Our commitment to Child Safety
Redlands Swim Club wants every child to feel safe. We also want every child to feel included and supported. Because of this, child safety is a shared job. Coaches, committee members, volunteers, parents and swimmers all play a part. Together, we work to protect children from harm.
Every child deserves respect and care. No child should face bullying, neglect or abuse. That’s why we take this responsibility seriously. So, we follow clear policies and procedures. We also follow national safeguarding standards.
Where we train, and whose child safe policy applies
Our weekly squad training takes place at Cleveland Aquatic Centre, which is operated by Belgravia Leisure, our proud sponsor. While our swimmers are training there, Belgravia’s child safety policies, code of conduct and incident procedures apply. Belgravia’s team members are responsible for responding to any child safety concern or behaviour incident in their venue, including concerns about how children and young people behave towards one another.
Club representatives will support Belgravia staff, follow their directions and keep families informed as appropriate. Redlands Swim Club’s child safety guidelines apply at external meets and club events held outside Cleveland Aquatic Centre.
You can read Belgravia’s commitment on the Belgravia Leisure ChildSafe page. If you have a concern about a child’s safety or behaviour at Cleveland, please raise it with Belgravia venue staff and let our Child Safety Officers know at safety@redlandsswimming.com.au.
Redlands Swim Club Child Safety Guidelines
Our Code of Conduct sets out how everyone should behave — swimmers, coaches, volunteers, officials, parents and committee members. It helps keep our club safe and welcoming for every child.
Our Code of Conduct and guidelines apply at external meets and club events. At Cleveland Aquatic Centre, Belgravia’s policies apply (see above), and we expect our members to meet the standards in our Code of Conduct there too.
It covers:
- Respect & positive behaviour — Firstly, this means treating swimmers, families, coaches and volunteers fairly. It also means showing kindness and good sportsmanship.
- Safe interactions & professional boundaries — This means talking with kids the right way. It also means safe physical contact and watching over them at all times.
- Accountability & reporting — This means making fair decisions. It also means acting to prevent bullying or discrimination. Finally, it means reporting concerns quickly.
Furthermore, our uniform and behaviour expectations also help keep kids safe. Clear dress standards set boundaries at training and events. Clear behaviour rules help everyone know what to expect at the pool.
New Member Forms
Before your child’s first session, all new Redlands Swim Club families must read and sign these forms:
- Diving & Pool Depth Acknowledgement
- Behaviour Expectations
- Code of Conduct Acknowledgement
- Media Consent Form
Once signed, please return the forms to our Child Safety Officers. Do this before your child’s first session. Remember: at Cleveland Aquatic Centre, swimmers and families must also follow Belgravia’s venue rules and the directions of Belgravia staff.
Reporting a concern to Redlands Swim Club
If you’re worried about a child’s safety or well-being at Redlands Swim Club, here’s who to contact:
| Type of concern | Who to contact |
| Any immediate danger | Emergency Services — call 000 |
| Concern about behaviour, conduct or welfare during training at Cleveland Aquatic Centre | Cleveland Aquatic Centre staff or manager, as well as our Child Safety Officers: safety@redlandsswimming.com.au |
| Concern about behaviour, conduct or welfare at external meets or club events | Redlands Swim Club Child Safety Officer — safety@redlandsswimming.com.au |
| Complaint under the National Integrity Framework | Sport Integrity Australia — sportintegrity.gov.au |
We take every report seriously. RSC keeps reports private and acts quickly on matters within our responsibility. At Cleveland, Belgravia manages incidents under its own procedures.
Member Protection Information Officer
Redlands Swim Club has a nominated Member Protection Information Officer (MPIO), as required by Swimming Australia’s National Integrity Framework. The MPIO is your first point of contact for questions, concerns or complaints about behaviour, harassment, or member welfare at the club. For concerns arising at Cleveland, the MPIO can help you understand how to raise them with Belgravia and can liaise with the venue on your behalf.
Please note the MPIO offers information and guidance only. They don’t investigate or decide the outcome of a complaint. Instead, they’ll help you understand your options and connect you with the right person to resolve it.
Our MPIO officer is Carly Firth, please see below for her contact details, under Child Safety Officers.
Regulatory frameworks
RSC follows Swimming Australia’s National Integrity Framework. We also meet Queensland’s Child Safe Standards, set by the Queensland Family and Child Commission (QFCC). And we support the work of Sport Integrity Australia. Together, these frameworks guide our policies and procedures. So, we encourage all coaches, volunteers, parents and swimmers to learn more about them too.
- Swimming Australia — National Integrity Framework
- Sport Integrity Australia
- Queensland Family and Child Commission — Child Safe Standards
- Belgravia Leisure: ChildSafe commitment and policies
Child Safety Officers
Shelley Farrell – Child Safety Officer
Carly Firth – Child Safety Officer and Member Protection Information Officer