Should C.I.T's be in charge of little kids swimming?

Question

I'm a C.I.T at a camp and the consulers expect me and my friend [[the C.I.T's]] to watch the little troublemakers while they sit back and relax. They want us to watch them in the ocean when we go to the beach too. So should 13 years olds watch like 7 year olds so they don't drown?

Answer 1

if you're not a certified lifeguard then NO. you should not be responsible for this. in fact, if one of the kids drowned the counselors/camp could be sued for negligence.

i'm a CIT and they would NEVER let me do that at my camp unless i was a certified lifeguard

Answer 2

If you are not certified for life saving, then you are only watching them to tell someone else if there is trouble.  You are NOT a lifeguard and, therefore, have no more qualification than others (like parents and camp counselors) who are not lifeguards.  You should first question the counselors as to whether you should have this responsibility and if they give you a "runaround' you should then talk with the camp director to see if you should or should not have this responsibility.

If they drown?  Well, you'll have that nightmare for the rest of your life.

Answer 3

Only certified lifeguards should watch children in or near the water, especially at the beach and in the ocean.

Those counselors are idiots and opening themselves up to a world of trouble if there's a problem.

Answer 4

It is not good for you.  You didn't mention if there are lifeguards there or not.  

Keep in mind, though if something does happen:  YOU are a CIT.  You are just doing what your boss (a counselor) told you to do.  Ultimately, they are responsible for you.

Do the best you can, and keep your chin up!