A prominent water safety organization has commended Keir Starmer for supporting the Mirror’s Save Lives for Sam initiative and is urging the Prime Minister to devise an action plan before the summer season.
Following 19 water-related fatalities, including 13 children, during last month’s unprecedented heatwave, the Prime Minister vowed the government’s assistance. This commitment was acknowledged by the Royal Life Saving Society, which expressed gratitude to the Labour leader for his involvement in the cause.
Simmy Akhtar, the charity’s CEO, emphasized the importance of the government’s pledge to prevent future drownings. The call is for immediate action through convening a crucial roundtable meeting to establish an action plan before the upcoming summer holidays, a period known for increased drowning incidents.
As temperatures are expected to soar to 35C, the charity’s plea coincides with a weekend where numerous individuals are projected to visit beaches. An amber extreme heat warning has been issued by the Met Office for parts of southern and eastern England and south Wales.
Reflecting on the Mirror’s water safety campaign, Keir Starmer expressed deep concern over the fatalities, particularly those involving children. At the G7 summit in Evian, France, he vowed to support the campaign and implement measures to ensure everyone’s safety, emphasizing the impact of the tragic losses, especially among children.
The Save Lives for Sam campaign, named after 16-year-old Sam Haycock who drowned in 2021, aims to prevent the deaths of 33 children annually in open water across the country. The campaign’s demands include raising public awareness, installing safety equipment at crucial locations, introducing mandatory water survival lessons in schools, appointing a Minister for Water Safety, and enforcing stricter laws against damaging safety equipment.
Labour MP Lee Pitcher, a key advocate for the campaign, praised Keir Starmer for his personal commitment and called for the immediate adoption of Sam’s Law. The campaign has garnered support from various organizations and notable figures, including Olympic athletes and water safety experts.
A recent report by the Royal Lifesaving Society UK revealed that nearly 90% of child drownings could have been prevented. The momentum behind the campaign continues to grow, with a strong push for swift action to save lives and prevent further tragedies.