At NEDSAC, we are committed to providing a safe, welcoming and enjoyable environment for everyone who takes part in our activities. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, and we ask all members, parents and carers to work together to help keep children safe during training sessions and dive trips.
Our approach is based on the five key principles of safeguarding:
Prevention – Taking sensible steps to reduce risks before they arise through good planning, awareness and supervision.
Paramountcy – The welfare and safety of every child is our highest priority.
Protection – Acting appropriately if a child is at risk or requires support.
Partnership – Working together with parents, carers, members and, where necessary, external agencies to ensure children are safe.
Parental Responsibility – Parents and legal guardians remain responsible for the care, supervision and welfare of their children while attending NEDSAC activities.
The following guidance applies to all NEDSAC training sessions and dive trips.
1. Children attending without a diving parent
If a child is attending a NEDSAC activity and their parent or guardian is not taking part in diving, a responsible adult must remain present throughout the activity and is responsible for the child’s welfare.
2. Parents and children diving together
Where both a parent and their child are participating in diving activities, the parent must:
Nominate an emergency (ICE) contact.
Provide the Diving Officer (DO) with the emergency contact details in a sealed envelope before the training session or dive trip. The envelope will only be opened if required in an emergency.
Have suitable arrangements in place for the care of their child should they become incapacitated as a result of a diving or non-diving incident.
3. Children accompanying diving parents
Children who are accompanying a parent to a training session or dive trip, but are not taking part in diving, must be supervised by a responsible non-diving adult at all times.
NEDSAC members and volunteers are not able to provide childcare or entertainment for children accompanying their parents.
An emergency (ICE) contact must also be provided before the event.
For all children under the age of 18 attending NEDSAC activities:
A responsible adult must be present throughout training sessions and dive trips.
Parents and carers remain responsible for the supervision and welfare of their children throughout NEDSAC activities.
NEDSAC is responsible for providing a safe club environment and responding appropriately to any safeguarding concerns, but does not provide childcare.
If you have any questions about these arrangements or need to provide emergency contact information before a dive trip, please speak to the Diving Officer (DO) or the Club Safeguarding Officer.
