Southampton swimming club urges more water safety lessons in schools

The City of Southampton Swimming Club has called for expanded water safety education as a new curriculum framework is introduced in September.

• A new Water Safety Forum will be introduced to primary and secondary schools starting in the autumn.
• Head coach Matt Heathcock said the cost of swimming, £20‑25 per hour, is a major barrier for families.
• National Water Safety Manager Adam Goymer described pool closures as a "terrible investment" and urged government funding to keep pools open.
• At least 11 people died in water‑related incidents during a heatwave in the UK in late May.