shall be kept in the child's file.
DCF 252.44(7)(c)2.
2. Children shall be restricted to swimming areas within their swimming classification.
DCF 252.44(7)(d)
(d) Boating prohibited in swimming areas. Except in an emergency, no rowboat, canoe, motor boat or other craft, except a lifeboat used by lifeguards, is permitted in a swimming area, pursuant to s.
30.68 (7), Stats.
DCF 252.44(8)(a)
(a) In this section, “boat” means every description of watercraft used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water, including canoes, kayaks, large inner tubes, inflatable boats, paddleboards, and sailboards. Small inflatable toys such as swim rings and air mattresses are not considered “boats” under this definition.
DCF 252.44(8)(b)
(b) Each occupant of a boat shall wear a type I or II coast guard-approved personal flotation device which is appropriate to the weight of the person wearing it as specified in s.
30.62 (3) (a), Stats., and s.
NR 5.13.
DCF 252.44(8)(c)
(c) There shall be at least one adult in each boat who is a competent swimmer as determined by the waterfront supervisor. When children are using single-seat boats, such as kayaks, a counselor who is a competent swimmer shall be close enough to the children to provide assistance if necessary.
DCF 252.44(8)(d)
(d) Children who have not demonstrated advanced swimming skills shall be limited to the use of the rowboats only.
DCF 252.44(8)(e)
(e) All boats, oars and paddles shall be in good repair and inspected annually for safety.
DCF 252.44(9)
(9) Firearms and archery. Firearms and archery equipment may not be used by children under 7 years of age. When firearms and archery equipment are used by children 7 years of age and older, the following precautions shall apply:
DCF 252.44(9)(a)
(a) The archery or shooting range may be used only under the supervision of a trained adult instructor who holds a certification in bowhunter or hunter safety, respectively.
DCF 252.44(9)(b)
(b) Other program activities shall be in an area away from the designated archery or shooting range. The range shall be fenced in with rope or wire and marked with danger signs or flags.
DCF 252.44(9)(c)
(c) Firearms, ammunition, and archery equipment shall be stored under lock and key when not in use.
DCF 252.44(9)(d)
(d) All firearms, archery equipment, and unused ammunition shall be returned to the instructor.
DCF 252.44(10)(a)
(a) Power tools shall not be used by children under 7 years of age.
DCF 252.44(10)(b)
(b) Children under 7 years of age shall not be allowed in areas where power tools are in use.
DCF 252.44(10)(c)
(c) When power tools and other tools are not in use, they shall be stored in an area not accessible to children.
DCF 252.44(11)(a)
(a) This subsection shall apply whether the camp owns, rents, or leases horses.
DCF 252.44(11)(b)
(b) Children may ride horseback only in a ring or other enclosed area.
DCF 252.44(11)(c)
(c) The riding tack shall be maintained in good repair to provide maximum safety for children. It shall be appropriate to the age, size, and ability of the rider.
DCF 252.44(11)(d)
(d) Horseback riding shall be specifically covered by the camp's liability insurance.
DCF 252.44(12)
(12) Field trips. For field trips away from the base camp:
DCF 252.44(12)(a)
(a) Staff shall carry emergency contact information and signed parental permission for the emergency medical care of all children on the field trip.
DCF 252.44(12)(b)
(b) The counselor-to-child ratio under Table DCF 252.425 shall be maintained, except that the number of adults accompanying children away from the base camp shall be no fewer than 2.
DCF 252.44(12)(c)
(c) A planned source of emergency medical care in the area to be visited shall be known to staff.
DCF 252.44(12)(d)
(d) A list of children participating in the field trip shall be maintained by the camp director and a counselor accompanying the children.
DCF 252.44(12)(e)
(e) Parents shall be notified in advance of the times and location of each field trip.
DCF 252.44(13)(a)
(a) This subsection applies whether the camp owns, rents, or leases equipment used in adventure-based activities. Adventure-based activities include but are not limited to experiences such as ropes or challenge courses, hiking and rock climbing.
DCF 252.44(13)(b)
(b) The licensee shall ensure that personnel leading and providing training to children are trained and have experience for the type of adventure-based experience they are supervising.
DCF 252.44(13)(c)
(c) Equipment used in adventure-based activities shall be properly installed, maintained in good condition and working order and appropriate to the size, developmental and ability level of the children using the equipment.
DCF 252.44(13)(d)
(d) Before a child is permitted to participate in an adventure-based activity, the licensee shall ensure that the child's medical history does not prohibit participation in the type of activity planned. If there is a question about a child's ability to participate for medical reasons, the licensee shall not permit participation without the written approval of the child's physician and written authorization from the child's parent.
DCF 252.44(13)(e)
(e) Counselor-to-child ratios shall be adequate to manage and supervise the adventure-based activity based upon the number of children participating and type of activity. At no time, shall the counselor-to-child ratio be less than that specified in Table DCF 252.425.
DCF 252.44 History
History: Cr.
Register, October, 1984, No. 346, eff. 11-1-84; corrections in (7) (a) made under s. 13.93 (2m) (b) 7., Stats.,
Register, June, 1995, No. 474; corrections in (6) (d) made under s. 13.93 (2m) (b) 7., Stats.,
Register, July, 1997, No. 499; corrections in (7) (a) made under s. 13.93 (2m) (b) 7., Stats.,
Register, July, 1999, No. 523;
CR 04-040: am. (5) (d)
Register December 2004 No. 588, eff. 1-1-05; corrections in (2) (b), (3) (a), (5) (a), (6) (d) 1., (e) 1. d., (7) (b) 2. and (12) (b) made under s. 13.92 (4) (b) 7., Stats.,
Register November 2008 No. 635;
CR 07-102: am. (1) (a) (intro.), 1., 2., 4. to 6., (b) 1., (2) (a), (c) 1. to 4., (3) (b) 1., 2., (4), (5) (a), (6) (a) 1., 2., (b) (title), (c) 1., 2. a., (d) 1., 3., (e) 1. a., b., d., 3., (f) 1. a. to d., f., 2., (g), (7) (b) (title), (intro.), (c) 1., (e), (8) (b) to (d), (9) (intro.), (a) to (c), (12) (intro.) and (a) to (d), r. and recr. (1) (a) 3., (2) (b), (c) (intro.), (5) (d) to (g), (6) (e) 1. (intro.), (7) (title), (b) 1. b., (8) (title) and (9) (d), cr. (1) (a) 7. to 9., (b) 3. to 7., (2) (c) 5., (3) (a) 1. to 5., (c), (d), (5) (d) 1. to 4., (6) (b) 1. to 5., (bm), (e) 4. to 7., (f) 1. i., (h) to (j), (7) (a), (am) 2. b. to f., 4. to 6., (b) 4. to 6., (8) (a), (e), (12) (e), (f) and (13), renum. (3) (a), (6) (b), (7) (a) 1., 3., 4. and (8) (a) to be (3) (a) (intro.), (6) (b) (intro.), (7) (am) 1., 2. a., 3. and (8) (am) and am., r. (6) (d) 2., (e) 1. c., (f) 1. e., g., 3., (7) (a) 2. and (c) 3.
Register December 2008 No. 636, eff. 1-1-09; corrections in (3) (a) (intro.), (5) (a), (6) (bm), (d), (e) 1. d., (f) 2., (h), (7) (am) 1., 6., (12) (b) and (13) (e) made under s. 13.92 (4) (b) 7., Stats.,
Register December 2008 No. 636; correction in (7) (am) 1. made under s. 13.92 (4) (b) 7., Stats.,
Register January 2012 No. 673; correction in (6) (bm) made under s. 13.92 (4) (b) 7., Stats.,
Register April 2015 No. 712; correction in (7) (am) 1., 6. made under s. 13.92 (4) (b) 7., Stats.,
Register July 2016 No. 727;
EmR1918: am. (2) (b), (3) (title), (a) (intro.), (b) (intro.), 2., cr. (3) (b) 4., r. and recr. (3) (d), (5) (title), (e), (f), r. (5) (h), renum. (6) (a) 1. to (6) (a), r. (6) (a) 2., r. and recr. (6) (c) (title), (d) 1., r. (6) (e) 1. d., 6., 7., r. and recr. (6) (f), (g), r. (6) (h), am. (6) (i) (title), 1., 5., cr. (6) (i) 7. to 9., am. (6) (j) 3., (7) (title), (am) 5., cr. (7) (b) 1m., am. (7) (b) 2., 3., cr. (7) (b) 5m., am. (7) (b) 6., r. (7) (e), am. (9) (intro.), (d), (11) (b), (12) (b), (13) (e), eff. 1-30-19;
CR 19-089: am. (2) (b), (3) (title), (a) (intro.), (b) (intro.), 2., cr. (3) (b) 4., r. and recr. (3) (d), (5) (title), (e), (f), r. (5) (h), renum. (6) (a) 1. to (6) (a), r. (6) (a) 2., r. and recr. (6) (c) (title), (d) 1., r. (6) (e) 1. d., 6., 7., r. and recr. (6) (f), (g), r. (6) (h), am. (6) (i) (title), 1., 5., cr. (6) (i) 7. to 9., am. (6) (j) 3., (7) (title), (am) 5., cr. (7) (b) 1m., am. (7) (b) 2., 3., cr. (7) (b) 5m., am. (7) (b) 6., r. (7) (e), am. (9) (intro.), (d), (11) (b), (12) (b), (13) (e)
Register March 2020 No. 771, eff. 4-1-20;
CR 21-100: am. (1) (a) (intro.), r. and recr. (2) (b), cr. (6) (e) 3m., am. (6) (f) 1., (g) 4., (8) (a), (9) (a)
Register February 2023 No. 806, eff. 3-1-23; corrections in (2) (b) 1., 2. d. made under s. 35.17, Stats.,
Register January 2024 No. 817.
