A prominent water safety organization has commended Keir Starmer for supporting the Mirror’s Save Lives for Sam initiative, urging the Prime Minister to devise an action plan before the summer months.
The Prime Minister has promised government assistance in response to 19 water-related fatalities, including 13 children, during the recent heatwave. The Royal Life Saving Society has expressed gratitude to the Labour leader for his endorsement of their cause.
Simmy Akhtar, the charity’s CEO, emphasized the importance of the government’s commitment to preventing future drownings. He highlighted the significance of this pledge coinciding with the Royal Life Saving Society UK’s Drowning Prevention Week and called for immediate action through a roundtable meeting before the summer holidays.
As temperatures soar and thousands are expected to flock to the beaches, with an amber extreme heat warning issued in certain regions, the charity’s appeal for urgent measures gains urgency.
Keir Starmer voiced his support for the Mirror’s water safety campaign, empathizing with the families affected by the recent tragedies, especially the loss of young lives. He pledged to support the campaign and enhance safety measures to protect everyone, particularly children.
The Save Lives for Sam campaign aims to prevent the deaths of 33 children annually in open water across the country. It is named after Sam Haycock, a 16-year-old who tragically drowned in 2021. The campaign, supported by various organizations and public figures, advocates for public awareness, safety equipment, water survival lessons, a Minister for Water Safety, and stricter laws to address safety breaches.
Labour MP Lee Pitcher lauded Mr. Starmer’s personal commitment to the cause and called for the swift adoption of Sam’s Law. With cross-party and public support, as well as the Prime Minister’s backing, the campaign seeks to save lives without delay.
Advocates, including Simon Haycock and Vanessa Abbess, who have experienced personal loss due to water incidents, are actively lobbying for legislative changes. A recent report by the Royal Lifesaving Society UK highlighted the preventability of a significant portion of child drownings.
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