CHILD SAFE

SLST takes seriously its responsibility to deliver a safe, fair and inclusive environment for Children & Young People involved in Surf Life Saving.

WHAT IS THE CHILD SAFE PROGRAM?

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.

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 Policy

Child Safe Commitment Statement

Child Safe Guideline

Member Protection Policy

Inclusion and Diversity Statement

SLSA Child Safe Resources and Courses

Reporting

Volunteering with children in Surf Life Saving Clubs

The Registration to Work with Vulnerable People Act 2013 aims to protect children from harm by providing
the highest standard of compulsory background checking for anyone involved in child-related
work or volunteering in Tasmania. It does not matter whether the role is paid or unpaid, supervised or
unsupervised.

Working with Vulnerable People Registration applies to people within all sectors including club and association activity.
Sport and recreation plays a pivotal role in children’s development. It is important that safe environments
are provided for all children who participate in this sector.

Not only is it up to the individual to make sure they are registered to work with children but employers and
volunteer organisations have a number of responsibilities and obligations under the Act including
the responsibility to ensure that their staff and volunteers have a valid registration to work with children.

For more information on volunteering with children visit the CBOS website