SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN
KEY FEATURES
Parents and Guardians are responsible for their children’s welfare and conduct at MBSC
All club members must treat our young people with RESPECT…….as you would expect them to treat you.
On the Water all sailors should...
-
Race fairly according to RYA rules
-
No foul/abusive language
-
No intimidation
-
No aggressive behaviour
-
Always respect the child and their boat
On Land all sailors should avoid…
-
Being the only adult in the changing room when a child is changing
-
Giving a child a car lift without parent consent
-
Contacting a child by phone, e-mail, social media. Always communicate through their parent.
In a sea rescue
-
Explain to the child before you pull them from the water or give first aid
-
Fill in a written record of the incident ASAP in the MBSC incident book.
Photography
-
ALWAYS seek written parental consent.
The finer details ...
All children, irrespective of sex, age, disability, race, religion or belief, sexual identity or social status, have a right to be treated with respect and protected from physical, sexual or emotional harm or neglect.
Anyone who has a negative experience of sport at a young age is less likely to become a regular long-term participant. It’s important for the future of your club and the sport as a whole that children and young people have an enjoyable experience, both on and off the water. All club members have a part to play in making that happen.
In boating terms, you might think of safeguarding as doing a risk assessment, following good operating procedures, checking boats, equipment, weather and tides, making sure everyone wears a lifejacket or buoyancy aid, while child protection would be carrying out a rescue or calling the coastguard or RNLI.
Isn’t it the responsibility of parents and the people who run the club’s junior programme?
Of course parents are responsible for their children’s welfare and conduct. Those with specific roles that involve teaching, coaching or supervising children should be suitable people who have received appropriate training. But all adults should contribute to the club’s overall duty of care, be aware of their club’s safeguarding policy, and know what to do if they are concerned about a young person.
What should I do if I am concerned about a child or young person?
A concern may involve the behaviour of an adult towards a child at the club. Children may confide in adults they trust, in a place where they feel comfortable. An allegation may range from verbal bullying, to inappropriate contact online, to neglect or emotional abuse to physical or sexual abuse.
The Safeguarder will listen to and make a record of anything the child tells you or that has been observed. Don’t ask questions, but make it clear that you will need to tell someone else in order to help them. Pass the information to your club’s welfare/safeguarding/child protection officer who will follow your club’s procedures.
The Safeguarder’s details are available on the club notice board.
If you’re not sure who it is, or they are not available, you can call one of the RYA official numbers on this notice for advice. If you believe that the child is at immediate risk of harm, call the police.
