Keir Starmer has expressed his support for The Mirror’s water safety campaign following a series of concerning water-related deaths in recent weeks.
The Prime Minister, addressing the tragedies during the recent heatwave, empathized with parents who lost their children to water incidents and pledged Government assistance for The Mirror’s Save Lives for Sam initiative. Speaking at the G7 summit, Starmer emphasized the need for action to prevent further tragedies, particularly those involving children and young people.
The Mirror is urging the government to address the issue of water safety, highlighting the alarming statistic of 33 children dying in open water every year. Recent incidents, including 19 deaths during a heatwave from May 24 to 31, have raised concerns about the need for immediate action.
Named after 16-year-old Sam Haycock who tragically drowned in 2021, the campaign aims to raise awareness and implement safety measures to prevent future accidents. Sam’s father, Simon Haycock, emphasized the urgency of the campaign, calling for swift action to prevent further tragedies.
In addition to public awareness campaigns and educational initiatives, The Mirror is advocating for ‘Sam’s Law,’ which would mandate safety equipment installation around high-risk water bodies and make damaging or stealing this equipment a criminal offense. The campaign also calls for the appointment of a Minister for Water Safety in England to address drowning as a preventable public health issue.
Various organizations and individuals, including MPs and Olympic athletes, have voiced their support for the campaign, underscoring the importance of collective action to prevent drownings. A recent report by the Royal Life Saving Society UK revealed that the majority of child drownings could have been prevented with proper supervision and safety measures.
By prioritizing water safety and implementing necessary measures, the campaign aims to save lives and prevent future tragedies in open water.
