HC Deb 20 March 1995 vol 257 cc100-1W
Mr. Hinchliffe

To ask the Secretary of State for Education what education and training is available in schools on coastal hazards and life-saving techniques. [14719]

Mr. Forth

The revised national curriculum for physical education requires that, by the age of 11, all pupils should be taught to swim unaided, competently and safely, for at least 25 m. They should also be taught the principles and skills of water safety and survival. Detailed advice on safe practice in teaching swimming and outdoor and adventurous activities is included in the handbook "Safe Practice in Physical Education" which was first published in 1985 by the British Association of Advisers and Lecturers in Physical Education. A revised edition of the handbook was published in 1990 with the approval and recommendation of the then Department of Education and Science. The handbook includes advice about recommended teacher-tutor qualifications, supervision and pupil behaviour. The handbook is currently subject to further revision and will be republished later this year.