Important: You deserve to feel safe and respected
If anyone—including classmates, instructors, or lifeguards—touches your genitals in a way that makes you uncomfortable, you are not to blame. You have the right to stop the interaction and get help right away.
What you should do, step by step
- Move away and set a boundary. Step back, cover yourself if you can, and clearly say, “Please stop touching me. I don’t like that.”
- Get to a safe place. Go to a lifeguard, instructor, coach, or another trusted adult (like a parent or guardian) as soon as you can.
- Tell a trusted adult what happened. Use simple, direct language. Example: “During swimming lessons, X touched my genitals inappropriately. It made me uncomfortable.”
- Keep records if possible. Note the time, place, who was involved, and what happened. This helps when reporting.
- Report the incident. Tell a parent/guardian, school administrator, the swimming pool staff, or the organization running the class. If the act was criminal or you feel in immediate danger, call emergency services (e.g., 112/911 depending on your country) right away.
- Ask for support. A counselor or school nurse can help you process what happened. You don’t have to go through this alone.
- Follow up on safety measures. Request that the program reviews safety protocols, supervision, and privacy policies. You can ask for changes like more supervision, buddy systems, or private changing areas.
What not to do
- Don’t blame yourself or apologize for someone else’s behavior.
- Don’t retaliate or confront the person alone if you feel unsafe.
- Don’t keep quiet to avoid making waves; your safety matters more than any lesson schedule.
Why reporting is important
Reporting helps protect you and others from harm. It also helps the organization improve safety so similar incidents don’t happen again.
If you’re unsure what to say
You can practice a short script: “I don’t like that. Please do not touch my body. I want to speak with a teacher/parent about what happened.”
Resources you can use
- School counselor or nurse
- Swimming program supervisor or lifeguard
- Parents or guardians
- Child protection services or local helplines (if you’re unsure who to contact, start with a trusted adult)
Reminder
You deserve to be safe. Reach out to a trusted adult as soon as possible so you can get the support you need and keep yourself safe.