Purpose

At Aqua moments, we are committed to providing a safe and positive experience for all participants, especially children, during our underwater photoshoots.
This Child Safeguarding Policy outlines the necessary measures to ensure the safety, well-being, and dignity of children involved in our services, and to protect them from harm, neglect, or abuse.

Scope

This policy applies to all employees, photographers, assistants, and anyone involved in the planning, setup, and execution of underwater photoshoots that include children as participants.

1. Safeguarding Standards

Age Requirement:
We accept children of all ages for underwater photoshoots. A parent or guardian must be present at all times during the photoshoot.
Consent and Permission:
Consent is automatically given when booking is made directly with Aqua moments (registration) unless bookings are done directly with the swimming
schools or academy. Consent must also include approval for underwater participation.
Parent/Guardian Presence:
* A parent or legal guardian must remain on-site during the entire photoshoot. For underwater sessions, a parent or guardian may be required to be in the water with the child.

* For shoots where physical contact is required, such as guiding the child in the water, permission and approval will be sought from the parent/guardian beforehand.

2. Health and Safety Guidelines

Safety Measures:
* All underwater photoshoots will be supervised by a professional who has received training in child safety, fi rst aid, and CPR.
* The water temperature, depth, and conditions will be monitored to ensure it is safe for the child. All underwater shoots will take place in controlled, safe environments such as swimming pools or suitable shallow waters.

Equipment Safety:
* All equipment, including cameras, props, and underwater gear, will be tested before the photoshoot to ensure they meet safety standards.

3. Staff Training and Conduct
Training:

* All staff, including photographers, assistants, and water safety personnel, will receive safeguarding training to ensure they understand child protection issues, safe handling practices, and the importance of maintaining boundaries with children.

Behavioral Expectations:
* Staff will behave in a professional, respectful, and ethical manner at all times.
* No staff member will engage in any form of physical contact with a child unless necessary for safety, and such actions will be documented and approved
by the child’s guardian.
No Photography without Consent:
* No photos of children will be taken without explicit consent from the parent or guardian, and no photos will be published or shared without additional consent.

4. Emergency Procedures

First Aid:
* A qualifi ed fi rst aider will be on-site at all times. In the event of any accident or injury, appropriate medical treatment will be administered immediately, and the child’s guardian will be notifi ed.

Emergency Contact:
* An emergency contact list, including the child’s parent or guardian, will be kept on fi le and easily accessible in case of an emergency.

5. Confi dentiality and Data Protection

Privacy and Confi dentiality:
* All personal information regarding the child, including medical details, will be kept confi dential and only shared with relevant staff members for safety purposes.
* The company will comply with all relevant privacy laws, including data protection regulations, in the collection, use, and storage of personal data.
Photo and Video Use:
* Any photographs or videos of the child will not be used for promotional purposes without prior written consent from the parent or guardian.
* Parents or guardians will be given the option to review any photographs or footage before it is made public or shared.

6. Reporting and Accountability

Reporting Concerns:
* Any concerns or complaints regarding child safeguarding should be reported immediately to Mrs. Alle, Phone 07707 60 20 95 or to the swimming school,
who will investigate the matter.
* We take all concerns seriously and will follow our internal procedure for handling safeguarding issues, which may involve referring the issue to appropriate authorities if needed.

7. Review and Updates

This policy will be reviewed annually or whenever there is a signifi cant change in practices or legislation to ensure it remains up-to-date and effective in safeguarding children.

Acknowledgment
By engaging with Aqua moments for an underwater photoshoot, parents or guardians acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agree to the terms outlined in this Child Safeguarding Policy.