8.3.2.1. What is the CYRMS?

SLSQ recognises that the identification and management of risks of harm to children and young people is essential to the creation of a safe and supportive Surf Life Saving environment.

SLSQ provides guidance and support to Clubs in developing and implementing child and youth risk management strategies through the provision of information, resources and administration conferences. However, like other liability management provisions, responsibility for developing, monitoring and reviewing child and youth risk management strategies rests with individual Clubs/ Branches who are considered to be best placed to evaluate the services they provide and the service environments in which they are provided.

The strategy will help ensure organisation are providing a safe and supportive service environment for children and young people, by identifying and minimising risks. Screening employees and volunteers through the blue card system is part of the strategy.

To assist you to comply with the State Government’s Working with Children (Risk Management and Screening) Act 2000; SLSQ has provided the following information and resources to assist:
Statement of commitment;

• a code of conduct for interacting with children and young people;
• procedures for recruiting, selecting, training and managing paid employees and volunteers;
• policies and procedures for handling disclosures or suspicions of harm, including reporting guidelines;
• a plan for managing breaches of the child and youth risk management strategy;
• policies and procedures for implementing and reviewing the child and youth risk management strategy and maintaining an employee register for blue cards;
• risk management plans for high-risk activities and special events; and
• strategies for communication and support.