Tips to Keep Your Surf School Safe, Fun and Inclusive for Children and Young People

In Australia, we’re so lucky to have such a trusted pathway for those turning their learn-to-surf dreams into reality. Determining what stance feels natural (or goofy) to you. Learning your pop-ups first from the sand before putting them into practise in the waves. And the smile-inducing thrill of catching your first green ride. Our Surfing Australia-affiliated surf schools share the stoke of surfing and ensure the experience is safe and fun for all.  

Each of our surf schools are committed to Integrity. What is Integrity, you might ask? It means that by signing up to the National Integrity Framework (5 Policies), they’re committed to facilitating a safe, fun, fair, and inclusive sport and experience for all participants. Surfing Australia’s biggest Integrity priority is safeguarding children and young people. 

HERE ARE OUR TOP TIPS FOR SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE AT  YOUR SURF SCHOOL: 

TAKING PHOTOS OF U18 PARTICIPANTS:  

• Obtain written or trackable permission from the child/young person’s parent/carer before taking any photos/videos. Approval could be via electronic sign-up forms, email, or SMS. 
• Ensure the child/young person’s parent/carer knows where images/footage plan to be used: e.g. for marketing on the surf school’s social media, posters, SurfGroms promotion, etc. 
• Ensure the child/young person is appropriately dressed and posed, including children in the background. 
• Ideally, use an official surf school-owned device. 
• Implement a photo storing filing system and process that prevents unauthorised access and mandate deletion when no longer required or when instructors move on. 

TRANSPORTING U18 PARTICIPANTS: 

• Other than in an emergency, in a position such as a coach, instructor or surf school owner or admin, approval is required to transport children and young people. This means: 
  • Get written approval from the child/young person’s parent/carer before travel. 
  • Ensure you provide information in writing to the child/young person’s parent/carer about: 1) The form of transport. 2) Reason for journey. 3) Route to be followed. 4) Details of anyone who’ll be present during the journey. 
  • As a coach, it’s highly recommended that, to the extent possible, you’re not alone in the car with a child/young person. If it’s unavoidable, follow these steps: 
  • Ensure the child/young person sits in the back seat with their seat belt on. 
  • Don’t allow any unauthorised adults to travel with you, including your friends. 
  • Don’t make unplanned stops or take the child/young person to your home. 

SAFEGUARDING BOUNDARIES: 

• Don’t change in the same changeroom or area as the child/young person is changing. 
• Don’t use coaching techniques that involve unnecessary physical contact. 
• Don’t leave a child/young person alone unsupervised during a coaching session. 
  • Ensure all electronic communication with an U18 participant includes a parent/carer, or surf school manager, or another adult in a Position of Authority. 

HELPFUL INTEGRITY RESOURCES: 

Reporting and Responding to a breach of Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy 

Recruitment & Screening Checklist to assist with Safeguarding requirements when appointing new staff, contractors or volunteers. 

A wide range of fact sheets and guides: Resources | Sport Integrity Australia 

Got an Integrity question or complaint? Contact Surfing Australia’s National Integrity Manager at: intregrity@surfingaustralia.com  +61 2 6671 0000.  

PICS: Andrew Morris