Bridget Phillipson urges schools to prioritize water safety education for students before the summer break to prevent potential tragedies. The Education Secretary commended the Mirror’s impactful Save Lives for Sam campaign, which calls for immediate measures to prevent drownings. The campaign was launched following a distressing week where 19 individuals lost their lives in water-related incidents during an intense heatwave.
A recent Cobra meeting addressing the heatwave, attended by various government officials, highlighted the importance of discussing water safety measures. Starting in September, it will be mandatory to include water safety education in Relationships and Sex and Health Education (RSHE) lessons as part of the school curriculum. The guidance emphasizes teaching children to identify risks and stay safe around water, along with understanding the water safety code.
Ms. Phillipson emphasized the urgency of advising students on water safety before the summer holidays, considering the recent tragic incidents. She encouraged schools and teachers to promptly share resources and lesson plans with students and families, stressing the importance of early intervention in educating youth on water safety.
Keir Starmer recently expressed support for the Save Lives for Sam campaign at the G7 summit, pledging government assistance to bolster the campaign’s efforts in safeguarding individuals. The campaign, named after Sam Haycock who tragically drowned in 2021, aims to promote water safety awareness among all schools from September onwards.
The water safety code, which will be integrated into school curriculums, emphasizes the importance of assessing risks before entering water and ensuring companionship while near water bodies. In case of emergencies, individuals are advised to call 999 for the coastguard or, if in water, to remain calm, float on their back, and seek help.
During a recent Cabinet meeting, Chief Secretary to the PM Darren Jones stressed the need for disseminating water safety advice to the public following recent water-related tragedies. The government is actively collaborating with various organizations like the National Fire Chiefs Council and the coast guard to enhance water safety measures.
The Mirror advocates for a national focus on drowning prevention and urges the government to launch a comprehensive public awareness campaign before the summer holidays, emphasizing vital safety tips and caution against diving into water. Additionally, the newspaper calls for the implementation of ‘Sam’s Law’ to mandate safety equipment around high-risk water bodies.
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