WMSPA Child Abuse Prevention – CODE of CONDUCT

It is important to understand what is considered as appropriate behavior versus inappropriate behavior while working or volunteering at Wildwood Manor Swimming Pool. Sometimes the best intentions can be misunderstood and/or interpreted. In order to protect staff, volunteers and program participants, Wildwood Manor Swimming Pool Association has instituted this Code of Conduct Policy when working with children.

  • Appropriate Interactions include…
  • Praise, encouragement, acknowledgement
  • Rewards available to all who achieve
  • Asking permission to touch for necessary purposes
  • Pat on back/should, side hugs, handshakes and high fives
  • Warmth and kindness
  • Public social media alerts to groups of kids and parents

WMSPA Staff and Volunteers are Expected to…

  • Portray a positive role model for youth by maintaining an attitude of respect, patience, courtesy, tact and maturity.
  • Inappropriate & Prohibited Interactions include…
  • Isolated, one-on-one interactions
  • Risque jokes and profanity
  • Favoritism
  • Gift giving to individual children
  • Frontal hugging
  • Photographing individual children
  • Contact outside of program activities
  • Exchanging personal email or phone numbers
  • Private interactions through social media, computer or handheld devices

WMSPA Staff and Volunteers are Prohibited from…

  • Being alone with a single child where they cannot be observed by others.
  • Any physical contact with children unless in an emergency or swim lesson requires you to do so. If it is necessary, then explain to the child what you intend to do before initiating the contact. If the child initiates physical contact such as approaching you for a hug, deflect them if possible and offer a handshake or side hug instead.
  • Transporting children in staff or volunteer personal vehicle.
  • Being alone with children they meet at pool/swim club outside of pool/club activities. This includes babysitting, sleepovers or inviting children to your home. Any exceptions require written explanation before the fact and are subject to supervisor approval.
  • Smoking or use of tobacco in the presence of children or parents during working hours is prohibited.
  • Using, possessing, or being under the influence of alcohol or drugs during working hours is prohibited.
  • Not respecting children’s rights to not be touched in ways that make them feel uncomfortable and their right to say no.