Talking Politics column with Josh Fenton-Glynn MP: Saving lives and the politics of positive change
Whilst politics in Westminster may dominate the headlines, my priority remains helping people here in Calder Valley. As your MP, I am prioritising change you can see and that matters to you. One example of the positive work I’m currently involved in is water safety, especially for young people.
Climate change is real, and as a country we are not well-equipped for the hot spells that now characterise our summers. In our part of the world it can tempt young people towards reservoirs, rivers and other open-water locations that may be dangerous. I can’t be alone in feeling worried on a boiling day, especially at the weekend or after exams have finished. Young people may know that swimming at certain locations involves serious risks, or they aren’t supposed to be there.
They might have had a talk about it at school. But what our rational brains know about underwater hazards or cold-water shock doesn’t always overrule a quick assessment of what is in front of us, or the influence of friends. We also know that teenagers’ brains assess risk in a different way to adults.
So far this year the number of people that have drowned in rivers, lakes and reservoirs is well into double figures nationally, including one tragic incident involving a 13-year-old boy who lost his life at Leadbeater Dam in Calder Valley. My heart goes out to his family and friends.
The safety of our children and young people transcends politics – in the words of Alison Lowe, deputy mayor for policing and crime in West Yorkshire, ‘A child is worth everything… so any amount of money we have to pay to save a life, we should be paying.’
What I’m doing is bringing people together – West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service; West Yorkshire Police; Yorkshire Ambulance Service; the deputy mayor; Calder Valley Search and Rescue; Calderdale Council community safety and public health; Royal Life Saving Society; Yorkshire Water; and many others.
People in Calder Valley do go into the water for different reasons, from organised swimming and sports to cooling off during hot weather. We need to learn from experts in this area and those who enjoy water responsibly; and consider a shift towards a more practical approach focused on harm reduction. I’ll be able to share more details on the work we are doing in coming weeks. We’re looking at effective education about water risk; practical measures such as signage and lifesaving equipment; and using the best data we have to target action around water during hot weather. I’ve also invited the new Reform Cabinet to back the campaign by offering free water safety lessons for young people at council-owned pools throughout the summer. I hope it’s something they feel able to support.
I will continue to collaborate closely with partners who are making incredible efforts to bring this campaign together before the holidays. At a time when politics can feel noisy and unpredictable, this is exactly the kind of problem-solving we need to focus on. If we can come together to make our waters safer and save lives this summer and into the future, we will have made a positive change. More of that, please.