Swim England supports NSPCC campaign to #CloseTheLoophole

Swim England is supporting a national campaign which aims to close a loophole in the law to help protect 16 and 17-year-olds.

The NSPCC has launched its latest wave of the #CloseTheLoophole so it’s illegal for all adults to engage in sexual activity with any young person aged under 18 that they supervise.

It is currently illegal for teachers, care workers and youth justice workers to have sex with 16 or 17-year-olds that they supervise.

However, a loophole in the law means other adults who hold a position of trust over a young person in other settings, such as sport, can legally have sex with them.

More than 3,500 campaigners emailed their MP in January asking for their help to #CloseTheLoophole.

Supportive of campaign

The NSPCC is now calling for the law to be extended to include any adult who holds a position of trust over 16 or 17-year-olds and the Ministry of Justice is now conducting a review.

Jane Nickerson, Swim England Chief Executive, said: “We’re pleased that there will be a review to help #CloseTheLoophole.

“We have been supportive of this campaign for a number of years. As the recognised national governing body, safeguarding is a key priority for us.

“With our Stronger Affiliation process running alongside SwimMark, we’re introducing even tighter controls to reassure members that our clubs are well run and provide a safe environment.

“We back the NSPCC’s plea to the Ministry of Justice that this loophole in the law is closed to help protect young people from abuse in the future.”