HC Deb 23 June 1971 vol 819 c306W
Mr. Elystan Morgan

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the total number of deaths and serious injuries, respectively, caused to bathers in England and Wales during the last five years.

Mr. Alison

Deaths from accidental drowning not involving ships or boats in the coastal waters of England and Wales (including "open verdict" cases) totalled 613 in the years 1965–69. The number of accidental deaths to bathers caused by speedboats or other ships or boats is not separately available, but in years 1967–69 for the particular category of water transport accidents in which they are included the total number of deaths was 16. Figures for injuries not resulting in death are not available.