Geelong Aquatic Centre is committed to providing a safe, supportive and respectful environment where children can participate in swimming and aquatic activities with confidence.

We recognise that children have the right to feel safe, valued and protected from harm. The safety and wellbeing of children participating in our programs is our highest priority. All children who attend the centre deserve to be treated with dignity and respect and to be supported in an environment that promotes their physical, emotional and psychological wellbeing.

Geelong Aquatic Centre supports and upholds the Victorian Child Safe Standards and is committed to implementing practices that protect children and reduce the risk of harm. Our policies and procedures are designed to promote child safety, support staff in responding to concerns, and ensure that children and families feel confident raising issues when they arise.

We maintain a child-safe culture by:

• creating safe and inclusive environments where children feel respected and supported
• promoting the active supervision of children participating in programs
• ensuring staff understand their responsibilities in protecting children from harm
• responding promptly and appropriately to concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a child
• regularly reviewing our policies and practices to strengthen child safety across the organisation

Our staff are committed to maintaining safe, respectful relationships with children and to acting in the best interests of every child who participates in our programs.

Parents, guardians and spectators also play an important role in maintaining a safe environment for children. Geelong Aquatic Centre expects all visitors to follow our Parent and Spectator Code of Conduct, which supports a calm and respectful learning environment for all participants.

Geelong Aquatic Centre believes that keeping children safe is a shared responsibility. We encourage anyone who has concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a child to raise those concerns with us.

More information about the Victorian Child Safe Standards is available at:
https://ccyp.vic.gov.au/child-safe-standards/

Reporting a Child Safety Concern

Geelong Aquatic Centre encourages parents, guardians, staff and members of the community to speak up if they have concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a child.

We take all concerns seriously and are committed to responding appropriately and respectfully.

Raising a Concern with the Centre

If you have concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a child at Geelong Aquatic Centre, please notify a staff member or contact centre management as soon as possible.

Concerns can be raised in person, by phone or by email.

Centre Management
Phone: (03) 5222 5530
Email: manager@geelongaquaticcentre.com.au

When a concern is raised, the centre will review the information provided and follow appropriate procedures to ensure the matter is addressed.

All concerns are handled with sensitivity and confidentiality.

When Concerns May Be Reported to Authorities

In some situations, concerns about a child’s safety may need to be referred to external authorities in accordance with Victorian child protection laws and safeguarding obligations.

These authorities may include Child Protection or other relevant agencies responsible for the safety and wellbeing of children.

Reporting a Concern Directly

If you believe a child is at immediate risk of harm, you should contact emergency services.

You may also contact the following services directly:

Child Protection Victoria: https://services.dffh.vic.gov.au/reporting-child-abuse

Commission for Children and Young People: https://ccyp.vic.gov.au

These organisations provide guidance on child safety concerns and can assist with reporting suspected abuse or neglect.

Geelong Aquatic Centre is committed to ensuring that concerns about child safety are taken seriously and addressed promptly. We value the role that parents, families and the community play in helping us maintain a safe environment for children.

If you see something that concerns you, please speak up.