Swimwear guidance
The Swim England Swimming Management Group were asked to consider a relaxation of Regulation 411, for individuals who as a result of either their religious beliefs or a pre-existing medical condition would like to wear a swimsuit which would otherwise be considered “Illegal” at a competitive swimming event.
Download the Swimwear Guidance document.
Regional Welfare Officer
If you need any support or advice on how to manage a welfare issue please contact your County or Sub-region Welfare Officer.
The Regional Welfare Officer is Andrew Giess. Email welfare@southeastswimming.org
Swim England South East takes the welfare of all its members seriously.
The welfare of young and vulnerable swimmers is particularly important and we follow the recommendations included in Wavepower, Swim England’s Child Safeguarding Policy and Procedures manual.
The theme of Wavepower 2020/23 is to safeguard children and young people in line with current legislation and guidance. The responsibility to safeguard children in our clubs and related activities lies will all those involved in the sport and is not the sole responsibility of any one person at club, county or national level.
Supervisory ratios applicable from 1st September 2023
Swim England have introduced changes for supervision of athletes.
Swim England – Heart of Aquatics
2023 Safeguarding, Welfare and Culture Plan
Swim England has vowed ‘to create a better future’ for everyone in its sports as part of a cultural change journey which will put members, coaches, teachers, parents, clubs and swim schools at the heart of aquatics.
Included in the national governing body’s new safeguarding, welfare and culture plan, Heart of Aquatics, is a commitment to listen to the ‘experiences and views’ of everyone involved in aquatics in a bid to be able to take ‘proactive formative action’.
Reporting a Concern
If you have a concern about the welfare of any child or the behaviour of an adult towards any child you should, without delay, contact:
- your organisation or club welfare officer
- your county or regional welfare officer (contact details can be found on the table below)
- Swim England National Safeguarding Team: safeguarding@swimming.org or call 01509 640700 (option 1 then option 3) or complete the online referral form found here: https://www.swimming.org/swimengland/how-raise-concern-complaint/
- For anyone with any safeguarding or welfare concerns relating to either children or adults, please contact safeguarding@swimming.org or 01509 640700 (Option 1 for Swim England and then Option 3 for Safeguarding).
In an emergency
If you believe a child has been harmed or may be at immediate risk of harm, and you are unable to contact your welfare officer or the Swim England safeguarding team please make immediate contact with an appropriate agency, such as:
- The Police
- Children’s Services
- Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH)
- Local Authority Designated officer (LADO)
- NSPCC Child Protection Helpline
Take the name and contact details of the person you have spoken to, plus the incident / referral reference number (if applicable) so you have a record of the advice they give. Then report this to the club welfare officer and the Swim England safeguarding team the next working day.
| County / Region | Name | Email Address |
|---|---|---|
| Berkshire & S Bucks | Roger Penfold | secretary@bsbasa.org |
| Hampshire | Lynne Harrison | welfareofficer@hampshireswimming.org |
| Kent | Chelsey Denney | welfare@kentswimming.org |
| Oxfordshire & North Bucks | Lucie Clarke | onbwelfare@gmail.com |
| Surrey | Jeni Colbourne | welfare@surreyasa.co.uk |
| Sussex | Chris Hobbs | welfare@sussexswimming.org |
| South East Region | Andy Giess | welfare@southeastswimming.org |
