Safeguarding Policy

Swim Superb Safeguarding Policy

1. Policy Statement

Swim Superb is committed to creating and maintaining a safe and positive environment for all individuals involved in swimming, especially children, young people, and vulnerable adults. We believe everyone has a right to enjoy our activities safely and free from harm, abuse, or exploitation.

The welfare of the child is paramount. All Swim Superb staff, volunteers, and contractors have a duty to safeguard the welfare of children and vulnerable adults by creating an environment that protects them from harm.

2. Purpose of This Policy

To protect children and vulnerable adults who receive Swim Superb’s services.
To ensure all staff, coaches, volunteers, parents, and participants understand their responsibilities in safeguarding.
To set clear procedures and standards for safeguarding and appropriate use of electronic devices at poolside.

3. Scope

This policy applies to all staff, contractors, volunteers, parents, and visitors involved in any Swim Superb activity, both in and out of the water.

4. Key Safeguarding Principles

The welfare of the child is paramount.
All children, regardless of age, disability, gender, racial heritage, religious belief, sexual orientation, or identity, have the right to protection from all forms of harm or abuse.
All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately.
We work in partnership with children, parents/carers, and external agencies to promote and safeguard the welfare of children.

5. Responsibilities

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Swim Superb’s DSL is responsible for:

Implementing and reviewing the safeguarding policy.
Acting as a point of contact for concerns or referrals.
Liaising with local authorities and safeguarding boards when necessary.

All Staff and Volunteers

Must complete safeguarding training as required.
Must report any concerns about a child or vulnerable adult to the DSL immediately.
Must follow the code of conduct, including appropriate behaviour, language, and dress.

6. Safe Recruitment

Swim Superb follows safe recruitment practices to ensure all individuals working with children are suitable to do so. This includes:

Enhanced DBS checks
Reference checks
Interviews and probationary periods
Safeguarding training before engaging in unsupervised activities with children

7. Code of Conduct

All Swim Superb staff and volunteers must:

Treat all children and vulnerable adults with respect.
Ensure that interactions are appropriate, professional, and not open to misinterpretation.
Refrain from physical contact unless absolutely necessary for instruction or safety, and always in line with Swim England guidance.
Never use their position to intimidate, bully, or exploit a child.

8. Use of Electronic Devices on Poolside

To safeguard the wellbeing and privacy of all participants:

8.1 Staff and Coaches

May use electronic devices (e.g., tablets or phones) only for professional use, such as taking registers or accessing session plans.
Must never use devices to take photographs or videos of swimmers unless express permission has been obtained from the DSL and parents/carers.
Devices must be secured and password protected.
Personal use of phones on poolside is strictly prohibited during session times.

8.2 Parents and Spectators

Use of phones, tablets, or other electronic devices to take photos or record video on poolside or from viewing areas is strictly prohibited unless specific permission is granted.
Venues will each have their own policies, please see venue information.
Signage will be displayed reminding all visitors of this rule.

8.3 Swimmers (including children and young people)

Should not bring personal devices poolside unless explicitly allowed by Swim Superb management.
Must not use devices to take photos or record others.
Any misuse will be reported to parents and may lead to disciplinary action or removal from sessions.

9. Dealing with Concerns or Allegations

Any concerns regarding the welfare of a child must be reported immediately to the DSL. If a child is in immediate danger, emergency services should be contacted (999), followed by notifying the DSL.

Concerns may relate to:

Behaviour of staff or volunteers
Abuse within or outside the swim environment
Disclosures from children or parents
Inappropriate use of electronic devices

10. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or in response to significant changes in legislation or incident.

Date of last review: 02/06/2025
Date of next review: 01/06/2026

Designated Safeguarding Lead Contact Details:
Name: Jessica Glover
Email: hello@swimsuperb.co.uk