Recent drowning tragedies prompt call for swimming lessons on school curriculum
The demand was made by Senator Alison Comyn this week following the tragic deaths of a number of young people around the country while bathing in recent weeks.
Education Minister Helen McEntee is to be called to the Seanad to discuss the proposal.
Senator Comyn said: "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."
The Drogheda based mother of two told the Seanad that Water Safety Ireland currently offers the primary aquatics water safety , PAWS, programme in primary schools , aiming to teach the most basic water safety knowledge.
But she warned: "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 88pc 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."
She called for a co-ordinated national effort to include investing in swimming infrastructure, subsidising lessons to make them accessible to all, and training educators to deliver effective water safety instruction.
Senator Comyn added; "I request a debate in the House with the Minister for Education 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."
The Leader of the Seanad Sean Kyne supported her move and said he will request a debate with Helen McEntee, the Education Minister.
He added; "It makes eminent sense to encourage youngsters to learn to swim as early as possible. An ability to swim would make a difference in terms of saving their own lives and perhaps being able to save other people."
A few years ago in 2019, a 14 year old local girl, Jill Amante died while swimming in Termonfeckin after getting pulled out to sea by a local riptide.
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