The Child Safe Program assists Surf Life Saving (SLS) in our commitment to the protection of Children and Young People (CYP) from abuse, harm and exploitation.
Key Child Safe Strategies
The program builds the capacity of SLS to protect our CYP by providing resources and education to support clubs to provide a safe environment for all members. Clubs can begin to provide a safe environment through the development and implementation of the following key strategies:
- A statement of commitment to child safety
- Implementation of the code of conduct that establishes clear expectations for appropriate behaviour when dealing with CYP
- Screening, supervision, training and other human resources practices that reduce the risk of child abuse by new and existing personnel
- Educate and inform members of the signs and indicators of child abuse
- Processes for responding to and reporting suspected child abuse
- Regular communication, awareness and promotion of the Child Safe Program
- Strategies to identify and remove risks to CYP
- Strategies to communicate and promote the participation and empowerment of CYP within the club
Resources, webinars and an online training course have been developed to assist all Clubs to achieve these standards outlined above.
The Child Safe Program is underwritten by the Surf Life Saving Australia Child Safe Policy.
Child Safe Coordinator
The Child Safe Coordinator role is dedicated to improving the safety of children and young people in Surf Life Saving by sharing and actioning child safe information distributed by SLSNSW at a club/branch level.
Child Safe Policy and Commitment
Child Safe Awareness Course
The SLSNSW Board has determined that all members holding one or more of the following position are required to complete SLSA’s online Child Safe Awareness course to continue to carry out their SLS activities:
- Officers on club and branch executive committees
- Patrol Captains and Vice Patrol Captains
- Junior Activity Chairs and Age Managers
- Surf Sports Coaches and Officials
- Trainers, Assessors and Facilitators
- MPIOs and Complaints Managers
As part of our commitment to child safety, the SLSNSW Board, State Council and CEO have also completed this training.
The online module takes just 15-20 minutes to complete and provides a basic introduction to child safety in SLS, including the types and signs of abuse, creating a safe environment and when and how to report.
We appreciate that some of you may have completed similar training with other organisations in the past, however it is important that we ensure that all SLS members understand SLS’s child safe policies and procedures.
If you have not already completed the training, you can find it by logging into the eLearning section of the SLS Members Area. You will find the course in the SLS – Safety and Wellbeing section.
Child Safe Guidelines and Resources
The Club Child Safe Risk Management Document supports club executives and Child Safe Coordinators to review club practices in line with NSW Child Safe Standards. It assists clubs to identify child safe risk factors and implement strategies to mitigate these risks.
The Child Safe Activity Planning Guide provides a guide to planning activities involving children and young people under the age of 18yrs. It includes potential child safe risk areas, strategies to manage the risks and a template activity information letter to assist communications with participants, parents/guardians.
A range of ready-made and customisable Bathroom and Change Room signage templates are available for clubs to download and edit here. These have been created in the free graphic design tool, Canva and include a handy how-to use Canva guide and access to the image library. These templates are to assist clubs to implement the Child Safe Standards and inform members about expected child safe behaviours around bathrooms, toilets and change rooms. Please contact memberservices@surflifesaving.com.au if you would like assistance adapting these to your club needs.
Working With Children Check Requirements
Surf Life Saving Clubs (SLSC), as organisations that involve children, should have a strong interest in keeping children safe.
Child Safe Feedback
We encourage feedback from all members, families and communities on the SLSNSW approach to Child Safety.
Making a Child Safe Report
Please ensure that you have familiarised yourself with the Child Safe Policy & Resources. Make a report here.