​1. Role of the Volunteer

I understand that my role as a volunteer in the Into the Blue Programme may include:

• Welcoming participants and fostering a warm, inclusive community environment

• General oversight of non-water activities such as the fire pit, hot drinks, and snacks

• Social engagement and informal support through conversation and presence

• Remaining observant and alert to any concerns relating to participant wellbeing and reporting these promptly to the designated safety leads

I understand that I am not responsible for water safety, rescue, or medical response.

2. Water Safety Responsibilities

I acknowledge that:

• Jenny Favell and Denise McDade are the designated individuals responsible for water safety and rescue

• My responsibility is limited to being vigilant and communicating any concerns to Jenny or Denise

• I must not attempt any water rescue or safety intervention unless explicitly directed to do so by the designated safety leads

3. Participation in Cold Water Immersion

I have previously completed The Cold Water Therapists Cold Water Safety Induction and I understand and agree that:

• I may choose to enter the water alongside programme participants

• My participation in cold water immersion is entirely voluntary

• I enter the water at my own risk and am responsible for my own safety and wellbeing

• I will monitor my physical and mental condition and remove myself from the water immediately if I feel unwell, unsafe, or uncomfortable

I confirm that I am physically and mentally capable of participating in cold water immersion activities.

4. Assumption of Risk

I acknowledge that participation in this programme, including cold water immersion, involves inherent risks, including but not limited to:

• Cold shock

• Hypothermia

• Slips, trips, and falls

• Dizziness, fatigue, or loss of coordination

• Aggravation of existing medical or mental health conditions

I voluntarily assume all risks associated with my participation as a volunteer, including entering the water.

5. Medical Responsibility

I confirm that:

• I am responsible for assessing my own fitness to volunteer and participate

• I have disclosed any relevant medical conditions to the programme organisers where appropriate

• The organisers are not responsible for monitoring my health or determining my suitability to participate

• I will not attend a session if I am unfit to do so or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

6. Release of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, I agree to release, waive and discharge the programme organisers, facilitators, landowners, volunteers and designated safety leads (including Jenny and Denise) from any liability for injury, illness, loss, or damage arising from my participation in the programme, including participation in cold water immersion.

7. Code of Conduct

As a volunteer, I agree to:

• Treat all participants, volunteers and organisers with respect, kindness, and inclusion

• Help create a welcoming, non-judgemental, and supportive environment

• Respect personal boundaries, consent and individual differences

• Follow all instructions and guidance provided by the programme organisers

• Refrain from behaviour that could place myself or others at risk

I understand that the programme organisers reserve the right to ask any volunteer to step back from volunteering or participation if their behaviour is considered unsafe, inappropriate, or not aligned with the values of the programme.

8. Safeguarding

I acknowledge that:

• The programme may include participants who are vulnerable due to physical health, mental health, emotional wellbeing, or personal circumstances

• My role as a volunteer does not involve counselling, therapy, medical advice, or safeguarding intervention

I agree that:

• Any safeguarding concerns, disclosures, or worries about participant wellbeing will be reported immediately to the programme organisers (Jenny and Denise)

• I will not attempt to manage safeguarding concerns independently

• I will respect confidentiality, except where there is a concern for safety or wellbeing

9. Confidentiality

I agree to:

• Respect the privacy and confidentiality of all participants, volunteers and organisers

• Not share personal stories, experiences, health information, or identifying details of others outside of the programme

• Treat information shared within the programme as confidential

I understand that confidentiality may only be broken if there is a concern about someone’s safety or wellbeing, in line with safeguarding responsibilities.

10. Photography, Video & Social Media

I understand that photos or videos may be taken during programme activities for documentation, community sharing, and programme promotion.

I agree that:

• I will not take or share photographs, videos, or recordings of participants without their explicit consent

• I will not post images or identifying information of participants on social media or other platforms without permission from both the individuals involved and the programme organisers

Consent:
I consent to photographs/videos being taken of me for programme use
I understand these images may be used for:

• Programme promotion

• Community communication

• Website and social media content

11. Acknowledgement & Consent

I confirm that:

• I have read and understood this document

• I have had the opportunity to ask questions

• I agree to abide by the terms outlined above

• I am signing this document freely and voluntarily