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The Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) has met with MPs and Ministers to discuss the urgent need for class-based water safety education in schools, as part of its annual Drowning Prevention Week campaign (14 to 21 June).
The national charity hosted an event at Westminster to highlight new data showing that 141 children (0-17 years) from England, Scotland or Wales drowned in in the last three years. Data from England shows that child drownings have doubled since 2019-20.
RLSS UK, alongside key partners, has been a long-term advocate for class-based water safety education to be taught in schools across the UK and Ireland. Following the charity’s campaigning, class-based water safety lessons, including The Water Safety Code have been included in draft Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) guidance in England, and RLSS UK hosted the Westminster event to lobby for support for its formal inclusion in the National Curriculum.
MPs and Ministers were invited to the event to hear firsthand from bereaved parents about the devastating loss caused by drowning, as well as the vital role class-based water safety education can play to prevent future loss of life.
Vanessa Abbess was one of the parents who attended the meeting. She bravely shared her story of the loss of her son Joe, who drowned, aged 17, in the sea at Bournemouth beach in 2023.
“I am still very shocked and heartbroken at Joe’s death, he was healthy and strong but tragically drowned, when a sudden and ferocious rip current hit. Joe was a very caring young man, and I feel it is important to tell his story, on his behalf, to warn others of the dangers and unpredictability of the sea. It is not enough to know how to swim without a knowledge of what to do, to help your chance of survival, if conditions change. I wholeheartedly support RLSS UK in its campaign to add water safety education to the National Curriculum for England, which could potentially save many lives.”
Vanessa Abbess, whose son Joe drowned in the sea at Bournemouth beach in 2023.
In attendance at the RLSS UK event was South Yorkshire Chief Fire Officer Chris Kirby, who is also water safety lead for the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC).
“Recent statistics highlight a stark reality: hundreds of accidental drowning deaths occur in the UK each year, many of which could have been prevented with greater awareness, education, and regulation.
“By advocating for a ministerial portfolio, the National Fire Chiefs Council joins other organisations in working towards ensuring that drowning prevention receives the strategic oversight and resources it needs. This portfolio would enable the implementation of robust policies and measures, including public education campaigns, improved access to safety equipment and enhanced collaborations between agencies responsible for water safety.”
South Yorkshire Chief Fire Officer Chris Kirby.
Chris addressed the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Water Safety Education, where he called on MPs to do more at a national level to tackle drownings.
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