Running a camp aquatics program in the 21st century requires more than traditional lifeguard skills

it demands adaptable leadership, modern training approaches, and critical thinking skills. It also requires honest reflection: Has your camp avoided aquatics incidents because of intentional systems and preparation, or simply because you’ve been lucky so far?

In this webinar, Katie Johnson from Chalmers Camp Insurance will facilitate a panel of camp directors, waterfront managers, and aquatics safety specialists, who will share real world lessons and up to date practices for 2026. Together, we will explore how to build and support a rescue ready team, integrate meaningful in service training throughout the season, and navigate evolving expectations around supervision, preparedness, and staff development.

Panelists include: Sarah Mackie Weeman (Smackie) from YMCA Camp Huckins; Dakota Brichetto from Camp Susan Curtis; Peter Christnacht from Copper Cannon Camp.

Whether your program includes a pool, a lakefront, or both, this session is designed for anyone responsible for creating a safe, effective, and forward thinking aquatics operation at camp.

Dates & Rates

When: Tuesday, May 5, 2026 from 1:00 – 2:30pm ET

Where: Zoom (meeting link to be sent prior to the start of the session)

Cost: Member 1st/2nd Person – $40/$30; Non-Member 1st/2nd Person – $55/$45

Click here to register!

About the Facilitator

Katie Johnson, M.S., is a Senior Risk Consultant at Chalmers Camp Insurance. With nearly 30 years in camps and youth-serving organizations—including 8 years with the American Camp Association—she blends risk expertise with a passion for transformative experiences. Driven by her passion for the magic of camp, she empowers leaders to create strong safety foundations, ensuring they can focus on inspiring growth, connection, and adventure in the communities they serve.

About the Panelists

Dakota Brichetto has been involved with Camp Susan Curtis for 21 years, seven of those years as a camper. As a camper Dakota knew that she wanted to be a lifeguard and worked hard to earn multiple waterfront related certifications, including LGI and WSI. Dakota worked in a leadership role at the waterfront for seven summers creating a safe environment, building programming, adapting teachings for the at-risk youth population, and mentoring and training staff to be successful. In addition to being a professional at the waterfront, Dakota has begun to work as an Occupational Therapist at Camp Susan Curtis.

Ryan Rosen has worked in camp aquatics since 1997, beginning as a lifeguard and developing a deep commitment to safety, instruction, and leadership at the pool. Since 1999, he has been certified as a Lifeguard Instructor (LGI) and Water Safety Instructor (WSI), training and mentoring lifeguards and swim instructors for more than two decades. Since 2011, Ryan has owned Camp Kinneret, a day camp outside of Los Angeles, where he oversees all aspects of camp operations, including a comprehensive aquatics program. In addition to leading his own team, he has partnered with numerous camps to strengthen their swim instruction models, lifeguard training systems, and overall aquatic risk management practices. Ryan brings a practical, camp-focused perspective centered on safety, staff development, and helping campers build confidence in the water.

Peter Christnacht enters his 22^nd summer of leadership at Copper Cannon Camp in 2026, marking 38 years in camp administration. He has directed programs nationwide, driven by a deep belief in the positive impact of camp on youth. Peter holds a Master’s in Curriculum & Instruction from Northern Illinois University and a bachelor’s degree from Gonzaga University. A lifelong aquatics professional, he has overseen pools, lakes, and pond waterfronts throughout his career and has maintained his Lifeguard Instructor certification since the late 80s, including helping to pilot the 1988–89 American Red Cross Lifeguard Course updates. His decades of experience and insight into evolving staff and lifeguard expectations give him a unique perspective on camp aquatics.

Sarah Mackie Weeman grew up in the pool at her local YMCA and has been working on or in the water ever since. She is the Summer Camp Director at YMCA Camp Huckins and, among other duties, is responsible for certifying and training the lifeguards as well as supporting the Waterfront Directors. Staying current with aquatics policies and standards keeps her on her toes!

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Questions, reach out Gillian Gold, Events & Logistics Manager at gillian@acanewengland.org or 781-541-6080 ext. 106.

Registration is non-refundable but may be transferred to another member of your organization prior to the start of the session. 

Use of Images and Audio by ACA, New England: Through my registration, I give American Camp Association, New England (ACANE) full rights and permissions with respect to any photographs, video, and audio recordings taken during the ACANE event. These images and recordings may be used by ACANE and its agents in any format or medium and for any lawful purpose.