Drowning incidents are on the rise, with a concerning number of deaths reported during recent heatwaves. Dr. Ellie Cannon, writing in the Daily Mail, has observed a trend in her clinic: many younger adults report never having learned to swim. This observation comes as nearly 30 people drowned during heatwaves in May and June.
Recent fatalities include 13-year-old Palwasha Akbar in a North Yorkshire river, 11-year-old Mackenzie Swift in the River Don in South Yorkshire, and 12-year-old Junior Slater in a Lancashire river. These incidents highlight a broader issue of declining swimming abilities.
While drowning deaths were significantly higher in the 1980s, a concerted government effort in subsequent decades, including water safety campaigns and school-based lessons, led to a substantial decrease. In 1983, there were 637 fatalities, compared to 223 in 2019. However, this downward trend reversed in recent years, with numbers rising to 254 in 2020 and 275 in 2021.
Analysis by Oxford University indicates that one in four children leave primary school unable to swim 25 meters. The COVID-19 pandemic is cited as a major contributor, disrupting crucial early swimming lessons for countless children. As these children now enter adolescence, they may be venturing into open water without adequate skills.
The issue predates the pandemic. While swimming is part of the national school curriculum, budget constraints often lead to swimming trips being canceled. The closure of swimming pools across the UK has further exacerbated the problem. Dr. Cannon also points to parental responsibility, noting fewer children playing in the water at local pools compared to her own childhood, with many children now preferring screen time.
Beyond the immediate risk of drowning, the decline in swimming proficiency impacts public health. Swimming is an effective form of exercise, beneficial for cardiovascular health and suitable for various age groups. The article suggests a solution where primary pupils are tested on their swimming abilities, with additional lessons offered to those who do not meet the required standard. This, however, would require government intervention.
The article also briefly touches on other public health concerns, including a 14% drop in public toilet facilities since 2016, leading to people avoiding going out, and the importance of consulting a doctor for new hot flushes or sweating, which can be symptoms of various conditions beyond menopause.