Does my organisation need a safeguarding policy?

RYA Affiliated organisations have long been places of camaraderie, sport and learning. Sailing and boating teaches resilience, teamwork, and confidence. With the right safeguarding policy in place, affiliates can be sure those lessons are learned in a secure and supportive environment for all.

As affiliates continue to grow in membership and ambition, safeguarding young sailors and vulnerable adults - whether they’re actively crewing a dinghy or spectating from the shore - should never be left to assumption.

Even if affiliate rules stipulate that under 18s must always be accompanied by a parent or guardian, implementing a clear safeguarding policy remains a vital safeguard for everyone involved.

Why safeguarding matters — regardless of parental presence

• Situations change: Parents may momentarily step away, or older children may participate in activities without supervision. A policy ensures staff and volunteers know how to respond appropriately in any circumstance.
• Creates a culture of safety: Formal safeguarding guidelines help foster an environment where all — regardless of age — feel safe, respected and supported.
• Clarifies roles & responsibilities: Even if parents are present, who is responsible for welfare, setting this out in a safeguarding policy avoids any misunderstandings. A safeguarding policy sets clear expectations for instructors, coaches, volunteers and staff.
• Protects volunteers & officials: Training and guidance reduces the risk to club representatives of misunderstandings or conduct which may be viewed as in appropriate, helping them act confidently and appropriately.

Real-world benefits

Clubs with robust safeguarding policies benefit from:

• Improved reputation and credibility within their community and national associations
• Easier access to grants or funding tied to child protection standards
• Increased confidence among volunteers and staff
• Higher likelihood of attracting young sailors and their families
• Evidences the organisation's position should this ever be challenged

What should a safeguarding policy include?

Even a concise safeguarding policy should include:

• A named safeguarding officer
• Clear procedures for handling concerns or incidents
• Who the policy applies to and their responsibilities
• Contact details for local child protection services

Legal Duty of Care – what it means for affiliates

Statutory duties: If an affiliate owns or manages premises (like a clubhouse or sailing facilities), it should ensure they comply with any statutory requirements.

Common Law Duty: Even if not explicitly covered by statute, affiliates may have a duty of care under common law. This means they must take reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable harm to a party with whom they have a relationship. The extent of this duty will depend on the circumstances but may include a requirement to ensure equipment is fit for use and appropriate and adequate steps are taken around safeguarding young people and vulnerable adults.

When considering if an organisation has acted reasonably in the face of a claim courts may take into account if that organisation has followed advice and guidance. The RYA offers guidance, advice and recommendations as part of its annual affiliation process.

When a parent is present: what duty does the club still hold?

Even if a parent or guardian is supervising their child at a sailing club, the affiliate still retains a level of duty of care, particularly in relation to:

Club environment: The club should still ensure its facilities, equipment, and activities are safe.

Clarity of responsibility: If a child joins a training session, race, or organised activity – even with a parent nearby – the affiliate should clarify who is responsible during that time. Is it the coach? The safety boat crew? The parent? This should be clear to all those involved.

Safeguarding culture: Affiliates are encouraged to foster a strong safeguarding culture. That means having policies in place, even if parents are present, to guide behaviour, report concerns, and, should they occur, manage incidents, remember having parents present is no guarantee of appropriate behaviour of the parent or the child.

Other considerations

Awareness of risks: Drawing known risks to the attention of participants and their parents is likely to reduce the possibility of a successful claim in negligence.

Insurance and governance: Some insurers have specific requirements as a condition of coverage - even if under 18s are always accompanied. This may include having a safeguarding policy or clear processes in place

In practice

The RYA encourages all affiliates to adopt a policy even if this simply says that the affiliate does not offer activity for under 18s. No two affiliates are the same and an affiliate who delivers regular youth activity is likely to have a far more detailed policy than an affiliate which may only have occasional under 18s visiting with their parents.

However, we still suggest that all affiliates:

• Take reasonable steps to ensure the safety of all those present
• Make parents aware of risks
• Respect safeguarding principles
• Avoid situations that could be misinterpreted 

Read more information on developing your organisation's safeguarding policy.