Child Protection Policy
At Holywell Swimming Club, we are committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all children involved in our club. Every child has the right to train, compete, and develop their skills free from harm, abuse, or discrimination. We recognize our duty of care and take child protection seriously, ensuring that all children, including those with disabilities or additional vulnerabilities, receive the support and safeguarding they deserve.
This policy outlines our commitment to protecting young swimmers, promoting best practices, and providing guidance for staff, volunteers, parents, and swimmers on how to recognize, report, and respond to child protection concerns. By working together, we can ensure that Holywell Swimming Club remains a safe and welcoming place for all.
Policy Statement
Holywell Swimming Club is committed to safeguarding the welfare of all children involved in our club. Every child has the right to train, compete, and grow in a safe, supportive, and respectful environment. We recognize that some children, including those with disabilities or other vulnerabilities, may require additional protection.
To ensure the safety of all young swimmers, Holywell Swimming Club strictly follows the WASA Child Protection in Swimming Procedures and Guidelines. Child welfare is a shared responsibility, and we encourage all members—administrators, officials, coaches, parents, and swimmers themselves—to contribute to maintaining a secure and positive atmosphere.
In accordance with the Children Act 1989, a child is defined as anyone under the age of 18.
To ensure the safety of all young swimmers, Holywell Swimming Club strictly follows the WASA Child Protection in Swimming Procedures and Guidelines. Child welfare is a shared responsibility, and we encourage all members—administrators, officials, coaches, parents, and swimmers themselves—to contribute to maintaining a secure and positive atmosphere.
In accordance with the Children Act 1989, a child is defined as anyone under the age of 18.
Policy Aims
The Holywell Swimming Club Child Protection Policy aims to:
Provide a safe and protective environment for all children and young people under our care.
Equip staff and volunteers with the knowledge and confidence to respond appropriately to child protection concerns.
Provide a safe and protective environment for all children and young people under our care.
Equip staff and volunteers with the knowledge and confidence to respond appropriately to child protection concerns.
Key Principles
The welfare of the child is always the top priority.
All children—regardless of age, disability, gender, racial background, religious belief, or sexual identity—have the right to be protected from harm and abuse.
Children must be treated with integrity, respect, and fairness at all times.
All children—regardless of age, disability, gender, racial background, religious belief, or sexual identity—have the right to be protected from harm and abuse.
Children must be treated with integrity, respect, and fairness at all times.
Club Responsibilities
Holywell Swimming Club is dedicated to ensuring:
A culture of respect where young swimmers feel safe and heard.
Confidential support for any member who reports abuse or safeguarding concerns.
A secure and welcoming environment for all club members.
To achieve this, the club will:
Raise awareness of issues that may put children at risk.
Implement safe recruitment procedures for all volunteers and staff.
Establish clear codes of conduct for coaches, volunteers, swimmers, and parents.
Ensure easy access to safeguarding information.
Conduct regular reviews of child protection procedures.
Guarantee equal treatment and protection for all children.
A culture of respect where young swimmers feel safe and heard.
Confidential support for any member who reports abuse or safeguarding concerns.
A secure and welcoming environment for all club members.
To achieve this, the club will:
Raise awareness of issues that may put children at risk.
Implement safe recruitment procedures for all volunteers and staff.
Establish clear codes of conduct for coaches, volunteers, swimmers, and parents.
Ensure easy access to safeguarding information.
Conduct regular reviews of child protection procedures.
Guarantee equal treatment and protection for all children.
Who Does This Policy Apply To?
This policy applies to everyone involved in Holywell Swimming Club, including:
Coaches and teaching staff
Administrators and club officials
Volunteers and helpers
Parents and guardians
All young swimmers
A full version of this policy, including guidelines on reporting incidents, away trips, and photography, is available upon request from the designated welfare officer or any club official.
Coaches and teaching staff
Administrators and club officials
Volunteers and helpers
Parents and guardians
All young swimmers
A full version of this policy, including guidelines on reporting incidents, away trips, and photography, is available upon request from the designated welfare officer or any club official.
Welfare Officers & Contact Information
For any concerns regarding child protection or safeguarding, please contact:
Club Welfare Officer:
📧 Email: welfare@holywellswimmingclub.co.uk
Swim Wales Safeguarding Team:
📧 Email: welfare@swimming.org
📞 Phone: 01792 513636 or 07834 946470
Club Welfare Officer:
📧 Email: welfare@holywellswimmingclub.co.uk
Swim Wales Safeguarding Team:
📧 Email: welfare@swimming.org
📞 Phone: 01792 513636 or 07834 946470
Helplines & Emergency Contacts
If you need to report concerns about abuse, you can also contact:
Flintshire Children’s Services: 01352 701000
NSPCC: 0800 800 5000
Childline: 0800 1111
🚨 If you believe a child is in immediate danger, call 999.
Flintshire Children’s Services: 01352 701000
NSPCC: 0800 800 5000
Childline: 0800 1111
🚨 If you believe a child is in immediate danger, call 999.
Our Commitment to Child Welfare
Holywell Swimming Club takes child protection very seriously. We adhere to the Swim Wales Scheme Y Plant and the latest Swim Wales Safeguarding Procedures (2018).
If you, as a swimmer, have any concerns about something you see or hear, do not hesitate to talk to a parent/guardian, coach, or club officer. Likewise, parents are encouraged to discuss any safeguarding concerns with committee members or coaching staff.
Click here to view the latest Swim Wales Safeguarding Procedures
If you, as a swimmer, have any concerns about something you see or hear, do not hesitate to talk to a parent/guardian, coach, or club officer. Likewise, parents are encouraged to discuss any safeguarding concerns with committee members or coaching staff.
Click here to view the latest Swim Wales Safeguarding Procedures