Child Safeguarding Policy

Working with Children & Young People – Code of Conduct and Child Safeguarding Policy

 

Purpose

OceanSense Freediving is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for all children and young people participating in our programs. This policy outlines our Code of Conduct and Child Safeguarding practices in alignment with the Queensland Child Safe Standards.

 

Scope

This policy applies to all OceanSense Freediving instructors, contractors, and directors, as well as all activities involving children or young people.

 

Commitment to Child Safety

We are committed to:

• The safety and wellbeing of all children
• Preventing harm, abuse, and neglect
• Creating a respectful and supportive environment
• Maintaining transparency and accountability

 

Code of Conduct for Working with Children and Young People

Professional Behaviour

• Treat all children with respect and dignity
• Maintain professional boundaries at all times
• Avoid inappropriate physical or verbal interaction
• Never be alone with a child in an unsupervised environment

Physical Contact

• Only when required for safety or instruction
• Must be appropriate, minimal, and explained

Communication

• All communication must be professional and training-related
• No private communication outside program purposes

Social Media

• No private contact with minors
• No sharing of personal contact details

Supervision and Safety

• Appropriate supervision ratios are maintained at all times
• Instructors remain within visual and physical proximity
• Safety briefings are conducted before all sessions
• Emergency procedures are in place and trained

 

Risk Management

Risk managements includes:

• Pre-activity risk assessments
• Environmental monitoring
• Equipment checks
• Emergency action planning

Recruitment and Screening

• All instructors hold valid Working With Children Checks (Blue Cards)
• Staff are selected based on suitability and experience
• All personnel are briefed on safeguarding expectations

 

Reporting Concerns

All concerns must be reported immediately, including:

• Suspected abuse or neglect
• Unsafe behaviour
• Safety incidents
• Reports are escalated to the program director and authorities if required.

 

Child Safe Standards (Queensland)

OceanSense Freediving aligns with the 10 Child Safe Standards, including:

• Embedding child safety in governance and culture
• Empowering children
• Promoting equity and inclusion
• Ensuring safe recruitment and training
• Maintaining safe environments
• Continuous improvement

 

Review

This policy is reviewed regularly to ensure compliance with Queensland legislation and best practice.