Safety & Well-being
We understand that parents prioritize safety, and we’re proud to say Fitness by the Sea has been the safest beach camp in Los Angeles for over 25 years. Entrusting us with your children is a responsibility we take very seriously, which is why we adhere to California, LA County, and American Camp Association guidelines. Our safety measures are rigorously reviewed with input from the LA County Lifeguards, ensuring all camp activities remain both fun and secure.
Daily Camp Rules
We review camp rules with campers every day across all locations:
- Drink plenty of water.
- Never go to the bathroom alone.
- Reapply sunscreen.
- Stay within camp boundaries.
- Throw trash in cans.
- Wear rash guards at all times.
Staff & Supervision
Older Staff: The average age of our staff is 23 years old, which includes many local teachers and parents just like you. With an older staff, we can truly focus on your child’s development and well-being. An older staff ensures more responsible, mature caretakers for your child.
All Staff are CPR Certified: We re-certify our staff every year to guarantee current knowledge of lifesaving techniques.
6:1 Camper to Counselor Ratio: We maintain a very low camper to counselor ratio to make sure your child is safe and also having an amazing summer experience.
Water Protection
Many parents have concerns about their child’s inexperience swimming in the ocean. We station counselors at every depth of the water, so smaller kids can splash ankle deep and bigger kids can practice holding their breath and diving under the waves. Building ocean skills is one of our strong suits, and the only way to do this is by creating an environment built on safety and trust.
We provide many layers of water safety to protect your child. Counselors are placed directly in the water with the children while on-staff lifeguards watch from the beach. LA County Lifeguards are on constant look-out directly behind and adjacent to our camp. Our directors continually adjust staff ratios as children move about to maintain our 6 to 1 ratio.
Sun Protection
Sunscreen: Sun damage is a major concern of parents for children who spend time outside. That’s why we require parents to liberally apply sunscreen to their children prior to arriving at camp. We then have mandatory counselor-assisted sunscreen reapplication using SPF 45 before campers are allowed to eat their lunch. We also re-apply sunscreen in the afternoon, especially for campers coming out of the water, as this is when they are most susceptible to burns.
Shade: Shade is another very important aspect for consideration when children are playing outside and there is plenty to be found under our 10′ x 10′ cabanas. To encourage our campers to cool off in the shade during the day, we provide a variety of games and activities that are based under the cabanas.
Hydration Stations: Along with sunscreen and shade, hydration is key for a happy camper. We provide coolers filled with drinking water throughout the camp and make repeated announcements encouraging campers to “take a break and take a drink.”
Protection from Others
Brightly Colored Camp Uniforms: To ensure safety, campers wear brightly colored rash guards for easy identification by staff and lifeguards.
Camp Boundaries: Our camp boundaries are clearly defined by orange traffic cones and ropes. This helps both the lifeguards and staff members recognize if either campers are outside the camp or if the public comes into camp.
Chaperoned Bathroom Visits: At no time will your child walk to the restroom without a staff member. We practice the “buddy” system and we also have dedicated “bathroom runners” on staff. This means that when your child needs to use the bathroom, they find a friend (buddy) and together they go to our bathroom attendants (one male, one female) and are chaperoned to the restroom. Campers are then escorted back to the campsite by their chaperone.
What Parents Are Saying
“The staff at FBS make safety a top priority. They are organized, diligent, and committed to make sure that every camper stays safe in the water and on the beach. I always feel confident that I can leave my daughter at FBS in the morning and she’ll be safe, healthy, and happy when I pick her up in the afternoon.”