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S.O.S. Guidelines
S.O.S. stands for Social Ocean Swim. We are an informal group of parents who want to swim in the sea and need someone to look after our children while we do it. Exact arrangements will be made on the day, depending on who turns up, who wants to swim, age and number of children, babies' moods etc. Please be patient and prepare for the possibility that, very occasionally, you might not get a chance to swim.
S.O.S. is for anyone who finds it difficult to go sea swimming due to childcare. Anyone can use the Whatsapp community to organise meet ups open to everyone, or specific groups e.g. women only, dads, only, with/without dogs etc. You do not always have to bring your child(ren) to S.O.S. meet ups but it's helpful if you register so we know you're part of S.O.S. and be prepared to hold someone else’s child while they swim, if they want you to.
Please Note: there is NO registered childminder or lifeguard. The group is based on trust and everyone is responsible for their own safety. This is why you are asked to register so we have a record of who is part of S.O.S. Registration data will only be available to S.O.S. volunteers. If you choose not to register, or there are no S.O.S. volunteers at your meet up, please swap emergency contact details with your fellow swimmers - just in case.
Follow safer swimming guidance. Don't take unnecessary risks in the water, know your limits and know how to ask for help if you get into trouble in the water. Always stay within sight of the people looking after your child.
Bring your own beach kit. Swim in whatever’s comfortable, no judgement. We strongly recommend a tow float, swimming cap and swim socks in winter. If you don’t have something, ask in the groups - someone usually has a spare. Help each other on and off the beach if you can (but if your baby needs you, you are absolutely okay to make a quick exit!)
Ask before taking any photos, especially of babies or people in their swimsuits. Photos on the S.O.S. website and socials have been shared with permission.
If you can’t make it - let your group know. We usually need a minimum of 3 adults to give everyone a chance to swim. If your plans change, please give as much notice as possible so others can decide if it’s still worth going.
Safeguarding: If you are concerned that someone attending S.O.S. meet ups may be at risk of causing harm to themselves or others, please email hello@socialoceanswims.com. Your concerns will be taken seriously and treated in confidence.
If you have any questions or suggestions, email Carmel at hello@socialoceanswims.com.
(Updated 21 November 2023)
PS. If this doesn’t feel like the right wild swimming group for you, try these:
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