With all the tragic stories of late regarding school children losing their lives in open water, it is critical that we, as a society, address this urgent issue. Many children, in search of a way to cool down during sweltering temperatures, resort to dangerous rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water. These unfortunate circumstances can lead to devastating consequences that could and should have been avoided.

In England, where summer temperatures can often soar above 30°C, the safety of our children must be our utmost priority. We propose that all swimming pools be made publicly accessible to school children during heat waves, providing them with a safe, supervised environment to enjoy the water and cool off effectively.

The solution is simple, yet powerful. By opening up swimming pools to children of school age, particularly outside of school hours and during peak temperatures, we offer a safer alternative to these potentially hazardous open waters. This initiative not only encourages safe swimming practices but also provides an opportunity for children to learn essential water safety skills, which can be lifesaving.

The benefits of this action are manifold. Publicly accessible pools can help prevent tragedies by giving children a secure place to cool off, reducing the likelihood of unsupervised swimming in risky areas. Additionally, community engagement can increase, promoting healthy lifestyle choices and physical activity among our young ones.

We call upon local councils, pool operators, and the government to collaborate and implement policies that make this possible. By prioritising our children's safety and well-being, we take an active stand in preventing unnecessary loss and heartache in our communities.

Please sign this petition to ensure swimming pools across England are accessible to school children during extreme heat. Your support can make a difference and potentially save lives.