These guidelines have been produced by RYA Scotland to enable children and vulnerable adults to enjoy the sports of sailing, windsurfing and power boating in all their forms, in a safe environment.

In the context of this document, child refers to any young person under the age of 18. The policy also covers vulnerable adults , such as people with learning disabilities, or who have difficulty communicating, or who rely on others to provide personal care.

There are several good reasons for doing this:

• to protect children, both on and off the water.
• to assure parents that their children are as safe at your organisation as they are when taking part in any other sport or leisure activity.
• to raise awareness amongst all of your members, volunteers or employees so that they know what to do if they are concerned about a child, whether the concern relates to the child s welfare at your site or outside the sport.
• to protect coaches, instructors, officials or volunteer helpers by giving them some practical, common sense guidelines to avoid placing themselves in situations where they are open to allegations which could seriously damage their lives and careers.
• to protect the organisation, by showing that you have taken all reasonable steps to provide a safe environment.

Everyone in the organisation should be aware of the policy and have access to the supporting procedures, and those working with children must be familiar with the procedures.

Download Child Protection Policy and Guidelines