Andy Burnham has expressed his support for The Mirror’s water safety initiative following a series of tragic drownings that claimed numerous lives. The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of raising awareness about the risks associated with open water swimming. Since May 24, approximately 40 individuals have perished due to incidents in open water, spurred by consecutive heatwaves.
Joining forces with The Mirror’s campaign, named in memory of Sam Haycock, a teenager who tragically drowned in a reservoir in South Yorkshire in 2021, Mr. Burnham commended the efforts to promote water safety education. He stressed the significance of understanding the hazards of open water swimming, especially for non-regular swimmers, citing potential serious consequences.
The campaign advocates for ‘Sam’s Law,’ mandating the installation of safety equipment around high-risk bodies of water. Moreover, it calls for urgent public awareness initiatives, harsher penalties for damaging safety equipment, and the appointment of a Minister for Water Safety in England. The Mirror has united with grieving families, Olympians like Becky Adlington and Tom Dean, as well as swimmer Michael Gunning, to urge authorities to address drowning as a national emergency.
Simon Haycock, Sam’s father, expressed gratitude for Andy Burnham’s support, hoping for progress in advancing the cause. Vanessa Abbess, campaigning in memory of her son Joe who drowned in 2023, emphasized the need for immediate action and the appointment of a Water Safety Minister to spearhead drowning prevention efforts.
Ashley Jones from the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS UK) welcomed the Prime Minister’s endorsement of the campaign, emphasizing the need for comprehensive water safety education to avert future tragedies. Highlighting drowning as a preventable public health concern, he called for enhanced funding for swimming and water safety education in schools across England.
The collaborative efforts of stakeholders, including the government, families, and organizations, aim to bring about tangible changes to enhance water safety and save lives.