Skip to main content

Public health campaign on the dangers of swimming in open water

EDM (Early Day Motion) 252: tabled on 02 June 2026

Tabled in the 2026-27 session.

This motion has been signed by 30 Members. It has not yet had any amendments submitted.

Motion text

That this House notes with deep sadness the recent deaths of young people and others in lakes, reservoirs, rivers, ponds and other open water during the recent period of hot weather; extends its condolences to the families, friends and communities affected by these tragedies; recognises the particular dangers posed by cold water shock, hidden currents, sudden changes in depth, underwater hazards, restricted access for emergency services and the absence of lifeguards at many inland water sites; further recognises that young people may underestimate these risks, especially during warm weather and school holiday periods; believes that clear, visible and repeated public health messaging can help prevent further loss of life; calls on the Government to work with local authorities, schools, water companies, emergency services, broadcasters, social media platforms, the Royal Life Saving Society UK, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution and other water safety organisations to deliver a national television and social media campaign targeted at young people and parents; and further calls for that campaign to promote practical water safety advice, including swimming only in supervised locations, avoiding reservoirs and unauthorised open water sites, recognising the signs of cold water shock, and knowing what to do when someone gets into difficulty in the water.

The first 6 Members who have signed to support the motion are the sponsors. The primary sponsor is generally the person who tabled the motion and has responsibility for it. The date shown is when the Member signed the motion.

In addition to the sponsors, the following Members have signed to support the motion.

Paffey, Darren
Labour
Signed on 9 June 2026
Southampton Itchen
Saville Roberts, Liz
Plaid Cymru
Signed on 9 June 2026
Dwyfor Meirionnydd
Lake, Ben
Plaid Cymru
Signed on 9 June 2026
Ceredigion Preseli
Davies, Ann
Plaid Cymru
Signed on 9 June 2026
Caerfyrddin
Medi, Llinos
Plaid Cymru
Signed on 9 June 2026
Ynys Môn
Darling, Steve
Liberal Democrat
Signed on 9 June 2026
Torbay
Athwal, Jas
Labour
Signed on 9 June 2026
Ilford South
Foord, Richard
Liberal Democrat
Signed on 10 June 2026
Honiton and Sidmouth
Eccles, Cat
Labour
Signed on 10 June 2026
Stourbridge
Beavers, Lorraine
Labour
Signed on 10 June 2026
Blackpool North and Fleetwood
Yasin, Mohammad
Labour
Signed on 10 June 2026
Bedford
Dillon, Mr Lee
Liberal Democrat
Signed on 10 June 2026
Newbury
Jarvis, Liz
Liberal Democrat
Signed on 10 June 2026
Eastleigh
Mullane, Margaret
Labour
Signed on 10 June 2026
Dagenham and Rainham
Chowns, Dr Ellie
Green Party
Signed on 15 June 2026
North Herefordshire
Mohamed, Iqbal
Independent
Signed on 15 June 2026
Dewsbury and Batley
Dance, Adam
Liberal Democrat
Signed on 15 June 2026
Yeovil
Swann, Robin
Ulster Unionist Party
Signed on 16 June 2026
South Antrim
Campbell, Mr Gregory
Democratic Unionist Party
Signed on 17 June 2026
East Londonderry
Harding, Monica
Liberal Democrat
Signed on 17 June 2026
Esher and Walton
Ahmed, Dr Zubir
Labour
Signed on 30 June 2026
Glasgow South West
Babarinde, Josh
Liberal Democrat
Signed on 6 July 2026
Eastbourne
Gardner, Dr Allison
Labour
Signed on 6 July 2026
Stoke-on-Trent South
Antoniazzi, Tonia
Labour
Signed on 6 July 2026
Gower

There are no withdrawn signatures for this motion.