CHILD SAFE PRACTICES

As part of implementing standards in safeguarding children and young people, swim schools will need to consider child safe practices in the delivery of swimming and water safety programs.

Teaching swimming and water safety may require holding and supporting students to demonstrate and manipulate a skill correctly for a student to learn. To do this professionally whilst providing duty of care to a minor in an educational situation it is essential to understand the appropriate teaching methods.

At no point should a swim teacher be touching a student in the region below the waist and above the upper thigh area.

Adjustment to the teaching method or use of equipment may be required when assisting a student who has a disability. Prior to the lesson student requirements need to be discussed with the parent/carer and any aquatic management and noted for reference purposes.

Any adjustments to children’s swimming attire should be managed by themselves or their parent/carer.

Swim teachers should not accompany students to the bathroom at any stage. If a student needs to visit the bathroom they need to be given to their parent/carer or the supervising school teacher to take them to the bathroom.

Swim teachers should be mindful of the language they use and not make inappropriate comments around or to minors. For example, making comments on body parts or appearance.

All swim teachers and staff who are in contact with minors must have a Working with Children Check or the equivalent within their State or Territory.

It is recommended that Swim Schools contact a State or Territory organisation or industry body that have expertise in implementing the child safe standards and practises.