Our Club is committed to the safeguarding of children and young people in Surf Life Saving. One way we do this is by ensuring that our members behave in a way which creates a safe, positive and inclusive environment. Surf Life Saving’s Codes of Conduct represent the minimum standards of member behaviour and must be complied with at all times. There are two Codes of Conduct, both of which can be found in the SLSA Member Protection Policy.
The General Code of Conduct: includes expectations relating to respect; ethics; professionalism; complying with SLSA rules, policies and procedures; reporting breaches of the Safeguarding Program; and being a positive role model.
The Code of Conduct for People in Positions of Authority when Dealing with Children or Young People: includes expectations relating to positive guidance; overnight stays; language; adhering to role boundaries; transporting children; use of electronic communication; use of changing rooms; use of photography; physical contact; gift giving; wearing of uniforms; and use of alcohol or drugs.
Members are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the Codes of Conduct, and to ensure that their behaviour, as well as the behaviour of others within the Club, is appropriate. They are encouraged to say something if they see something that doesn’t feel right, or is not in line with the Codes of Conduct.
Surf Life Saving is committed to the Safeguarding of Children and Young People, under the age of 18, and acknowledges that a child-safe organisation doesn’t just happen; it requires conscious action to protect children from harm.
It is imperative that we provide a safe and supportive environment for children and young people, that focuses on fun, education and building the confidence of our people through positive learning and development.
Surf Life Saving’s core values include being open, welcome and inclusive and building stronger and safer communities for everyone. Surf Life Saving empowers and expects all Surf Life Saving employees, members, board members, affiliated clubs, consultants, contractors and licensees, to create and maintain a safe culture for children and young people.
Surf Life Saving is committed to reducing the risks of abuse and harm to children and young people, and will ensure all employees, members, board members, affiliated Clubs, consultants, contractors and licensees understand and adhere to SLSA’s Member Protection Policy.
Working with Children legislation identifies roles that require a Working with Children Check (WWCC) and exemptions. A link to the SLSNSW Working with Children Check Requirements will provide current information that is automatically updated each season.
It is against the legislation to ask members for a WWCC if they are not in a child related role, as defined by the legislation.
The flow chart on page 3 of the SLSNSW WWCC Requirements identifies which SLS roles will require a WWCC.
The environment in which Surf Life Saving operates has the potential for members to be involved in incidents of a traumatic nature.
Members are affected differently by incidents, and this is the reaction of the individual which makes the incident critical for that person, not necessarily the size or nature of the incident.
Surf Life Saving NSW is committed to lessening the impact of critical incident stress on members, staff and their families by providing best practice support following an incident.
The Member Welfare Guide is a support guide for Surf Life Saving NSW members involved in critical incidents.
Member Protection Information Officers (MPIO) play an important role in community and sporting organisations. They provide information and guidance on complaints procedures and are the first point of call in the club for any enquiries, concerns or complaints about harassment, abuse or other inappropriate behaviour. The MPIO raises the concern or the person who is the subject of the alleged behaviour. The MIPO will treat all informaiton as strictly confidential.
For more information about Member Protection, see the SLSNSW Member Protection and Complaints Resources or the SLS Complaints Online Reporting System.
South Wests Rocks Surf Life Saving Club
1 Livingstone Street South West Rocks NSW 2431
LUNCH • DINNER (opening hours may vary)
Courtesy Bus • Bookings Essential
Phone: 02 6566 6590
Email: clubhouse@swrslsc.com.au
ABN: 43 527 538 956
Acknowledgment of Country
We stand here on salt water Dunghutti land.
From the mountains to the sea we open our hearts, leave our footprints and pay our respects to the ancestors.
Breathe in, breathe out, Marrungbu.