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

December 30, 2020

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.

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24th September 2020 - Learn2Swim Week sees swim schools offer free lessons for children under five

25th August 2020 - Royal Life Saving introduces new conflict management course for the aquatic industry

19th August 2020 - Swimming Australia highlights role swimming can play in nation’s Coronavirus recovery

11th May 2020 - ARI release guidelines for managing Coronavirus risks in reopened aquatic centres

7th November 2019 - Sydney swim school teacher pleads ‘not guilty’ to sex charges

27th September 2019 - Southern Sydney swimming teacher facing 57 charges over historical sexual assaults on children

9th August 2019 - Sydney swim teacher facing 46 charges and potential life imprisonment

24th July 2019 - Prairiewood Leisure Centre presented with AH Pierce Memorial Facility of the Year award

1st July 2019 - ARI recognises aquatic facility excellence in NSW

25th June 2019 - Pioneering swim instructor training secures top spot in ARI Mentor Program

22nd March 2019 - Sydney swim school to introduce ‘additional safety measures’ after teacher accused of child sex abuse

21st March 2019 - Sydney swimming instructor charged with 28 extra child sex abuse offences

15th March 2019 - Sydney swim teacher charged over sexual abuse of young girls

27th February 2019 - ARI Mentor Program participants engaged in ‘game changing’ industry projects

16th November 2018 - Aquatic and Recreation Institute gives voice to young leaders

8th October 2018 - Second year of ARI Mentor Program builds on success of inaugural challenge

17th February 2018 - Investigation shows elevated bacteria levels in Sydney swimming pools

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