PHOTOGRAPHY POLICY

Photography Policy

At the Borough of Harrow Swimming Club (BHSC), we recognise the value of capturing moments of achievement and enjoyment during swimming activities. However, the proliferation of devices with photography and filming capabilities—such as mobile phones—presents potential risks to the privacy and safety of swimmers, especially minors. This Photography Policy outlines the rules and expectations regarding the capture, use, and sharing of images and videos to safeguard the well-being of all swimmers, particularly children and vulnerable adults.

Purpose of the Policy

This policy aims to ensure that images of swimmers are captured and shared appropriately, with respect for privacy and safeguarding concerns. We understand that parents and carers often wish to take photos to celebrate their child’s progress and achievements, but it is important to remain mindful of the privacy and preferences of others.

1. General Photography Guidelines

Parents and carers are encouraged to take the following steps when capturing photos or videos at BHSC events:

• Focus on Your Own Child: When photographing your swimmer, please avoid capturing images of other swimmers as much as possible, especially if the photos are intended for sharing on social media or with friends and family. Respect the privacy of other swimmers and their families, as they may not want their child’s image to be taken or shared.
• Consent for Sharing: If you do happen to capture other swimmers in your photos, ensure that you have their parents’ or carers’ consent before sharing the images publicly (e.g., on social media).
• Event-Specific Guidelines: Many swimming competitions have their own specific photography policies in place. Please review and adhere to the event’s photography guidelines before taking any pictures. If you have concerns related to child safeguarding or vulnerable adults at an event, please report them immediately to the event organiser or a designated event official.

2. Publishing Images of Swimmers Under 18

When publishing images of swimmers under the age of 18, whether on social media or the BHSC website, the following rules must be observed:

• Parental Consent: Consent from a swimmer’s parent or guardian must be obtained before publishing any photos of their child. This applies to all platforms, including the club website, social media accounts, and promotional materials. Consent can be withdrawn at any time—parents can contact the Welfare Officer at welfare@harrowswim.com to organise the withdrawal of consent.
• Swim England Guidelines: Published images must adhere to Swim England’s guidelines. This includes ensuring that photos are appropriate and respectful, with a particular focus on protecting the swimmer’s dignity and privacy.

3. Withdrawal of Photography Consent

Parents and guardians have the right to withdraw their consent for the use of their child’s images at any time. If you would like to revoke consent, please submit a request in writing to the Club Welfare Officer at welfare@harrowswim.com. Once consent is withdrawn, BHSC will ensure that no further images of the swimmer are captured or published, and previously published images will be removed where possible.

4. Swim England Guidelines for Photography

The Swim England guidelines on photography must be followed for all images taken at BHSC events. These guidelines are designed to ensure that photos are appropriate and respectful, particularly when capturing images of young swimmers.

Key Points from Swim England Guidelines:

• Celebrating the Sport: Photographs should celebrate the activity of swimming and not sexualise or objectify the swimmer in any way.
• Action Shots: Action shots should be focused on the sporting activity. Photographs that reveal torn or displaced swimwear, or that capture swimmers in vulnerable positions (e.g., climbing out of the pool), should not be taken or retained.
• Poolside Shots: When photographing swimmers in swimwear, images should generally be taken from the waist up to ensure privacy. Full-length photos are acceptable if the swimmer is fully clothed (e.g., in a tracksuit).
• Starting Blocks: Photographs should not be taken from behind the starting blocks, as this can lead to inappropriate images.
• Videoing: Videoing swimmers during club sessions is generally not recommended by Swim England. If video is used (e.g., to aid in stroke development), it must be justified and should only be retained as long as necessary for the purpose. Once its purpose has been fulfilled, the video should be deleted unless there is a legitimate reason to keep it.

5. Identification in Published Photos

When publishing photos, the following considerations apply:

• Identification: Swimmers under the age of 18 may be identified by name and club affiliation, but personal information such as home addresses, schools, or other identifying details should not be included.
• Safeguarding: All published images must align with Swim England’s safeguarding guidelines to ensure the safety and well-being of the swimmer.

6. Inappropriate Use of Photography

BHSC takes the misuse of photography very seriously. If you become aware of any inappropriate use of images related to the club—whether through social media, event photography, or otherwise—you must immediately inform the Club Welfare Officer at welfare@harrowswim.com. The Club Welfare Officer will assess the situation and take appropriate action in accordance with Swim England safeguarding procedures.

7. Use of Club Photography

From time to time, BHSC may wish to take official photographs of swimmers—both individual and group photos—for promotional or celebratory purposes (e.g., showcasing achievements on the club website or in newsletters). This may include images of your swimmer during their time with the club.

• Swim England Compliance: All official photos taken by the club will comply with Swim England guidelines and will only be used in ways that respect the privacy and dignity of the swimmers.
• Parental Consent: No photos will be published without prior parental consent. As stated previously, parents may withdraw this consent at any time by contacting the Welfare Officer.

8. Reporting Concerns

If you have any concerns about the use of photography at BHSC events or have been made aware of inappropriate photography in connection with the club, please report these concerns to the Club Welfare Officer as soon as possible. Your concerns will be handled in accordance with the club’s safeguarding policies.

For more detailed information on safeguarding issues, including photography, please refer to the Swim England Child Safeguarding Procedures and Policies, available at www.swimming.org/swimengland/wavepower-child-safeguarding-for-clubs.