House of Commons · Westminster Hall
12 July 2021 · 5 other contributors · 8,770 words
Opened by Catherine McKinnell Lab Newcastle upon Tyne North
Responding minister: Nick Gibb
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Catherine McKinnell raised concerns about water safety — [david mundell in the chair] in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
Will the Government consider requiring class-based water safety instruction before children leave primary school? Will they ensure proper checks on progress against curriculum requirements through Ofsted or other mechanisms?
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
There were 7,000 water-related fatalities in the UK from 2009 to 2020, with almost 3,000 families impacted by fatal accidents over the past decade. The curriculum mandates swimming and self-rescue but fails to deliver effective outcomes due to inconsistent implementation across schools. Poor delivery leaves pupils unaware of critical safety measures such as rip currents, tides, and cold water shock.
Reminded hon. Members about the changes to normal practice in order to support hybrid arrangements during debates, including timings adjustments for technical setups.
Watling supports the petition for reviewing and enhancing curriculum content on water safety. He highlighted tragic incidents in Clacton involving local teenagers and visitors, emphasising the need for universal water safety education across coastal areas. He cited 254 deaths from accidental drownings in UK waters in 2020, with inland open waters accounting for 58% of these fatalities.
Mr Parish highlighted the dangers of cold water shock and undercurrents in rivers, emphasizing that on average 400 people drown annually in the UK, with 44% not intending to enter the water. He shared a tragic story about his constituent's son who died due to cold water shock in the River Thames. Mr Parish called for more awareness campaigns like RNLI's Respect the Water initiative and better education on swimming and open water safety. He suggested that communities conduct risk assessments near waterways and install public rescue equipment, while also encouraging establishments near water to warn patrons of potential risks.
Mr Peter Kyle highlighted the importance of addressing water safety issues, particularly for children under 15 who account for about half of annual drowning cases. He stressed that while swimming is part of the curriculum, it may not adequately prepare students for real-world dangers such as cold-water shock and rip currents. He also mentioned a local tragedy involving Gareth Jones, reinforcing the need for better awareness and education regarding water safety risks.
Tan Dhesi highlighted the issue of drowning among children, citing a petition started due to the death of Dylan 10 years ago and the loss of Michael Scaife. He urged for more water safety education, noting that over 55% of parents lack confidence in their child's ability to handle open water dangers. Dhesi pointed out the decline in swimming lessons during the pandemic with nearly one in four children unable to swim 25 metres by primary school age.
Government Response
Nick GibbIt is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Mundell. The Minister expresses condolences for Dylan Ramsay's family and acknowledges the work of Rebecca Ramsay in raising awareness about water safety. He notes that out of 176 people who drowned as a result of an accident or natural causes in England in 2020, 20 were under 19 years old. The Minister highlights that teaching water safety is mandatory in primary school curriculum and states that 77% of children surveyed in year 7 can swim 25 metres unaided, the same as the previous year. He mentions the PE and sport premium funding to support swimming through teacher training and top-up lessons for pupils not meeting expectations by the end of core lessons; this funding is confirmed at £320 million for academic year 2021-22. Swim England has published guidance documents on school swimming and water safety, including specific guidance on teaching water safety at key stages 1 and 2. The Minister also notes new online water safety lessons made available through Oak National Academy in response to the covid crisis, with support from organisations like the Royal Life Saving Society UK, Swim England, and the Youth Sport Trust. He highlights initiatives focused on increasing opportunities for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) to take part in PE and sport, including a new grant programme led by the Youth Sport Trust and involving Swim England. The Minister mentions an additional £10.1 million provided to improve the use of school sports facilities, focusing on supporting schools to open swimming pools outside the school day. He welcomes ongoing work from the swimming and water safety sector to raise awareness and deliver resources to children and young people, including continued support for Drowning Prevention Week. The Minister concludes by expressing willingness to meet hon. Members and organisations providing more resources for schools.