NC S273

Day camps serving three or more school-age children (up to age 18) must provide Red Cross-certified lifeguards during aquatic activities such as swimming, wading, and water park visits

Lifeguard-to-child ratio requires two lifeguards for the first 25 children, plus one additional lifeguard for every 15 children thereafter, with lifeguards positioned in chairs at least 6 feet off the ground

Mandatory swim tests required in public pools before aquatic activities begin; children who cannot swim across the pool must wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets at all times during water activities

Hot tubs, spas, saunas, steam rooms, portable wading pools, and unfiltered water containments are prohibited for day camp participants

Effective date is June 1, 2026