Safety is our highest priority
The safety and well-being of every camper is our highest priority, and since 2009, families have trusted Sandy Days Kids Camp to create safe, fun, and memorable experiences on the beach. From our experienced leadership team and carefully selected staff to our partnership with LA County Lifeguards and comprehensive safety protocols, every aspect of our program is designed to help children explore, play, build confidence, and have fun in a safe and supportive environment. Our policies and procedures are guided by American Camp Association standards and informed by years of experience operating beach-based programs for thousands of campers and families.
Camp Rules
We review camp rules with our campers every day:
- Always wear your yellow camp rash-guard
- Stay inside our camp boundaries/Don’t cross the cones
- Never go to the bathroom without a counselor.
- Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate (Drink plenty of water)
- Must reapply sunscreen before lunch.
- No throwing rocks or sand.
- Leave the beach cleaner then we found it.
- Treat others the way you want to be treated.
Staff & Supervision
Low Camper-to-Counselor Ratios
We maintain a low camper-to-counselor ratio of 6:1 to ensure every child receives the attention, supervision, and support they need to stay safe, engaged, and have an incredible summer.
Our counselors
Each counselor must be at least 18 years old and is carefully selected for their character, maturity, enthusiasm, and ability to connect with children. Many of our counselors grew up as Sandy Days campers themselves and return each summer because they want to help create the same unforgettable experiences they enjoyed as kids.
Our leadership team
We are experienced educators who have each spent decades working with children in schools, camps, and youth development programs. We are proud of our strong staff retention, with many counselors and leaders returning year after year. This consistency helps us maintain a safe, supportive, and fun environment where campers can build lasting relationships.
CPR & First Aid Certified Staff
Every Sandy Days staff member is CPR and First Aid certified. These skills are reviewed annually during staff training alongside our camp's emergency procedures, beach safety protocols, and supervision practices to help ensure a safe experience for every camper.
Water Safety
Many parents are understandably concerned about their child’s experience and comfort level in the ocean. At Sandy Days, safety always comes first. Water activities only take place when real-time ocean conditions are deemed safe by camp leadership in consultation with LA County Lifeguards, with updates throughout the day. Younger and less experienced swimmers enjoy supervised play in shallow water close to shore, while older and more experienced campers may enjoy deeper water within our designated swim area and under close observation. Counselors are positioned in the water with additional staff supervising from shore and a dedicated Sandy Days lifeguard overseeing water activities. Our leadership team continuously adjusts staffing to maintain low camper-to-counselor ratios and ensure every child receives the attention and support they need to safely enjoy the ocean while building confidence in the water.
Sun Protection
Sun Protection
Every camper wears a bright yellow, branded camp rash guard designed to provide SPF 50+ sun protection. Combined with sunscreen, shade, and hydration, our rash guards serve as an important layer of protection against sun exposure. Parents are required to apply sunscreen before camp each morning, and campers participate in mandatory counselor-assisted sunscreen reapplication throughout the day, particularly following water activities and during periods of increased sun exposure.
Shade & Cooling Areas
Providing ample shade is an important part of our approach to camper safety and comfort. Throughout the day, campers have access to numerous 10' x 10' cabanas that serve as shaded home bases where they can relax, cool down, eat lunch, and connect with friends. We also ensure that there are always activities available in the shade, giving campers opportunities to take a break from the sun while continuing to play, create, and engage with camp throughout the day.
Hydration
We have large red insulated water coolers with fresh drinking water readily available throughout camp, and counselors regularly remind campers to take water breaks throughout the day. During periods of warm weather, hydration reminders and rest breaks are increased to help campers stay comfortable and safe.
Heat & Weather Monitoring
Camp leadership continuously monitors weather conditions throughout the day and adjusts activities, schedules, shade breaks, and water access as needed. During periods of extreme heat, additional hydration breaks, sunscreen application, and shaded activities are incorporated to help ensure camper safety and comfort.
Camper Visibility & Supervision
High-Visibility Camper Rash Guards
Every camper wears a bright yellow Sandy Days rash guard throughout the day. In addition to providing UPF 50+ sun protection, these highly visible rash guards allow our staff to quickly identify campers on the sand, in activities, and in the water, helping us maintain a safe and well-supervised environment.
Clearly Defined Camp Boundaries
Our camp area is clearly marked with cones, flags, and visual boundary markers. This allows campers, staff, and LA County Lifeguards to easily identify the camp area and quickly recognize if a camper has moved outside camp boundaries or if a member of the public enters the camp space.
Supervised Restroom Visits
Campers are never permitted to walk to the restroom alone. We utilize a buddy system and staff members to supervise restroom trips throughout the day. Campers are escorted to and from the restroom by staff, ensuring they remain safely accounted for while away from the main camp area.
Continuous Head Counts
Throughout the day, counselors and leadership conduct regular head counts and actively monitor camper locations as children move between activities. Our supervision systems are designed to ensure campers are consistently accounted for while still enjoying the freedom and independence that make Sandy Days special.
Walkie-Talkie Communication System
Camp leadership and designated staff members carry walkie-talkies throughout the day, allowing for immediate communication regarding camper needs, restroom escorts, water activities, weather conditions, and any situation requiring additional support. This communication system helps ensure staff can respond quickly and effectively while maintaining supervision across our large beach environment.
Water Quality & Ocean Conditions
We monitor water quality daily. Below are the resources we use to check the status of the water quality at our beach.
LA County Department of Public Health – Water Quality Testing Map Page
http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/phcommon/public/eh/water_quality/beach_grades.cfm
Heal the Bay – Beach Report Card
https://beachreportcard.org/33.91029999999999/-118.51929100000001/11
Surfrider Foundation – Blue Water Task Force
https://bwtf.surfrider.org/
Surfline for Surf & Tide information
https://www.surfline.com/surf-report/will-rogers-state-beach/5ff8a259222b7ff78169c757?camId=62a37a9a127707fd7d8c636f