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Moray swimming club suspended by Scottish Swimming for allowing instructors without child safety checks

Accusations have been made that Forres Bluefins instructors are not suitably qualified.
Accusations have been made that Forres Bluefins instructors are not suitably qualified.

A Moray swimming club has been suspended by the sport’s governing body over a number of serious allegations about the way it is being run.

Forres Bluefins SC has been accused of allowing unqualified individuals without child protection safety qualifications to coach young swimmers.

Scottish Swimming has taken the drastic step to completely suspend the club – which claims to have more than 100 members – from the sport.

An investigation into practices at the club has been taking place for several weeks after concerns were raised about a number of issues.

‘This is not acceptable’

Scottish Swimming’s chief executive Euan Lowe said the management of the club had not been acceptable and accused Forres Bluefins of failing to fully co-operate with the national body’s investigation.

In a letter to other clubs across the country, Mr Lowe confirmed that all activities under the auspices of Forres Bluefins had been suspended until further notice.

Mr Lowe said: “Scottish Swimming has been supporting Forres Bluefins SC for a number of weeks in the resolution of a number of concerns that have been raised within the club.

The club is based at Forres swimming pool. Image: DC Thomson

“During the process of managing these concerns, it appears there exist some club governance matters that require urgent attention in meeting the constitutional and compliance standards expected of clubs as members of SASA (Scottish Amateur Swimming Association).

“In supporting the club, Scottish Swimming have been attempting to seek clarity over the membership status of committee members and those performing regulated roles within the club.

“After repeated requests over a number of weeks, this information has not been forthcoming.

“In addition, I have been made aware of further information that suggests the club has been allowing training activity to be delivered by individuals who are neither members of the club, nor properly qualified or PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups) checked. This is not acceptable.

“Our role as the governing body is to ensure that members can participate in safe, well-regulated environments, the basic standards of which are set out within the club model constitution and subsequent mandatory areas for compliance.

Concerns make insurance cover void

“This not only brings into question the club’s ability to ensure its members are being provided with a safe and enjoyable experience, but it also means that the basic governance requirements are not being met and the insurance cover for any of the club’s activities or its members therefore becomes null and void.

“In this circumstance, I must advise that there is little option but to place the club under a period of temporary suspension from any and all activities within the sport until matters have been satisfactorily addressed.”

Scottish Swimming says the suspension was implemented on November 15. Image: Shutterstock

Scottish Swimming, which continues to support the club, says the suspension will only be lifted when it is satisfied it meets the criteria.

The club’s website and Facebook page make no mention of its suspended status and instead is still advertising for new children to join the club.

The club, which was founded in 1975, is based at Forres Swimming Pool & Fitness Centre and is affiliated with Scottish Swimming’s North District and Sport Moray. The club has been asked to comment.

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