At Reading Cygnets Swimming Club, the welfare of young people and adults is our highest priority. We are fully committed to creating a safe, inclusive and supportive environment where every member can train, compete and develop with confidence.
Our safeguarding framework aligns with the policies and procedures of Swim England, the national governing body for swimming in England.
Our Commitment
Reading Cygnets Swimming Club:
- Adopts and follows the safeguarding and welfare policies issued by Swim England
- Implements Wavepower (Swim England’s safeguarding policy for young people)
- Follows Swim England’s Safeguarding Adults at Risk Policy
- Promotes a culture where safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility
- Ensures all coaches, team managers and volunteers are appropriately DBS checked where required
- Requires safeguarding training for relevant club personnel
- Operates clear codes of conduct for swimmers, parents, coaches and volunteers
- Responds promptly and appropriately to all safeguarding concerns
We believe that every young person and adult has the right to:
- Be safe and protected from harm
- Be listened to and respected
- Participate in swimming free from abuse, bullying, harassment or discrimination
- Train and compete in a positive and supportive environment
Safeguarding Young People
Reading Cygnets operates in line with Swim England’s Wavepower Safeguarding Policy and Procedures, which sets out:
- Good practice guidance
- Recruitment and training requirements
- Codes of conduct
- Photography and online safety guidance
- Reporting and referral procedures
We recognise that safeguarding young people requires vigilance, transparency and clear processes that everyone understands.
Safeguarding Adults
We are equally committed to safeguarding adults, including adults at risk. The club follows Swim England’s safeguarding adults guidance, which ensures:
- Protection from abuse, neglect and exploitation
- Clear reporting pathways
- Respect for individual autonomy and consent
- Appropriate escalation to statutory agencies where required
Safeguarding adults includes recognising physical, emotional, financial, discriminatory and organisational abuse.
Reporting a Concern
If you have any concern about the welfare of a young person or adult — no matter how small — it is important that you report it.
Within the Club
You can contact our Club Welfare Officer (CWO):
Sue Howson
Club Welfare Officer
Email: sueandtomhowson@yahoo.co.uk
All concerns will be handled sensitively and confidentially in accordance with Swim England safeguarding procedures.
Reporting Directly to Swim England
If you feel unable to raise a concern within the club, or the concern relates to a club official, you may contact Swim England directly via their safeguarding reporting procedures.
Swim England provides guidance on:
- Reporting safeguarding concerns
- Whistleblowing procedures
- Escalation routes
- Referral to external agencies
Full safeguarding guidance and reporting pathways are available via Swim England.
Immediate Risk or Emergency
If a young person or adult is in immediate danger or at risk of significant harm:
- Contact the Police on 999
- Contact your local Children’s Social Care (for under 18s) or Adult Social Care team
Safeguarding concerns should always be taken seriously. It is better to report a concern that later proves unfounded than to ignore something that may place someone at risk.
Online Safety & Photography
Reading Cygnets recognises the importance of digital safeguarding. We:
- Follow Swim England guidance on photography and video use
- Monitor club social media platforms
- Ensure appropriate communication channels between coaches and swimmers
- Promote responsible use of messaging and online platforms
All media usage is managed in line with safeguarding and data protection requirements.
Anti-Bullying and Respect
Bullying, harassment or abuse of any kind has no place within Reading Cygnets Swimming Club.
We:
- Promote respect, teamwork and inclusion
- Encourage members to speak up
- Follow Swim England anti-bullying guidance<
- Take swift and proportionate action where behaviour falls below expected standards
Safeguarding Training & Governance
Our coaches and relevant volunteers:
- Hold appropriate safeguarding certifications
- Complete regular training updates
- Follow Swim England best practice guidance
Safeguarding arrangements are reviewed regularly by the club committee to ensure compliance and continuous improvement.
Our Shared Responsibility
Safeguarding is not the responsibility of one individual — it belongs to everyone involved in the club:
- Young people
- Adult swimmers
- Parents and carers
- Coaches
- Volunteers
- Officials
If something does not feel right, please speak up.
Further Information
For comprehensive safeguarding policies, guidance documents and reporting procedures, please visit the safeguarding section of Swim England.
Reading Cygnets Swimming Club is committed to ensuring that every young person and adult can participate in swimming in a safe, supportive and respectful environment.