Child Safe Standards – Summary
Kawana Waters Swimming Club is committed to providing a safe, inclusive and supportive environment for all children and young people. We comply with the Queensland Child Safe Organisations Act 2024 and are in the process of adopting the Child Safe Standards, which are based on the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations.
The Child Safe Standards require organisations like ours to take active steps to prevent harm to children and to respond appropriately if concerns arise.
The 10 Child Safe Standards
- Child safety and wellbeing are embedded in leadership, governance and culture
Child safety is a priority at all levels of our club, supported by strong leadership and clear accountability. - Children are informed about their rights, participate in decisions affecting them, and are taken seriously
We listen to children, respect their views, and support them to speak up if something does not feel right. - Families and communities are informed and involved in promoting child safety and wellbeing
We work openly with parents, carers and the broader community to keep children safe. - Equity is upheld and diverse needs are respected
We promote inclusion and ensure all children feel safe, respected and supported, including children with disability and from diverse backgrounds. - People working with children are suitable and supported
All coaches, officials, volunteers and staff are appropriately screened, trained and supported to meet child‑safe expectations. - Processes to respond to complaints and concerns are child‑focused
Clear, accessible processes are in place for reporting concerns, and all complaints are handled seriously and fairly. - Staff and volunteers are equipped with knowledge, skills and awareness
Ongoing education and training helps everyone understand their responsibilities for child safety. - Physical and online environments minimise the risk of harm
We actively manage risks in our facilities, activities and online spaces. - Policies and procedures document how child safety is embedded
Our child‑safe approach is clearly documented, regularly reviewed and made available to our community. - Implementation of the Child Safe Standards is regularly reviewed and improved
We continuously monitor and improve our child‑safe practices.
Sport Integrity Australia has created a fantastic resource regarding Safeguarding Young People in Sport – “Children and Young People Safe Practices Do’s & Don’ts”. https://swimmingausprd.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/ChildrenYoungPeopleDosAndDonts.pdf
An Inclusive Club
The Kawana Waters Swimming Club aims to create and give all members of the community every opportunity to achieve their swimming potential, irrespective of ethnicity, age, disability, gender or background.
The club aims to be an inclusive swimming club and actively seeks to remove the barriers to learning and participation that can hinder or exclude individuals from participating in the sport of swimming.
We aim to raise awareness by providing a culture where inclusion is embraced by all members of the club, and programs and pathways are provided for all swimmers, irrespective of who they are.
More information from Swimming Queensland on Inclusion can be found HERE with specific information regarding Multi-Class swimming can be found HERE.