1. Service Provider 🏢

Swim 21 Training Limited

2. Introduction 👋

Swim 21 Training provides swimming lessons, aquatic programmes, and accredited training courses involving children and young people.

These include baby & toddler classes, children’s swimming lessons, additional needs lessons, Rookie Lifeguard, and school swimming programmes.

We are committed to safeguarding every child in our care and to creating a safe environment in which they can learn, grow, and enjoy aquatic activities.

3. Purpose 🎯

The purpose of this statement is to outline our commitment to child safeguarding and the specific actions and procedures we have in place to protect children from harm while participating in Swim 21 Training services.

4. Scope📌

This statement applies to:

• All Swim 21 Training programmes that involve children and young people

• All staff, instructors, volunteers, and contractors working on behalf of Swim 21 Training

• All venues where Swim 21 Training services are delivered

5. Our Safeguarding Principles 👶🌊

We believe that:

·     The welfare of the child is paramount 👑

·     All children, regardless of age, ability, gender, or background, have equal rights to protection ⚖️

·     Children have the right to express their views and be listened to 🗣️👂

·     Best practice in child safeguarding will be promoted and maintained at all times ✅

Swim 21 Training complies with:

·     Children First Act 2015

·     Children First: National Guidance

·     Sport Ireland’s Safeguarding Framework

·     Swim Ireland Safeguarding Policies 📘

6. Risk Assessment ⚠️

We have completed a risk assessment of potential harm to children while using our services. Risks include:

·     Inappropriate behaviour by staff or participants.

·     Unsupervised access or contact.

·     Breach of safeguarding reporting protocol.

·     Misuse of images or personal data.

·     Failure to follow pool safety and supervision ratios.

To manage these risks, we have implemented:

✅ Garda vetting and reference checks for all staff working with children.

✅ Mandatory Safeguarding Level 1 training for instructors and assistants.

✅ A Designated Liaison Person (DLP) and Club Children’s Officer (CCO).

✅ No unauthorised photography permitted.

✅ Enforcement of our Code of Conduct and supervision procedures.

✅ Clear drop-off/collection procedures.

✅ Parental consent for participation, image use, and data processing.

📄 A full copy of our risk assessment is available on request.

7. Procedures 📝

We follow safeguarding procedures in line with Children First National Guidance, including:

·     Procedure for managing child protection or welfare concerns 🛡️

·     Procedures for safe recruitment of staff and instructors 👥

·     Procedures for Garda vetting 🧾

·     Procedures for supervision and maintaining safety ratios 👀

·     Procedures for managing allegations of abuse against staff ⚖️

📘 These are outlined in our full Child Safeguarding Procedures Manual, available upon request.

8. Designated Liaison Person (DLP) & Club Children’s Officer (CCO) 📞

Name: Evan Mahon

📧 Email: info@swim21training.com

📞 Phone: 085 135 8564

Evan Mahon is also the Mandated Person under the Children First Act.

9. Policy Review 🔄

This Child Protection Statement will be reviewed annually, or sooner if there is a material change to our services, legislation, or safeguarding best practice.

10. Summary 🔚

This statement outlines Swim 21 Training’s commitment to safeguarding children across all programmes and venues. It highlights key principles, legal compliance, risk management, and clear reporting procedures to ensure every child feels safe, respected, and supported. 🛟

1. Introduction 👋

At Swim 21 Training, safeguarding is at the core of everything we do. We are committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and positive environment where children and vulnerable adults feel protected, supported, and empowered to learn and thrive.

This policy outlines our safeguarding commitments and procedures in line with the Children First Act 2015, Children First National Guidance, Sport Ireland’s Safeguarding Framework, and Swim Ireland policies.

2. Purpose 🎯

The purpose of this policy is to:

·     Set out the steps Swim 21 Training takes to safeguard children and vulnerable adults.

·     Establish clear responsibilities for staff, volunteers, and contractors in protecting participants.

·     Outline procedures for reporting concerns, disclosures, or allegations.

·     Reinforce our commitment to child-centred practices, dignity, and safety in every session.

3. Scope📌

This policy applies to:

·     All Swim 21 Training staff, contractors, tutors, volunteers, and third-party providers.

·     All programmes and services delivered by Swim 21, including aquatic lessons, leisure industry training, off-site events, and online or hybrid delivery formats.

·     All children (under 18) and vulnerable adults participating in our services, whether directly or through schools, clubs, or partner organisations.

4. Policy Statement ✅

Swim 21 Training Limited is committed to the safety, welfare, and dignity of all children (under 18) and vulnerable adults (e.g., individuals with disabilities or special needs) participating in our aquatic and training programmes. We recognise our obligation to safeguard all participants, ensuring their experiences are enjoyable, inclusive, and abuse-free — in line with the Children First Act 2015 and Sport Ireland best practices.

5. Guiding Principles  📜

Swim 21 Training believes:

·     A child’s welfare is paramount.

·     All children and vulnerable adults have equal rights to protection regardless of background.

·     Every individual deserves a positive, safe environment.

·     Clarity on how to speak out if someone feels unsafe.

6. Key Safeguarding Measures 🔐

·     Safe Recruitment: Staff undergo Garda vetting, reference checks, and onboarding that includes safeguarding training.

·     Training: All staff complete Sport Ireland’s Safeguarding 1 course, with periodic refreshers .

·     Code of Conduct: Clear expectations for behaviour—e.g., no 1:1 isolations, no photography without consent, appropriate language/use of social media.

·     Supervision Ratios: Strict adult-to-child ratios maintained at all times.

7. Reporting Procedures 📣

·     Designated Liaison Person & Club Children’s Officer: Evan Mahon – acts as the first point of contact for any safeguarding concern.

·     Procedure: All disclosures, suspicions, or allegations must be reported to Evan promptly and documented using Swim 21’s Safeguarding Incident Form.

·     Escalation: Evan will assess and, where necessary, refer concerns to Tusla and/or An Garda Síochána in accordance with Children First national guidance.

8. Safeguarding Statement & Risk Assessment 📄

A formal Child Safeguarding Statement, with documented risk assessment for all our services (poolside training, off-site, etc.), is maintained and reviewed annually—or sooner if circumstances change.

9. Parents & Participant Engagement 👨‍👩‍👧

·     Parents/guardians receive a clear summary of the safeguarding policy on enrolment.

·     Participants are informed of who to contact with concerns.

·     Code of conduct visibly communicated to families and participants.

10. Media & Online Safety 📷

Swim 21 Training is committed to ensuring all media and online communications involving children and young people are managed safely, respectfully, and with full consent.

·     Photographs and videos of participants will only be taken or used with prior written consent from the participant or their parent/guardian.

·     No child or young person will be featured alone in media content used for promotional purposes.

·     Online communications (including messages, emails, or social media interactions) are conducted only by authorised staff, follow best practice in safeguarding, and are intended strictly for lesson-related or course-related purposes.

·     All staff are expected to uphold professional boundaries at all times when representing Swim 21 Training online.

For full details, please refer to our separate Photography & Social Media Policy, which outlines permissions, storage, appropriate use of images, and staff responsibilities when using digital platforms.

11. Monitoring & Review 📝

·     Policy reviewed annually, or after an incident or legislative change.

·     Regular audits ensure compliance with Children First and Sport Ireland standards.

12. Contact & Support 📞

For concerns or guidance, contact:

Evan Mahon

📧 info@swim21training.com

📞 085 135 8564

External support available via:

·     Tusla Child & Family Agency

·     An Garda Síochána

13. Policy Review 🔄

This Safeguarding Policy will be reviewed annually, or earlier if prompted by legislative updates, feedback, or a safeguarding incident.

14. Summary 🔚

By adhering to this policy, Swim 21 Training ensures a transparent, structured approach to safeguarding – with safe recruitment, trained staff, reporting pathways, and clear communication with families. This provides peace of mind for everyone involved in our courses and programmes.

1. Introduction 👋

At Swim 21 Training, the safety, dignity, and wellbeing of all swimmers are our top priority.

This policy outlines procedures for ensuring a safe and respectful environment in changing areas, particularly for children and vulnerable individuals.

2. Purpose 🎯

This policy aims to:

Safeguard all individuals using changing facilities during Swim 21 Training activities.

Clearly define the responsibilities of staff, parents/guardians, and participants.

Promote best practice in supervision, privacy, and safeguarding.

3. Scope 📌

This policy applies to:

• All participants in Swim 21 Training programmes

• Parents and guardians of swimmers under 18

• All Swim 21 Training staff and volunteers operating in or around changing areas

• Any hired venue where changing room use is part of programme delivery

4. Supervision Guidelines 👀

Children under 8 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian of the same gender.

Swim 21 staff do not supervise inside changing rooms, but may monitor access and behaviour from outside when appropriate.

If staff need to enter a changing room (e.g. in an emergency), they should do so in pairs where possible.

Where possible, separate male and female changing areas are provided.

Participants are expected to:

·     Change quickly and respectfully.

·     Avoid inappropriate behaviour or language.

·     Never use mobile phones in changing areas.

·     Any concerns must be reported immediately to the Designated Liaison Person (DLP) or a senior staff member.

5. Role of Parents/Guardians 👨‍👩‍👧

Parents/guardians are responsible for supervising their child before and after lessons.

We encourage parents to talk to their children about:

·     Respectful behaviour.

·     Privacy and boundaries.

·     Reporting any concerns to a trusted adult or Swim 21 staff member.

6. Staff Responsibilities 🧑‍🏫

·     Staff must maintain professional boundaries at all times.

·     Staff are trained in child safeguarding and should act promptly if they witness or are alerted to any concerns.

·     All incidents or concerns should be reported following Swim 21 Training’s Safeguarding Policy.

7. Policy Review🔄

This policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner if required in line with updated guidance from Swim Ireland, Ireland Active, or Tusla.

8. Summary 🔚

This policy outlines how Swim 21 Training safeguards children and vulnerable individuals in changing areas. It defines appropriate supervision practices, roles of staff and parents, and emphasises respectful behaviour, privacy, and prompt reporting of concerns to ensure a safe and professional environment. 🚻

1. Introduction 👋

At Swim 21 Training, we take the safety and supervision of all children very seriously.

This policy outlines the procedures to be followed in the unlikely event that a child goes missing during Swim 21 activities, ensuring a calm, coordinated, and immediate response.

2. Purpose 🎯

The purpose of this policy is to:

·     Ensure all staff understand their responsibilities in the event of a missing child.

·     Provide a clear and consistent procedure to locate the child quickly.

·     Reassure parents/guardians that appropriate action will be taken immediately.

·     Minimise risk and support the child once found.

3. Scope 📌

This policy applies to:

·     All Swim 21 Training programmes and locations

·     All children participating in Swim 21 Training activities

·     All staff, volunteers, and adults responsible for supervision or facility management during Swim 21 activities

4. Preventative Measures 🛡️

·     Parents/guardians must hand children over directly to their swim teacher at the start of each session and collect them promptly at the end.

·     Children are not permitted to leave the lesson area without permission or supervision.

·     Staff must maintain active supervision at all times during lessons and transitions.

·     Entry/exit points should be monitored where possible.

5. Procedure if a Child is Reported Missing 🚨

·     The staff member will immediately alert the senior person on duty or manager

·     Staff will carry out a quick and thorough check of:

• Changing rooms.
• Toilets.
• Poolside and viewing areas.
• Reception and surrounding corridors.
• If the child is not located within a few minutes:
• All exits will be secured (if possible).
• A wider search of the building and premises will begin.
• The child’s parent/guardian will be informed immediately.
• if the child cannot be located within 10 minutes, Gardaí will be contacted by dialling 999.

6. After the Child is Found 🤝

·     The child will be reassured and comforted.

·     Staff will record:

• Where the child was found.
• Duration of the incident.
• Any contributing factors.

·     The Designated Liaison Person (DLP) will review the incident and report any safeguarding concerns if applicable.

·     Parents/guardians will be updated and debriefed.

7. Documentation 📝

• An incident report must be completed and submitted to management.
• Any follow-up actions or improvements to procedures will be documented.
• The incident may be referred to Tusla if there are any safeguarding concerns.

8. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or after any lost child incident, in line with updates from Swim Ireland, Ireland Active, or Tusla guidelines.

9. Summary 🔚

This policy provides a clear, step-by-step response plan if a child goes missing during Swim 21 Training activities. It emphasises prevention, swift action, and reassurance, ensuring child safety and parent confidence are always prioritised. 👣

1. Introduction 👋

Swim 21 Training recognises the value of celebrating achievements, promoting our programmes, and creating a positive image through photography and social media.

However, we are committed to protecting the privacy, dignity, and safety of all our participants — especially children and vulnerable individuals.

This policy outlines how photography and video content are managed across our swimming lessons, training courses, website, and social media platforms.

2. Purpose 🎯

The purpose of this policy is to:

·     Set clear guidelines around the responsible and respectful use of photography and video.

·     Protect the identity and privacy of children and vulnerable individuals.

·     Ensure Swim 21 Training is compliant with safeguarding, GDPR, and best practice in media use.

3. Scope 📌

This policy applies to:

• All participants, parents/guardians, and course attendees.

• All Swim 21 Training staff, contractors, and third-party content creators.

• All settings where Swim 21 Training delivers activities (online or in-person).

4. General Principles ✅

·     📷 We will never take or share identifiable images of children without explicit written parental/guardian consent.

·     📵 No photography or video recording is permitted during lessons or courses by parents, guardians, or participants unless specifically authorised by Swim 21 Training staff.

·     ✅ Where permission is granted, we will always ensure the images are used respectfully, in appropriate contexts, and never linked to identifying information such as full names or contact details.

·     🧒 Images will not be used for commercial gain and will be stored securely in line with our privacy and data protection policies.

·     ⏳ Where consent has been provided, image use will be limited to a period of 12 months after last use or until consent is withdrawn.

5. How We Use Photography 📸

Photos and videos may be used for:

·     Promoting Swim 21 Training via our website and social media (e.g. Facebook, Instagram).

·     Celebrating swimmer or participant achievements (e.g. certificates, milestones).

·     Informative training content for courses or awareness.

·     Marketing materials such as flyers, banners, or posters.

6. Consent Process ✍️

We obtain photo/video consent:

·     Through online registration forms or during course booking.

·     From parents/guardians for any participants under 18.

·     From adult course participants directly for promotional or training use.

Consent can be withdrawn at any time by contacting us at info@swim21training.com.

7. When We Will Not Use Images 🚫

·     If consent has not been obtained or has been withdrawn.

·     If the image could cause distress, embarrassment, or risk.

·     If the participant is partially clothed (e.g. in swimwear) and the image context is not appropriate.

·     If it could identify a vulnerable individual without adequate safeguards.

8. Social Media Usage 📱

Swim 21 Training uses social media to:

·     Share class updates, course availability, and educational content.

·     Celebrate group and individual progress or highlight events.

·     Engage with customers and the wider community.

We moderate our social media pages and reserve the right to remove any inappropriate comments, tags, or content.

9. Contact & Questions 📞

If you have any concerns or wish to withdraw image consent:

📧 Email: info@swim21training.com

📞 Phone: 085 135 8564

Data Controller: Evan Mahon, Swim 21 Training Limited

10. Policy Review 🔄

This policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner if safeguarding, legal, or data protection guidance changes.

11. Summary 🔚

This policy ensures responsible, respectful use of photography and video within Swim 21 Training, prioritising child safeguarding, GDPR compliance, and consent. It outlines clear procedures for capturing, storing, and using media while protecting the privacy of all participants. 📷

1. Introduction 👋

At Swim 21 Training, we are committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all children.

This policy sets out the procedures for admitting children to our programmes and ensuring their safety, wellbeing, and appropriate supervision from arrival to departure.

2. Purpose 🎯

The purpose of this policy is to:

·     Ensure clear and consistent admission processes for all children.

·     Define the roles and responsibilities of parents/guardians and staff.

·     Promote child safeguarding, supervision, and communication from the outset.

·     Meet the standards of Swim Ireland, Ireland Active, and Children First Guidelines.

3. Scope 📌

This policy applies to:

·     All children enrolled in Swim 21 Training aquatic programmes

·     Parents/guardians responsible for children participating in classes

·     Swim 21 Training staff and volunteers involved in enrolment, teaching, and supervision

·     All venues where Swim 21 Training services are delivered

4. Age and Programme Requirements 📋

·     Children may begin lessons from 6 months of age (with a parent in the water for baby/toddler classes).

·     Independent lessons are offered to children aged 4 and a half and above, subject to assessment and suitability.

·     Children are placed in classes based on age and ability, following an initial assessment

·     All participants must be registered online before attending their first session.

5. Admission Procedures 🛎️

Parents/guardians must complete:

·     Online registration via our booking system.

·     A medical & emergency contact form.

·     Agreement to our Terms & Conditions, Safeguarding, and Photography policies.

·     Any medical conditions, allergies, additional needs, or behavioural concerns must be disclosed at the time of registration.

Swim 21 Training reserves the right to adjust class placement or request further support if a child’s needs require special attention.

6. Arrival and Collection 🚗

·     Parents/guardians must accompany their child to the swim teacher and remain on the premises during the lesson unless otherwise agreed.

·     For private 1:1 sessions, the parent/guardian must remain poolside throughout.

·     Children will only be released to the authorised adult listed on their profile unless advance notice is provided.

·     If a child is not collected on time, staff will:

• Remain with the child in a safe location.
• Attempt to contact the parent/guardian.
• Follow Swim 21’s Lost Child Policy if necessary.

7. Additional Needs & Support 🤝

·     We welcome children with additional needs or disabilities and aim to provide inclusive access where possible.

·     Parents are encouraged to discuss their child’s needs in advance so we can make appropriate arrangements.

·     Reasonable adjustments may include:

• Reduced class sizes..
• Extra transition support.
• Assistance from trained staff or carers (where agreed).

8. Withdrawals or Cancellations ❌

·     If a child must be withdrawn for medical or personal reasons, parents should contact the admin team.

·     Refunds or credits are subject to our Payment, Cancellation & Attendance Policy.

9. Policy Review 🔄

This policy is reviewed annually or when changes occur in legislation, safeguarding guidance, or operational practices.

10. Summary 🔚

This policy ensures a safe and structured process for admitting children to Swim 21 Training programmes. It outlines age requirements, registration steps, supervision standards, and parental responsibilities, while supporting inclusive access and safeguarding for all participants. 🧒