RYA Safeguarding Policies and Guidelines
Download adaptable safeguarding policies and guidelines to suit the requirements of your training centre, club or class association
Clubs are advised to have appropriate safeguarding policies and procedures in place that reflect the activities they deliver and the people they deliver activity to. This may include arrangements for safeguarding children, safeguarding adults, or both, depending on the nature of the activity and participants involved. Safeguarding policies should be adopted by the club as a whole and effectively communicated so that members, volunteers, parents and participants understand the club’s commitment and expectations.
Guidance on developing your own safeguarding policies is available to help clubs put suitable arrangements in place. Additional supporting resources are currently being developed and will be added in due course. Many clubs also find it beneficial to adopt a Code of Conduct, helping to clearly set out expected standards of behaviour and responsibilities for participants, parents, volunteers and staff.
If you are unsure what safeguarding arrangements are appropriate for your club or require further advice, please contact the RYA Safeguarding Team on safeguarding@rya.org.uk, who can provide guidance tailored to your activities and delivery context.
Social media guidance
We have also produced a downloadable Guide to Social Media with useful do’s and don’ts for clubs and centres. The guide includes links to further useful social media resources for clubs/centres, parents, and young people.
Home country specific guidance
You can find additional Home Countries specific safeguarding guidance on the following pages
The Adventure Activity Licensing
The Activity Centres (Young Persons' Safety) Act 1995 was introduced following the Lyme Bay canoeing tragedy, in which four young people at a commercial adventure activity centre died during a short sea canoeing expedition.
The legislation is aimed at commercial providers of outdoor adventure activities and not at private members' clubs. As a result of RYA pressure during the passage of the Bill through Parliament, bona fide non-profit making clubs providing instruction to their own members were excluded from the application of the legislation.
However, under certain circumstances when providing instruction or leadership training to young non-members, a club may need to obtain a licence from the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority.
Small boat training activity delivered commercially by an RYA Recognised Training Centre in accordance with the RYA’s Conditions of Recognition falls outside the scope of the 2004 Regulations and the activity provider is not required to hold an adventure activities licence.
We have produced a Guidance Note to help you determine whether your Club/Centre requires an adventure activities licence.
You can apply for an Adventure Activities License by visiting The Adventure Activities Licensing Authority website.
Concerned? Make a referral
If you have a safeguarding or equality concern, you can make a referral directly to the RYA Safe Sport Team by completing the RYA safeguarding and Equality referral form.
