The Member of Parliament for Eastleigh, Mims Davies has promoted swimming as it emerges that almost 50% of children are leaving school unable to swim. This week marks International Learn to Swim Week. On average 400 people drown in the UK each year and drowning is the third most common cause of accidental death in children. Swim England, who are coordinating this years campaign have said that all children should have the opportunity to learn how to swim and be taught how to stay safe in and around water.
Many children learn to swim out-side of school, and over 80% of swimming lesson programmes use Swim England ‘Learn to Swim’ Programme content.
Commenting, Eastleigh MP and Sports Minister, Mims Davies said:
“Representing a coastal constituency like Eastleigh, as the local MP as well as the Minister for Sport and Young People, I am really aware of how important it is that young people in our area can swim.
“Having visited the independent lifeboat crew at Hamble I know how the ability to swim can help to save lives, and so as Eastleigh’s MP I really welcome Swim England’s awareness campaign.”