7. Debate on the Petitions Committee Report — 'Mark Allen’s Law: Water safety and drowning prevention'

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:36 pm on 7 December 2022.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Luke Fletcher Luke Fletcher Plaid Cymru 4:36, 7 December 2022

Leeanne's campaign was actually one of the first campaigns to get in touch with me as a newly elected Member; when I literally just scrolled back through Messenger, it was actually David who got in touch with me. Now, that was in 2021, and I'm very glad that we are now here at this point. There's not much more I can really add to the Chair's contribution, but the work we undertook as a committee was, I believe, greatly appreciated not just by Leeanne and her family, but also the families of others who have lost loved ones due to drowning. 

As a committee, we held panels with families who had experienced similar to Leeanne, and the evidence they gave was invaluable and greatly appreciated, especially given the distressing nature of their evidence. They, like Leeanne and so many others who chose to engage with us as a committee, are a constant source of courage, inspiration and power for those who seek to make a difference. And I have to say, it's one of the best things about being a member of the Petitions Committee: being able to engage with people like Leeanne and help them get their voices heard here in our Senedd. 

In terms of the recommendations and the Government's response, I am pleased that the Government has accepted the majority of our recommendations, and one in principle. The evidence gathered, I believe, pointed to some of the good work already going on by various organisations like Dŵr Cymru, like the fire service, in working to improve water safety. But what I think was lacking was the joined-up thinking and coherence in educational programmes. However, the desire to get that coherence was clear to us all. 

It was also clear that funding was an issue, specifically when comparing to the funding given in England around water safety, and I am particularly pleased with water safety now being allocated to a specific Minister. It was very clear that that was needed, that we needed that direct leadership on this. It's, of course, another thing to add to the climate change portfolio, but it's very, very important that we have done so.  

Felly, Dirprwy Lywydd, I'd like to reiterate my thanks to those who came forward with evidence for all the work that went into this to make our report a reality, and I'll end by saying that this isn't the end of the problem, and that I think it's also incumbent on all of us to be involved in raising awareness around the hazards of open bodies of water. As elected Members, we have a duty to help organisations in our constituencies and regions, as well as the Government, in raising awareness.