Julian Smith MP raises Burnsall water safety concerns in Parliament following tragic deaths.
He spoke in a Westminster Hall debate on water safety on Tuesday following recent tragic incidents in Burnsall.
Speaking during the debate, Julian referenced the recent death of 13-year-old Palwasha Akbar from Bronte Girls’ Secondary Academy in Bradford, who died in Burnsall.
Julian told the debate:
“I’d just like to pay tribute to her family, and to her friends who have spoken so eloquently about her.”
He also remembered Azaz Mohmed Chanda from Blackburn, who died at the same location in 2024.
He also placed on record his thoughts for the family of Mr Chanda and highlighted concerns over repeated incidents at the same stretch of water.
During the debate, Julian called for stronger action on water safety education, clearer warnings around open water swimming, and greater responsibility from Yorkshire Dales National Park and their safety duties.
Julian said he had become increasingly concerned about the lack of focus on water safety planning in areas experiencing high visitor numbers, particularly in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
He told the debate:
“When you've had two of these deaths at the same spot in the last two years, that cannot be right.”
Julian urged the Government to engage with national parks and ensure they properly consider their responsibilities around public safety as well as tourism promotion.
He also backed calls for improved public awareness campaigns and referred to the historic “Lonely Water” campaign as an example of hard-hitting water safety messaging that had been effective in educating the public.
You can watch a video of Julian's speech here.
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