The start of the season is a great time to reflect on the important role that our surf club plays in our community. Avoca Beach Surf Lifesaving is everyone’s club, not just for officials or those who actively compete. It is a club for all our members and it wouldn’t exist without them.
That’s why we take member protection and child safety so seriously. Protecting our members is a top priority for our club and all surf club members must follow policies and guidelines set out by SLSA.
Whether we are on patrol, away competing or connecting with each other in the clubhouse, we are representing our club. We have responsibilities to each other, and to be role models for the community, especially our nippers and young beach goers.
Read more about the Code of Conduct and the Member Protection Policy here.
We have also committed to a Child Safe Policy. We want our beach and club to be a safe and inclusive place for young people. Safety includes being vigilant about the potential of sexual or physical abuse but these are not the only ways kids might be harmed.
Jokes about performance enhancing drugs, undermining a child’s confidence and using abusive language are never ok. We also must think about how we use the change-rooms and club facilities, use of social media and overnight stays.
Most importantly, we need to let our kids know it is ok to speak up. If they do speak to you or if you see inappropriate behaviour, get in touch. All concerns will be treated in confidence and with the utmost respect for all those involved.
Sarah Winter is our Member Protection and Child Safety Officer and is happy to talk through our policies, your ideas on protecting members and children and to hear concerns. You can raise issues to her on the beach or via memberprotection@avocabeachslsc.asn.au.
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