Keir Starmer has voiced his support for The Mirror’s campaign on water safety following a series of troubling water-related deaths in recent weeks.
During the G7 summit, Prime Minister expressed his empathy for parents who have lost their children in water incidents during the recent heatwave. He pledged the Government’s full support for The Mirror’s Save Lives for Sam initiative and committed to taking additional measures to ensure public safety.
Echoing the sentiment, Mr. Starmer emphasized the importance of the campaign, especially in light of the tragic incidents involving children during the hot weather. He acknowledged the profound impact and sorrow felt by families and friends of the victims, highlighting the urgency to prevent such tragedies.
The Mirror is urging the government to address the concerning trend of 33 children losing their lives in open water annually, with a recent surge of 19 fatalities in one week during the heatwave. The plea includes calls for increased awareness, safety measures, and education to prevent further losses.
Named after Sam Haycock, a 16-year-old who drowned in 2021, the campaign aims to push for legislative changes, such as ‘Sam’s Law,’ mandating safety equipment around high-risk water bodies. Additionally, the campaign advocates for the appointment of a Minister for Water Safety in England to tackle preventable drowning incidents effectively.
Support for the campaign has been widespread, with various organizations, public figures, and lawmakers backing the initiative to address the preventable issue of drowning among children. A recent report by the Royal Life Saving Society UK highlighted the need for enhanced supervision, safer environments, and preventative measures to avert such tragedies.
The call to action is clear – prioritize water safety, implement necessary reforms, and work collectively to safeguard lives in and around water bodies.