Blue Therapy Active is fully committed to safeguarding the wellbeing of its members. This policy informs you of our intentions to promote a safe environment.

 

Blue Therapy Active seek to:

Create a safe and welcoming environment, both on and off the water, where children can have fun and develop their skills and confidence. Run organised training, activities and events to the highest possible safety standards. 

Treat all children with respect and celebrate their achievements. Blue Therapy Active is committed to ensuring that all those taking part in paddle sports are able to do so protected and kept safe from harm. This is particularly true in respect of children and vulnerable adults. We all have a duty with respect to safeguarding and protecting children and adults to ensure they can participate and enjoy our sport with the highest possible standards of care.

 

 

Policy 

All members should show respect and understanding for the rights, safety and welfare of others, and conduct themselves in a way that reflects the principles of the Club.

 

Blue Therapy Active has a duty of care to safeguard all children and adults at risk involved in the club, from harm. All children have a right to protection, and the needs of disabled children and others who may be particularly vulnerable must be considered. Blue Therapy Active will ensure the safety and protection of all children involved in the club. 


Providing children, young people and adults at risk with appropriate safety and protection whilst in the care of Blue Therapy Active. Allow all members, visitors and volunteers to make informed and confident responses to specific issues.

A child is defined as a person under the age of 18 (The Children Act 1989). An adult at risk is someone aged 18 or over, who is, or may be, in need of community services due to age, illness or a mental or physical disability, or unable to take care of himself/herself, or unable to protect himself/herself against significant harm or exploitation (Definition from the Department of Health 2002)

 

 

As defined by the Children Act 1989, for the purposes of this policy anyone under the age of 18 should be considered as a child. The policy applies to all Blue Therapy Active coaches, Leaders and volunteers. 

Blue Therapy Active is committed to safeguarding from physical, sexual or emotional harm, neglect or bullying, children taking part in its activities. We recognise that the safety, welfare and needs of the child are paramount and that all children, irrespective of age, disability, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual or gender identity or social status, have a right to protection from discrimination and abuse. 

Blue Therapy Active takes all reasonable steps to ensure that, through appropriate procedures and training, children participating in activities organised by Blue Therapy Active do so in a safe and enjoyable environment. 

 

Blue Therapy Active club coaches and helpers should follow the British Canoeing Code of Ethics. All club coaches, helpers and officials working with young people should read and adhere to the British Canoeing Safeguarding Children Policy and Safeguarding Adult Policy. The club will follow the guidance of the policy in the event of any concerns or allegations. 

The club will ensure that anyone who meets the eligible criteria for a Disclosure check will not be deployed alone until a satisfactory check has been returned. All club members are made aware of the club Codes of Conduct. 

 

The club will obtain written medical details of young paddlers which will be made known to coaches, where deemed appropriate and/or necessary. Any paddler who coaches for the club should be a member of British Canoeing. The club will encourage and support helpers to gain qualifications and assist coaches to stay updated. 

 

 

The Club will identify a person whose role it is to deal with any issues concerning Safeguarding (Club Welfare Officer) and notify this person to all members. Anyone with concerns with respect to the welfare of a club member or participant should contact that person. If that person is not available, they can contact the British Canoeing Safeguarding Officer. 

 

Reporting Procedures 

If you are uncertain what to do at any stage, contact the relevant home nation safeguarding officer or the NSPCC free 24-hour helpline 0808 800 5000. British Canoeing, England 0115 8968842 email: safeguarding@britishcanoeing.org.uk. If a child is at immediate risk, the Police. 

 

 

 

The club will review this Policy annually. 

 

 

Print Name:   Sarah-Jane Coombes    

Signed: Sarah-Jane Coombes      Date: 19/1/2024       Position: Welfare Officer

 

 

 

Reviewed 18/1/2025 by Sarah-Jane Coombes