Alison Comyn (Fianna Fail)

As Ireland marks water safety awareness week this week, the recent tragic loss of three young lives to drowning serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to prioritise water safety education in our schools. My condolences to the families of Emmanuel Familola and his friend Matt Sibanda, who lost their lives in Donegal, and of seven-year-old Alan Singh who, sadly, drowned in Sligo.

It is hard to believe that, in Ireland, an average of ten people drown every month. Given our island nation's extensive coastline, lakes and rivers and, of course, the popularity of sea swimming, it is vital every child acquires essential swimming and water safety skills. Currently, Water Safety Ireland offers the primary aquatics water safety, PAWS, programme in primary schools, aiming to teach the most basic water safety knowledge. The teaching of practical swimming lessons remains haphazard, however, often held up by limited access to facilities and funding. This disparity leaves many children, particularly of underserved communities, very vulnerable. Research shows the life-saving potential of swimming lessons, which can reduce the risk of drowning by 88% in children aged between one and four. Other European countries have integrated swimming lessons into their school curricula, recognising the critical role of early water skills education in safeguarding children. Ireland can draw inspiration from these models to ensure comprehensive water safety education for all students.

To address this pressing issue, a co-ordinated national effort is essential. This includes investing in swimming infrastructure, subsidising lessons to make them accessible to all, and training educators to deliver effective water safety instruction. I request a debate in this House with the Minister for Education, Deputy McEntee, on making swimming lessons an integral part of the school system in order that we can equip our children with the skills they need to enjoy Ireland's waterways safely and prevent future tragedies.