Safeguarding is central to creating a safe and positive environment in sailing. Young people gain confidence and life skills on the water, but they need to feel supported and protected while doing so. To ensure high standards, the Royal Yachting Association provides the RYA Safe and Fun online course, a programme that gives instructors, volunteers, and coaches the knowledge they need to promote safety and well-being.
Oxford Sailing Training Trust (OSTT) encourages everyone involved in teaching or supporting young sailors to complete this training. The course is simple to access, flexible to complete at home, and provides practical guidance that helps safeguard participants in every setting.
What the RYA Safe and Fun Online Course Covers
The RYA Safe and Fun programme sets out the core principles of safeguarding within the sailing environment. It explains what good practice looks like, how to recognise potential concerns, and what steps to take if action is needed.
In addition, the course highlights the responsibilities of adults and the importance of creating an inclusive culture. Each module uses realistic examples so participants can see how safeguarding applies in daily sailing activities.
Key topics include:
- An overview of safeguarding responsibilities for adults working with young people.
- Recognising different forms of abuse and neglect.
- Responding to concerns in a clear and appropriate way.
- Building a safe and respectful culture in clubs and training centres.
- How safeguarding fits within wider RYA policies and guidance.
By focusing on watersports-specific situations, the training goes beyond generic safeguarding and ensures relevance to sailing instructors and volunteers.
Why Safeguarding Matters in Sailing
Every young sailor should be able to enjoy their sport in an environment where they feel valued and protected. Safeguarding is about more than preventing harm; it is about promoting respect, fairness, and inclusion. When clubs and instructors take safeguarding seriously, they build trust with families and communities.
Instructors gain confidence from training, which helps them handle situations that may otherwise feel uncertain. Parents feel reassured when they see that children are supported by people who understand their responsibilities. Young participants benefit from a culture that encourages them to thrive.
In practice, strong safeguarding benefits everyone. It not only keeps participants safe but also ensures clubs and centres maintain good reputations and attract more families to their programmes.
Who Needs to Complete the Course?
The training is relevant for a wide range of people:
- Instructors and coaches delivering RYA programmes.
- Volunteers who assist with junior sailing sessions.
- Parents who help out with club activities.
- Anyone preparing for an RYA instructor qualification.
Importantly, completion of RYA Safe and Fun is often a requirement for those working towards instructor status. By making the course part of the qualification pathway, the RYA ensures that safeguarding is built into the foundation of an instructor’s professional journey.
Flexible Training for Busy Schedules
The RYA delivers the programme entirely online, making it both accessible and convenient. Learners can log in at a time that suits them, complete the modules at their own pace, and return to sections if they want to review information.
This flexibility makes it particularly suitable for the winter months, when on-the-water activity may be less frequent. It allows aspiring instructors or current volunteers to keep progressing with their training from home. As a result, they stay engaged with their development even when weather conditions limit practical sessions.
Confidence Through Knowledge
One of the main benefits of the RYA Safe and Fun course is the confidence it gives to those who complete it. Safeguarding situations can be sensitive and complex, and many people worry about making the wrong decision. However, the training provides clarity. It sets out what to look for, what to do, and where to go for further support.
Recognised procedures give learners the confidence to act responsibly and without hesitation. Clubs and training centres also benefit. Parents trust organisations more when they know staff and volunteers are properly trained in safeguarding. Consequently, the overall reputation of the organisation improves.
How the Course Links to Other Training
The RYA Safe and Fun programme is not a stand-alone qualification. It connects directly with other training and acts as a foundation for further learning. For example, anyone becoming an RYA Dinghy Instructor must complete the course before starting instructor training. It also supports roles in youth programmes, school sailing sessions, and junior clubs.
By embedding safeguarding at the earliest stage, the RYA ensures that every instructor starts with the right mindset. In the long term, this creates a culture across the sport where safeguarding is treated with the seriousness it deserves.
How We Apply Safeguarding at OSTT
At OSTT, safeguarding is not just a policy; it is part of our daily practice. We:
- Ask all instructors and volunteers to complete the RYA Safe and Fun course before working with young people.
- Refresh safeguarding knowledge regularly through staff briefings and updates.
- Appoint safeguarding leads so that participants and parents know exactly who to approach with concerns.
- Maintain clear reporting processes in line with RYA standards.
These steps help ensure that safeguarding remains active and visible across every course we deliver.
Why OSTT Recommends Safe and Fun
Safeguarding forms a core part of all activities at OSTT. From first aid courses to instructor development, safety and responsibility remain at the forefront. Recommending the RYA Safe and Fun course is part of that wider commitment.
Every instructor, assistant, and volunteer should feel supported in their role. Completing the training provides essential knowledge and also shows a personal commitment to creating a safe environment for young people. Furthermore, it strengthens OSTT’s reputation as a centre that puts safeguarding at the heart of every activity.
How to Access the Course
Taking part in the programme is straightforward. You can register through our dedicated RYA Safe and Fun page and receive login details to begin straight away.
Because it is online, there is no need to travel or wait for scheduled classes. Learners can complete it in a single sitting or spread it out over several sessions, depending on their schedule. In addition, the system allows participants to revisit modules at any time, ensuring they fully understand the content.
The Lasting Value of Safeguarding Training
Although the course itself can be completed relatively quickly, the benefits extend far beyond the session. Learners carry the knowledge forward, guiding how they interact with young people, handle challenges, and build positive relationships.
Instructors can use safeguarding training as a stepping stone to further qualifications and career development. Volunteers gain confidence and show that their contribution is valued. Clubs and centres raise overall standards and strengthen trust with the community.
Ultimately, safeguarding training provides peace of mind. Everyone involved knows that the right systems are in place, and that makes sailing a safer and more enjoyable sport for all.
A Safe Foundation for the Future
Sailing offers young people adventure, resilience, and joy. None of this can be achieved without the assurance of safety. The RYA Safe and Fun online course provides the foundation on which all other training is built.
By completing the course, instructors and volunteers prepare themselves to protect participants, respond appropriately to concerns, and contribute to a culture where young sailors feel supported and secure. In turn, this helps ensure the sport continues to grow with strong values at its core.
Final Thoughts
Safeguarding should never be an afterthought in sailing. It is a responsibility shared by everyone who works with young people on the water. The RYA Safe and Fun online course makes it simple to gain the knowledge and confidence required to uphold these standards.
OSTT recommends this training as part of its wider commitment to safety and professionalism. By encouraging instructors and volunteers to complete the programme, we help ensure that young people have the best possible experience in sailing.
Take the next step by visiting our RYA Safe and Fun page or exploring our Supporting Courses to see how safeguarding connects to wider training opportunities.
