Safeguarding at RSC

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At Reading Swimming Club, the safety and wellbeing of every swimmer is our highest priority. We are fully committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable environment for children, young people, and adults to thrive in sport.  

RSC adheres to Wavepower, the Swim England safeguarding policy and procedures document. This guidance is designed to ensure that everyone involved in swimming and aquatic sports can do so in a safe, positive, and supportive environment, in line with current legislation and best practice.

🔗 View Wavepower Guidance (Swim England)

 Our designated Welfare Officers, Laura Potter and Kirsty Johnson-Cox, are responsible for all safeguarding matters within the club.

They act as the first point of contact for children, parents, and adults who have any concerns related to child welfare or safeguarding. Both Laura and Kirsty are fully trained and experienced in dealing with safeguarding issues and are here to offer confidential support and guidance. 

📩 Contact:  welfareofficer@readingswimclub.org (This email is monitored only by our Welfare Officers.)  

If you believe a child is in immediate danger or at risk of harm, contact the appropriate agency immediately:

• Police
• Children’s Services
• MASH (Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub)
• Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)
• NSPCC Child Protection Helpline – 0808 800 5000 (24/7)

Please make a note of the person you spoke to, their contact details, and any reference number provided. Then report the incident to our Welfare Officer and Swim England's Safeguarding Team the next working day.

📧safeguarding@swimming.org 

📞 01509 640700 (Option 1, then Option 3)  

🔗 Report a Concern – Online Referral Form

Help can also be obtained from, amongst others:

NSPCC Childline - 0800 1111 www.childline.org.uk (Childline offers free, confidential advice and support whatever your worry, whenever you need help)  

NSPCC Child Protection Helpline - 0808 800 5000 (24 hours)  

NSPCC Child Protection in Sport Unit - 0116 366 5626, email: cpsu@nspcc.org.uk 

MIND - Mind.org.uk - 0300 123 3393  

Young Minds - Youngminds.org.uk 0808 802 5544  

Selfharm UK - selfharm.co.uk  

Harmless - harmless.org.uk  

Kooth - Online Mental Wellbeing Kooth.com  

Samaritans - 116-123, samaritans.org.uk