Silent Mayday Ocean Therapy Programme Safeguarding Policy 

Organisation: Silent Mayday CIC

Date: March 2026

Review Date: March 2027

1. Introduction

This Safeguarding Policy sets out the commitment of the organisation to protect the welfare, safety, and dignity of all individuals participating in the Ocean Therapy Programme. The programme delivers therapeutic activities in coastal and marine environments designed to support mental health, wellbeing, and recovery.

Ocean-based wellbeing programmes are increasingly recognised within social prescribing and community health pathways. Participants may include individuals referred through healthcare providers, community organisations, charities, or self-referral routes. These participants may include children, young people, and adults experiencing vulnerability due to trauma, mental health challenges, disability, or social isolation.

Because of the therapeutic nature of the programme and the environmental risks associated with coastal settings, safeguarding is a central responsibility of the organisation. The safety and wellbeing of participants will always take precedence over programme activities.

This policy outlines the standards, procedures, and responsibilities that ensure safeguarding is embedded throughout programme delivery, recruitment, training, and operational practice.

2. Purpose of the Policy

The purpose of this policy is to:

• Protect children, young people, and vulnerable adults who participate in Ocean Therapy Programme activities.
  • Provide staff and volunteers with clear safeguarding guidance.
  • Establish safe working practices in therapeutic and ocean-based environments.
  • Ensure concerns about abuse, neglect, or exploitation are recognised and reported.
  • Demonstrate compliance with safeguarding standards expected by funders, health services, and social prescribing networks.

This policy supports organisations seeking partnerships with healthcare providers, grant funders, and community services by demonstrating a robust safeguarding framework.

3. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All employees of the organisation
  • Volunteers and facilitators
  • Ocean therapy instructors and activity leaders
  • Trustees and management staff
  • Partner organisations and contractors
  • Participants and programme beneficiaries

The policy applies in all environments connected with the programme, including:

• Ocean and beach sessions
  • Indoor instruction sessions
  • Programme travel and transport
  • Online communication platforms associated with programme delivery

4. Safeguarding Principles

The Ocean Therapy Programme is guided by the following safeguarding principles:

Participant Welfare First
The wellbeing and safety of participants are the highest priority.

Prevention
Potential risks are identified and reduced through planning, training, and supervision.

Protection
Clear reporting and response procedures ensure concerns are handled quickly and appropriately.

Respect and Inclusion
All participants are treated with dignity regardless of age, gender, background, ability, or identity.

Accountability
Staff, volunteers, and partners are responsible for maintaining safe practice at all times.

5. Recruitment and Vetting

Safe recruitment procedures are essential to safeguarding.

The organisation ensures that individuals working with participants are suitable and appropriately qualified.

Recruitment procedures include:

• Application forms and interviews
  • Verification of identity and qualifications
  • References from previous employers
  • Criminal background checks where required
  • Safeguarding training completion prior to programme delivery

Staff involved in therapeutic or ocean instruction roles must also demonstrate relevant professional competence in water safety, participant support, and risk management.

6. Training and Competence

All staff and volunteers receive safeguarding training appropriate to their role.

Training may include:

• Safeguarding awareness
  • Recognising signs of abuse or neglect
  • Responding to disclosures
  • Trauma-informed practice
  • Mental health awareness
  • Boundaries and professional conduct
  • Ocean safety and risk management

Refresher training will be provided regularly to ensure safeguarding knowledge remains current.

7. Code of Conduct

All staff and volunteers must maintain professional boundaries.

Staff must:

• Treat participants with dignity and respect.
  • Maintain appropriate physical and emotional boundaries.
  • Follow supervision and safety procedures.
  • Report safeguarding concerns immediately.

Staff must not:

• Engage in inappropriate or exploitative relationships with participants.
  • Communicate privately with participants via personal social media.
  • Share personal contact information outside approved channels.
  • Be alone with a child or vulnerable participant without appropriate supervision.

8. Ocean Activity Safety and Risk Management

Ocean therapy involves inherent environmental risks. These risks are managed through structured safety procedures.

Safety measures include:

• Qualified water activity instructors
  • Pre-session risk assessments
  • Weather and tide monitoring
  • Participant ability assessments
  • Safety briefings before entering the water
  • Use of appropriate safety equipment
  • Emergency response procedures

Session leaders have authority to modify or cancel activities if conditions present a safety risk.

9. Recognising Safeguarding Concerns

Safeguarding concerns may arise through direct disclosure, observation, or behavioural changes.

Possible indicators of abuse may include:

Physical abuse
Unexplained injuries, bruising, or fear of physical contact.

Emotional abuse
Withdrawal, anxiety, low confidence, or extreme behaviour changes.

Sexual abuse
Inappropriate behaviour or language, discomfort around certain individuals.

Neglect
Poor hygiene, inadequate clothing, signs of malnutrition.

Financial or exploitative abuse (adults)
Control of finances, coercion, or exploitation.

10. Responding to Safeguarding Concerns

If a safeguarding concern arises:

1. Ensure the immediate safety of the participant.
   2. Listen carefully and calmly.
   3. Do not promise confidentiality.
   4. Record the information accurately.
   5. Report the concern to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Staff should never investigate allegations themselves but must follow reporting procedures promptly.

11. Reporting Procedures

All safeguarding concerns must be reported to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).

The DSL will:

• Assess the concern
  • Record safeguarding information securely
  • Seek advice from safeguarding authorities if necessary
  • Make referrals to relevant services when required

Where there is immediate danger, emergency services must be contacted.

12. Confidentiality and Data Protection

Safeguarding information is sensitive and must be handled responsibly.

Information will only be shared with individuals who need to know in order to protect the participant.

Records will be securely stored in accordance with data protection legislation.

13. Photography and Media

Photographs or videos of participants may only be taken with written consent.

Images must be used respectfully and in line with organisational media policies.

Personal identifying details will not be shared publicly without explicit permission.

14. Governance and Oversight

The organisation’s leadership team and trustees are responsible for ensuring safeguarding standards are maintained.

Responsibilities include:

• Policy review
  • Oversight of safeguarding incidents
  • Ensuring training and compliance
  • Supporting safeguarding leads

15. Policy Review

This safeguarding policy will be reviewed annually or earlier if:

• Legislation or safeguarding guidance changes
  • Programme structure changes
  • A safeguarding incident occurs

Regular review ensures that safeguarding practices remain effective and up to date.