MPs to debate petition relating to water safety
8 July 2021
On Monday 12 July, MPs will debate a petition relating to water safety.
- Watch the debate (from 6.15pm, Monday 12 July)
- Read the debate transcript (available shortly after the conclusion of the debate)
- Follow the Committee on Twitter and join the discussion using #WaterSafetyDebate
The debate will be led by Petitions Committee Chair Catherine McKinnell MP. MPs from all parties can take part, and Nick Gibb MP, a Minister at the Department for Education, will respond on behalf of the Government.
Increase curriculum content about water safety as part of swimming lessons
The petition, which has more than 107,000 signatures as of 7 July, states: “As a country we see many water-related fatalities every year. We see many more call outs to water related incidents. Throughout lockdown year our coastguards were tasked to almost double the call outs than in the previous year. Our children NEED to learn about cold water shock & rip currents.”
In its response to the petition, the Government said: “The curriculum states that pupils should be taught to perform safe self-rescue in different water-based situations. The Department recognises that children have missed out on opportunities to be taught how to swim and to be safe in and around water due to COVID-19 restrictions.”
What are petitions debates?
Petitions debates are ‘general’ debates which allow MPs from all parties to discuss the important issues raised by one, or more petitions, and put their concerns to Government Ministers.
Further Information
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