Child protection and safeguarding policy
We at Overland Underwater Training, acknowledge the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and are committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, and government guidance and complies with best practice. The safety and welfare of all children, whatever their age, culture, ability or disability, gender, language, racial origin, sexual orientation, and religion, is paramount.
Overland Underwater Training takes all reasonable precautions to ensure this when children participate in scuba and skin-diving activities with us. Diving can contribute positively to the development of individuals, physically, personally, socially, and emotionally and the policy recognises that all children should be able to enjoy their diving activities in a safe environment and be protected from harm and as such all suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately.
Overland Underwater Training recognises that our professionals are in positions of considerable influence, especially when teaching and supervising children and therefore have a profound responsibility to demonstrate and set high moral and ethical standards, and to ensure that the diving activities are positive and enjoyable experiences for the children involved. Overland Underwater Training makes efforts to ensure that staff understand their roles and responsibilities regarding safeguarding.
Overland Underwater Training confirms that swift, appropriate action will be taken in the event of incidents or concerns of abuse through PADI’s robust quality management process, and that confidential and accurate records of safeguarding concerns are maintained and stored securely. Serious violations by members of staff and ethical standards can lead to dismissal from the organisation.
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Separate facilities: Where facilities are used by both adults and children at the same time there must be access to separate changing, showering and toilet areas where possible.
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Showering protocol: Adult staff/volunteers must not change or shower at the same time as children and young people using the same facilities, where possible or there should be two members of staff/volunteers.
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Mixed genders: Separate facilities are available for males and females.
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Supervision: When children use changing rooms, they should be supervised by two members of staff/ volunteers.
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Being sensitive: If a child feels uncomfortable changing or showering in public then no pressure should be placed on them to do so. Instead, they should be encouraged to do so at home.
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Children with disabilities: If children with disabilities use our club, make sure they and their carers are involved in deciding how they should be assisted. Make sure the child or young person is able to consent to the assistance that is offered.
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Mobiles phones/photography: The use of mobile phones and/or photographic equipment by club officials, members, parents and young people should be prohibited within areas where children and young people are changing/ showering.
Hired facilities may already have their own policy on the use of changing and showering areas to which the club may have to adhere as part of a facilities usage agreement.
Overland Underwater Training & Inspire Freediving wishes to acknowledge that it has incorporated guidance provided by the CPSU in developing this best-practice guidance.
Should you have any questions about your child's safety or the diving activity, please do not hesitate to ask a member of staff.