Presiding Officer, I'll revert to recommendation 3—I believe that's where it cut off.

I do welcome the positive response to recommendation 3, to bring partners together, building on the good work currently undertaken. However, there is still more to do. A water safety and education programme must be embedded into our education system, with a clear action plan for delivery to ensure each and every one of our children learns how to stay safe near or in water. I call on the Minister to ensure that this will not be optional, but a compulsory part of the education in Wales.

In addition, I support the call from water safety campaigners for all children to receive swimming lessons, which may of course save their life. This has been highlighted to the Senedd by Jenny Rathbone and the culture committee during evidence that was given. The evidence highlighted the fact that, post COVID, only 42 per cent of schoolchildren in Wales attending school could actually swim in 2022.

Presiding Officer, if I speak to recommendation 4, which was accepted in principle, it called on the Welsh Government to take steps to ensure that there is clarity about the minimum safety information and signage required around water bodies to increase awareness of the risks present to those who enter the water. Now, I understand, and the committee understands, that this is a complex area, and we do welcome the action to explore this further with developing a guide for those organisations. 

Turning to recommendations 5 and 6, looking at awareness raising and educating the public was the most consistent message we had from all who gave evidence to our inquiry. It is absolutely vital, Presiding Officer. And to do so effectively we must recognise that water safety and drowning prevention sits within the wider context of outdoor safety. Effective joined-up thinking and working is key to ensure the safety messages are clear, are consistent, and are able to support people to enjoy the beautiful and challenging outdoors of Wales as safely as possible.

To conclude, Presiding Officer, the committee fully supports Leeanne Bartley, her campaign, and hopes that our recommendations go some way to ensuring that other families do not have to go through that terrible journey that I have described in opening. I look forward to hearing the contributions from other Members and of course the Minister’s response. Diolch yn fawr.