Child Safe & Working with Children
Surf Life Saving Branches and Clubs (SLSC), as organisations that involve children, have a strong interest in keeping children safe. As such Surf Life Saving New South Wales (SLSNSW) has developed a number of procedures and resources which complement the Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) Member Protection Policy.
Far North Coast Branch is committed to the protection, welfare and well-being of all members and is dedicated to providing a positive and safe environment in line with the SLSA Member Protection Policy , Child Safe Policy and our Child Safe Commitment Statement.
We take an inclusive approach, dedicated to being open to all members of the Australian community and providing a safe environment, ensuring all members are treated with respect and dignity and are protected from discrimination, harassment and abuse.
Our aim is to create a safe and nurturing environment for all members participating in surf lifesaving by following the Member Protection Code of Conduct.
Working with Children Check Requirements
Surf Life Saving Clubs (SLSC), as organisations that involve children, have a strong interest in keeping children safe.
Members in Child related roles are required to provide a Working with Children Check to the club to be verified with the Office of Children’s Guardian. Failure to do so will result in suspension from any child related roles. Some exclusions apply. To check if you are required to have a WWCC please refer to the SLSNSW Working with Children Check Members requirements follow the guidelines below:
All our Age Manager and members who assist with water safety are required to hold a current Working With Children Check. To apply for your Working With Children Check go to Service NSW website here.
Child Safe Commitment
Far North Coast Branch is committed to the safety and well being of every child and young person who takes part in our activities, programs, events or services and will work to create an environment in which children and young people are safe and feel safe at all times.
Far North Coast Branch recognises the importance of protecting young people under the age of 18 from abuse, harm and exploitation. It is everyone’s responsibility to treat children and young people respectfully and within the Child Protection Laws and the SLSA Child Safe Policy.
Resources, webinars and online training courses are available to all members, providing clear guidelines of appropriate behaviour when engaging with children and young people. All members are encouraged to complete the Child Safe Awareness online course found in the e-learning section of your members portal.
Further information can also be found in the Surf Life Saving Australia Child Commitment.
Child Safe Guideline
The Child Safe Guidelines have been developed to assist all Surf Life Saving clubs and members to meet their obligations, specifically relating to children and young people, under the Surf Life Saving Australia Child Safe Policy.
Download a copy of the Child Safe Guideline Handbook for Clubs here.
Child Safe Reporting
Keeping children and young people safe relies on the community and members reporting their concerns.
All members have a responsibility to speak up if they become aware of or observe something considered inappropriate.
- Visit https://complaints.sls.com.au/ and click on ‘Make a Child Safe Report’
- Follow the question prompts, noting you may wish to remain anonymous
- Click submit once finished. Your report will then be sent to Surf Life Saving Australia‘s Legal Counsel and SLSNSW for investigation.
All reports submitted will be treated in confidence and with the utmost respect for all those involved