Open Water Africa is committed to fostering safe and positive experiences that promote the growth of open water swimming throughout Africa. We uphold the highest standards of ethics and safety, continually educating ourselves, and promoting responsible practices to ensure a respectful and secure environment for all participants.
1. Our Principles- Safety First: Adhere to current safety practices, legislation, and strategies. Refrain from knowingly posing risks to any individual.
- Fairness & Respect: Treat all individuals equally and with dignity. Avoid favoritism, harassment, privacy violations, or any form of discrimination.
- Responsible Behaviour: Demonstrate politeness, helpfulness, and high moral standards. Protect the environment in accordance with the provisions below.
- Communication & Punctuality: Be prepared, punctual, and transparent in all communications before, during, and after events.
- Integrity & Professionalism: Act with fairness, within defined boundaries, and foster unity and respect within the community.
- Feedback & Improvement: Encourage constructive feedback to drive progress. Promote and clearly communicate safe practices.
- Honesty & Accountability: Communicate truthfully at all levels. Stand by decisions, actions, and statements.
- Dignity & Inclusion: Treat everyone with respect. Prohibit bullying and foster open, constructive discussions that advance the sport.
2. Definitions of Key Terms- Harassment: Unwanted behaviour (verbal, physical, digital) that intimidates, humiliates, or offends others.
- Bullying: Repeated, intentional actions causing harm, fear, or isolation to an individual.
- Unsafe Behaviour: Actions that risk harm to oneself, others, or the environment (e.g., solo swimming in hazardous conditions, littering).
- Environment: Natural water bodies, shorelines, wildlife, and ecosystems impacted by our activities.
3. Environmental Responsibility- Dispose of all waste properly; collect litter (yours and others’, if safe to do so).
- Respect wildlife: maintain a safe distance, do not feed animals, avoid disturbance.
- Utilise eco-friendly equipment where possible (biodegradable sunscreens, reusable containers).
- Minimise water pollution (refrain from chemical dumping; report spills immediately to organisers).
- Comply with local regulations protecting water bodies (e.g., avoid swimming in restricted zones).
4. Scope of Conduct. This Code applies to:
- Members, swimmers, coaches, and volunteers of Open Water Africa.
- Event participants, spectators, and partners in Open Water Africa-organised swims, workshops, and events.
- Online interactions via social media, forums, and communications related to open water swimming in Africa.
- All activities promoting, supporting, or representing Open Water Africa, whether in-person or virtual.
All individuals within these groups are expected to adhere to these principles.
5. Handling Personal Information (POPIA Compliance)- Personal information is collected solely for legitimate purposes (event management, safety, communication).
- Information is processed lawfully, stored securely, and retained only as long as necessary.
- You have rights to access, correct, or request deletion of your data. Contact our Information Officer.
- Information will not be shared, sold, or misused without consent, except as legally required.
- Report privacy concerns or breaches to: Information Officer, privacy@openwaterafrica.org.
6. Reporting Concerns & Consequences of Breaches- Report breaches of this Code, privacy issues, or unsafe behaviour to conduct@openwaterafrica.org or a Safety Officer at events.
- Reports are confidential and addressed promptly.
- Consequences of breaches:
- First breach: Formal warning and mandatory Code education.
- Repeated or severe breaches: Suspension from events, membership, partnerships. Harassment/bullying may lead to expulsion and reporting to authorities.
- Retaliation against reporters is a breach and treated seriously.
- In emergencies, contact event organisers immediately or local emergency services.
7. AcknowledgementBy participating in Open Water Africa events, joining as a member, or engaging with our community, you confirm you have read, understood, and will comply with this Code of Conduct.
We are committed to honesty, integrity, and safety in all interactions. Join us in fostering a positive and sustainable open water swimming community across Africa.
Document Control
This Code is reviewed annually (or as needed). Last updated: 11-11-2025.