ARI NSW issues statement on child safety in aquatics and learn to swim

NSW industry body the Aquatic and Recreation Institute (ARI) has issued a statement on child safety in aquatics and learn to swim environments following the jury having been discharged after failing to reach a verdict for the majority of his child sexual abuse charges in the trial of Sydney swimming teaching Kyle Daniels.

With a retrial likely to be held next year, ARI did make any comment on the criminal trial, advising that “it would be inappropriate at this stage”.

However, it did issue a statement in which it advised “ARI strongly reinforces the importance of Learn to Swim operators implementing child safety practices. ARI advocates for the safety and wellbeing of children and young people that participate in aquatic and recreational activities in NSW. ARI is committed to ensuring that the aquatic and recreation sectors demonstrate best practice in child safety.”

ARI NSW Chairperson, Colin Kane added “it is critical that all Learn to Swim operators in NSW are implementing Child Safe Best Practices. ARI strongly recommends that Aquatic facilities and Learn to Swim operators implement the 10 Child Safe Standards.

“Child Protection is everyone’s business, so it is important that everyone involved in the Aquatic and Recreation sectors plays their part in protecting children, and creating a child safe environment.”

Child Safe Standards
ARI highlighted the following evidence-based approach to becoming a Child Safe Organisation, advising of the need to implement 10 Child Safe Standards:

Standard 1: Child safety is embedded in institutional leadership, governance and culture
Standard 2: Children participate in decisions affecting them and are taken seriously
Standard 3: Families and communities are informed and involved
Standard 4: Equity is upheld and diverse needs are taken into account
Standard 5: People working with children are suitable and supported
Standard 6: Processes to respond to complaints of child sexual abuse are child-focused
Standard 7: Staff are equipped with the knowledge, skills and awareness to keep children safe through continual education and training
Standard 8: Physical and online environments minimise the opportunity for abuse to occur
Standard 9: Implementation of the Child Safe Standards is continuously reviewed and improved
Standard 10: Policies and procedures document how the institution is child safe.

For more information on the Child Safe Standards, click here to view the NSW Office of Children’s Guardian’s website.

For further information on this media release, please contact Louise Magee at the Aquatic and Recreation Institute NSW by email at louise@arinsw.com.au.