A developing situation in Virginia is a sobering reminder for our industry: knowing you’re compliant and assuming you’re compliant are two very different things.
A swim camp in Virginia is under investigation following a child’s drowning during open swim time at camp. The investigation is still active, and more findings may surface, but the central issue identified so far is a licensure gap. Virginia allows certain “single focus” programs, like sports camps, to operate without a childcare license, but only if they meet specific conditions, including strict limits on how many days a child can attend. This camp reportedly didn’t meet that threshold, which meant the exemption it believed it qualified for didn’t actually apply.
Many swim schools don’t operate camps, so this exact scenario may not apply to your program. But the lesson underneath it does: licensing exemptions are conditional, not automatic. It’s easy to believe you meet one without confirming you meet its precise legal requirements, and that’s true whether you’re running camps, lessons, or both.
Why Being Part of USSSA Matters
This is exactly the kind of blind spot that membership in an association like USSSA is built to help you avoid. Regulations change, vary by jurisdiction, and don’t always come with a clear notice when they shift. Being part of a national network means you have access to real-time updates, shared experiences from other operators, and a heads-up when a situation like Virginia’s makes headlines, well before it might affect you directly.
Take this as your nudge: revisit your own state and local requirements, including any exemptions you rely on, your background check policies, and your staff training. If it’s been a while since you checked in with your local licensing authority or legal counsel, now is a good time.
Not a member? We invite you to join the USSSA as a valuable tool in your learn to swim business toolbox.
