8.3.1. Child Safety

While the safety and wellbeing of all members must be respected and protected specific emphasis must be placed on the inclusion and protection of Children and Young People (CYP).

All people within SLSQ’s jurisdiction, regardless of role or level of responsibility, must act to keep CYP safe from harm. They do this by adopting the practices and behaviour set through SLSA and SLSQ as standard, when carrying out their roles. Reporting any concerning behaviours or reasonable belief of abuse or neglect of which they become aware, to a Person in Position of Authority and/or to external authorities responsible for child protection or to Police, regardless of whether that abuse is being perpetrated by volunteers, members, or employees within Surf Life Saving; or by those outside, including those from the CYP’s family, extended family, their family’s extended network or strangers.

Child Safety focuses on limiting exposure to hazards and reducing harm. At Surf Life Saving Queensland it is everyone’s responsibility to look out for the younger members. This includes but not limited to Working with Children (Blue Card). The blue card system is there to help create a safe environment by screening individuals in organisations who work with children. It is highly recommended that all members who volunteer with or alongside youth, to apply for a blue card.

Further information on these can be found on the SLSQ Lifesaving Website – Members Area and on the Queensland Government page.

Actions to be completed by members include the Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA), Child Safe Awareness Training and Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ), Child Youth Risk Management Strategies (CYRMS). These can be found on members portal, please refer to the diagram below on page 5.

Club Responsibility

Child Safety is the responsibility of the Club as a whole. It is important that Clubs are regularly monitoring the Blue Card and Child Safety Induction status of members.

All clubs are encouraged to add a Standing Agenda items to their Management Committee / Board Agenda so any gaps/issues can be monitored and addressed.

Clubs are required to sign an annual Statement of Commitment relative to Child Youth Risk Management (refer to End of Season Requirement Circular) or contact your branch/region coordinator.