Free Child Safeguarding Basic Awareness course launched by Swim England

A new free online resource aims to ensure everyone involved in aquatic clubs across the country has an awareness of child safeguarding.

Swim England has launched the Child Safeguarding Online Basic Awareness course in conjunction with the Institute of Swimming as part of its ongoing commitment to create a safe environment for youngsters.

It gives athletes, parents, coaches, teachers, volunteers, committee members and technical officials an opportunity to develop their knowledge of safeguarding – and how to respond to any concerns.

The resource also gives young volunteers who are under 18 the chance to develop their awareness of child safeguarding as they start out on their volunteering journey.

Jane Nickerson, Swim England chief executive, said: “Safeguarding children is everyone’s responsibility.

“We continue to work on delivering this key message which is an essential part of our approach to maintaining our Safeguarding Standards.

Aware of responsibilities

“Swim England is committed to ensuring that all children who participate in aquatic activity are able to take part in an enjoyable and safe environment – and be safeguarded from harm.”

The course covers:

• adopting, promoting and raising awareness of Wavepower™ (or an organisation’s equivalent Safeguarding Policy)
• ensuring an awareness of the definitions and the signs and symptoms of child abuse
• ensuring all members are aware of their responsibilities and the procedures to be followed in the event of a concern
• promoting a culture of listening to children.

The course does not replace the requirement for those who work with children to complete Safeguarding Training.

It forms part of the suite of educational offering alongside the Swim England Safeguarding CPD.