AQO 3627/22-27

Ms Kate Nicholl
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 21/05/2026
Answered On Date: 01/06/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Education to outline any measures his Department is taking to integrate water safety and safe swimming into the education sector.

Answer:

I recognise the importance of ensuring children and young people develop the knowledge and confidence to stay safe in and around water.

Swimming is a statutory element of the Physical Education curriculum, with Key Stage 2 provision supporting basic swimming competence and water safety skills.

The curriculum promotes safe behaviours and awareness of risks in different environments. Furthermore, the new statutory curriculum framework, which is under development, will provide clearer specification on water safety, including how pupils can recognise danger in different settings (such as beaches, lakes and waterways).

Responsibility for delivery sits with schools, supported by guidance from the Education Authority.