MEDIA RELEASE

MEDIA RELEASE

Date: 21 December 2020

This is a media statement from ARI in relation to the NSW District Court criminal trial of Kyle Daniels, the former Mosman Swim Centre instructor, who is accused of committing child sexual abuse offences against swim school students.

District Court Judge discharges Jury

Judge Kara Shead has discharged the Jury, after the Jury failed to reach a verdict against Mr Daniels.

Mr Daniels who maintains his innocence, faces a potential re-trial over the remaining 21 charges against him.

ARI does not make any comment on the criminal trial of Mr Daniels, as it would be inappropriate at this stage.

Child Safety in Aquatics and Learn to Swim

ARI strongly reinforces the importance of Learn to Swim operators implementing Child Safety practices. ARI advocates for the safety and wellbeing of children and young people that participate in aquatic and recreational activities in NSW. ARI is committed to ensuring that the Aquatic and Recreation sectors demonstrate best practice in child safety.

Colin Kane, Chairperson of ARI NSW stated:

“It is critical that all Learn to Swim operators in NSW are implementing Child Safe Best Practices. ARI strongly recommends that Aquatic facilities and Learn to Swim operators implement the 10 Child Safe Standards. Child Protection is everyone’s business, so it is important that everyone involved in the Aquatic and Recreation sectors plays their part in protecting children, and creating a child safe environment.”

Child Safe Standards

An evidence-based approach to becoming a Child Safe Organisation is to implement the 10 Child Safe Standards, as outlined below:

• Standard 1: Child safety is embedded in institutional leadership, governance and culture
• Standard 2: Children participate in decisions affecting them and are taken seriously
• Standard 3: Families and communities are informed and involved
• Standard 4: Equity is upheld and diverse needs are taken into account
• Standard 5: People working with children are suitable and supported
• Standard 6: Processes to respond to complaints of child sexual abuse are child-focused
• Standard 7: Staff are equipped with the knowledge, skills and awareness to keep children safe through continual education and training
• Standard 8: Physical and online environments minimise the opportunity for abuse to occur
• Standard 9: Implementation of the Child Safe Standards is continuously reviewed and improved
• Standard 10: Policies and procedures document how the institution is child safe.

For more information on the Child Safe Standards, refer to the Office of Children’s Guardian’s website, https://www.kidsguardian.nsw.gov.au/child-safe-organisations/training-and-resources/child-safe-standards.

For further information on this media release, please contact Louise Magee at the Aquatic and Recreation Institute NSW by email at louise@arinsw.com.au.