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Written question asked by Josh Fenton-Glynn (Labour) on Wednesday, 15 July 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 1 September 2026. It was answered by Georgia Gould (Labour) on Monday, 7 September 2026 on behalf of the Department for Education.

Drownings: Ethnic Groups

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to help tackle the rate of drowning for black children, in the context of an increase of 35% since 2020, given black children are three times more likely to drown than white children.

Answer

The department works closely with other government departments to support drowning prevention activity and ensure that all children gain the skills and knowledge they need. The PE national curriculum requires all primary pupils to be taught to swim competently, confidently and proficiently over a distance of at least 25 metres, use a range of strokes effectively, and perform safe self-rescue in different water-based situations.

In addition, revised statutory relationships, sex and health education guidance will ensure that all pupils in both primary and secondary are taught about the Water Safety Code, including floating as a key lifesaving technique. These requirements will come into force from September.

Our reforms to the PE curriculum will ensure there is a clear emphasis on swimming and water safety, and our new PE and School Sport Partnerships Network will bring the expertise of national governing bodies including Swim England directly into schools.

The network will provide targeted support where needed to close gaps in attainment and participation, including for pupils from disadvantaged and ethnic minority backgrounds.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
19252
Session
2026-27
Grouped for answer
Yes
Transferred
Yes
Subjects
Children Ethnic groups Drownings
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk