Woolwich Waves

My kids had their first swimming lessons at the new centre after switching from Water Front. I’d like to raise a safeguarding concern regarding children’s swimming lessons at Woolwich Waves. The parents’ viewing gallery is situated next to the café and is freely accessible to the general public. As a result, individuals with no connection to the lessons — including people waiting for buses — were able to sit and observe children swimming. This understandably caused concern among several parents, as unrestricted public access to a children’s viewing area presents a potential safeguarding risk. I raised this issue with Brayden (Duty Manager) and Bobby (General Manager) to understand how the area is monitored and what measures are in place to manage access. Unfortunately, the concern was met with defensiveness and was largely dismissed rather than treated as a legitimate safeguarding matter. No clear explanation or preventative solution was provided. It is important to note that other staff members were helpful, understanding, and acknowledged the validity of parents’ concerns, which was appreciated and reassuring. Safeguarding should be approached proactively, not reactively. It was disappointing to see a serious issue raised by multiple parents not addressed with the care and attention it warrants. I hope Woolwich Waves reviews its safeguarding arrangements and takes appropriate steps to ensure children’s privacy and safety during swimming lessons.

My kids had their first swimming lessons at the new centre after switching from Water Front. I’d like to raise a safeguarding concern regarding children’s swimming lessons at Woolwich Waves. The parents’ viewing gallery is situated next to the café and is freely accessible to the general public. As a result, individuals with no connection to the lessons — including people waiting for buses — were able to sit and observe children swimming. This understandably caused concern among several parents, as unrestricted public access to a children’s viewing area presents a potential safeguarding risk. I raised this issue with Brayden (Duty Manager) and Bobby (General Manager) to understand how the area is monitored and what measures are in place to manage access. Unfortunately, the concern was met with defensiveness and was largely dismissed rather than treated as a legitimate safeguarding matter. No clear explanation or preventative solution was provided. It is important to note that other staff members were helpful, understanding, and acknowledged the validity of parents’ concerns, which was appreciated and reassuring. Safeguarding should be approached proactively, not reactively. It was disappointing to see a serious issue raised by multiple parents not addressed with the care and attention it warrants. I hope Woolwich Waves reviews its safeguarding arrangements and takes appropriate steps to ensure children’s privacy and safety during swimming lessons.

My Son is been swimming at Gll for 10 year and always happy with the teacher. For him being to the new Woolwich waves improves his confidence and swimming ability.