Commons Sense

House of Commons · Adjournment Debate

Water Safety: Drowning Prevention

13 July 2023 · 1 other contributor

Opened by Rob Butler Con Aylesbury

Environment

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Rob Butler raised concerns about water safety: drowning prevention in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • The debate addressed the drowning of a 12-year-old girl named Sunnah Khan and discussed ways to improve water safety.
  • Rob Butler highlighted that there were 226 accidental water fatalities in the UK last year, with a 46% increase in child deaths compared to the five-year average.
  • The Minister acknowledged ongoing efforts like the school sport and activity action plan to teach water safety techniques and classroom-based lessons on dangers.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Rob Butler Con Aylesbury

The debate was initiated to address the tragic drowning of a 12-year-old girl named Sunnah Khan and to discuss ways to improve water safety. The speech highlighted key statistics from the National Drowning Report UK, noting that there were 226 accidental water fatalities in the UK last year, with a 46% increase in child deaths compared to the five-year average. Rob Butler emphasised the importance of teaching children about rip currents and other dangers associated with swimming, advocating for more educational efforts both at school and through public signage. He also proposed increasing awareness of brightly-coloured swimwear to aid quick identification during emergencies.

Other contributors (1)
  • Claire Coutinho Con Solihull

    Congratulated Rob Butler on securing the debate and expressed condolences for Sunnah Khan's family. Emphasised support for teaching swimming and water safety in schools, mentioning that 80% of primary schools provide these lessons.

Government Response

Eleanor Laing

The Minister responded by expressing condolences to Sunnah Khan's family and acknowledged the importance of the debate. She highlighted ongoing efforts such as the school sport and activity action plan, which encourages teaching practical water safety techniques in pools and classroom-based lessons on various dangers. The Department is also working with organisations like the Royal Life Saving Society UK and Swim England to develop resources for pupils. Additionally, she mentioned support for Drowning Prevention Week and World Drowning Prevention Day, aiming to increase awareness among families as they start their summer holidays.

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