Darren Paffey

Darren Paffey

Labour — Southampton Itchen

Speaking in the House of Commons on 9 June 2026

Debate

Water Safety

Contribution

I am so sorry to hear about that situation. I commend Ren and the many other parents who go far beyond any strength I could ever muster, were this to happen to my family. The hon. Lady is right that they are the most powerful advocates, and we must do more to ensure their voices are heard. In Vanessa’s words, “We live on an island; people should know the dangers. You wouldn’t cross the road without thinking about it—don’t enter the sea”— or the river or the lake— “without thinking about it.” We also know that when the weather gets better, drownings sadly increase. With summer coming—temperatures are forecast to get up to 29° again this weekend—I urge the Government, all Members here and everyone watching this debate to engage with Drowning Prevention Week next week, and to tell the stories of what can go wrong and how to be safe in the summer. Summer comes every year—it is not a surprise to us—but we have to be better prepared for what is guaranteed to happen. There are bound to be risks and the question whether individuals know what to do should not be a lottery.

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