Swimming!

Living on Sandy Inlet provides endless opportunities to be in the water. As a canoe tripping camp, the ability to swim is a core component of our programs. As such,
prior to departing on a canoe trip, all campers must successfully complete the swim assessment. 

We encourage you to take a look at our swimming assessment and support your camper in practicing the necessary skills to be successful in the water prior to coming to camp.

The assessment will take place at the camp waterfront or the river. Some campers may have the ability to work on their swimming with a staff member before departing on a trip and may be given multiple opportunities to successfully complete the assessment. A camper that is unsuccessful in the assessment, but is slated for a flatwater trip, may still participate (with the permission of the Director).

Given the high risk activities Camp Wanapitei engages in, it is imperative our participants demonstrate stamina, endurance, and an element of strength in their swimming.  Safety is always at the forefront of our policies and we appreciate our communities commitment to upholding our high standards.

Swim Assessment Details:

A staff member will demonstrate all required components of the swim assessment to campers. The Waterfront Director will clearly communicate the need for campers to do their best and, within reason for age group, emphasize the need to successfully complete the assessment in order to participate on the canoe trip.

Flatwater trips: Trail Blazer, Temagami, Way Finder campers Enter the water from shore. Then walk/wade in the water until the bottom can no longer be touched. Swim any stroke to the raft* and back to a depth where they can touch. This must be performed unassisted for a distance of approximately 25 metres. Tread water for two minutes making every effort to keep ears out of the water and not touch the bottom. Use of arms is permitted. Swim 3 big strokes  under water (like a foot first surface dive). Demonstrate a back float for five seconds. Put a lifejacket on in the water and demonstrate a group huddle. Any weak swimmers at the Way Finder level will be flagged. If/when they register for River Runner, the family will be contacted and additional swimming lessons to strengthen swimming skills will be recommended.  Moving water trips:River Runners, River Ad, Bay Trip, VI, WLIT Enter deep water off canoe dock. Tread water for two minutes making every effort to keep shoulders out of the water and not touch the bottom. Permitted to use arms. Swim 3 big strokes under water (like a foot first surface dive). Swim front crawl without a lifejacket from the canoe dock to the bridge without taking a break. Approximately 25 m. Put lifejacket on in the water and then demonstrate a group huddle. Demonstrate a defensive swimming position: back float, bum up, sculling with hands feet first.*** Sprint head up front crawl in a lifejacket from the canoe dock to the bridge without taking a break. *** Any weak swimmers at the 2 wk RR level will be flagged for improvement. Family will be followed up with prior to entry into a 4 week white water program.  ***If time and/or staffing do not permit the group to be at the river, campers participating in moving water trips can demonstrate their defensive swimming, as well as head up sprint, at the main dock area under the supervision and direction of the Waterfront Director.