What must camps enforce for all participants according to the policies?

The requirement for camps to enforce a buddy system for participants is crucial for enhancing safety during aquatic activities. The buddy system promotes accountability and ensures that participants keep an eye on one another. This approach is particularly important in situations where individuals may be at risk of drowning or in need of assistance. By having a designated buddy, mistakes or emergencies can be quickly identified and addressed, as each participant understands they are responsible for the safety of their partner.

While the other options may be beneficial in certain contexts, they do not have the same impact on ongoing safety and support as the buddy system does, which is foundational in fostering a safer aquatic environment. A sign-in sheet is valuable for attendance but does not actively contribute to participant safety; a timeout area can help manage behavior but is not a preventive safety measure; and a no-splash policy relates more to enjoyment and comfort than to participant safety in emergencies. Therefore, enforcing a buddy system aligns directly with the overall goal of ensuring safety and support among participants in aquatic settings.