RSU 26 board begins rewrite of water‑based field‑trip policy, tightens safety standards

The RSU 26 School Board held a first read of a proposed revision to policy IJOA that would set stricter rules for water‑based field trips, particularly open‑water activities. The draft separates still‑water sampling and supervised pool activities from higher‑risk outings and establishes minimum safety standards for the latter.

Chair summarized the approach: for many open‑water activities the policy would require certified guides or expeditionary‑teaching credentials, Coast Guard certification for certain craft, appropriate personal flotation devices, and lifeguard ratios that meet state standards. “We’re banning the ones that are more dangerous — walking across streams, rivers, and oceans,” the chair said while clarifying that academic sampling and supervised pool sessions remain possible under stricter conditions.

Board members and staff asked the policy committee to refine several definitions before the next read, including precise language for ponds/lakes versus streams, and how intertidal (shoreline) activities should be treated when the tide can change quickly. Teachers and coaches raised concerns about preserving hands‑on learning opportunities (canoe and kayak teams, water sampling) while ensuring safety; the board discussed practical steps such as budgeting for lifeguards and sharing safety equipment across schools to avoid preventing trips for lack of funding.

The policy will return to the policy committee for edits (definitions of stream/intertidal, PFD standards and acceptable certifications) and come back to the full board for a second read.