Portsmouth MP Stephen Morgan has joined forces with local Olympic swimming champion Katy Sexton MBE to promote water safety awareness during Drowning Prevention Week, with both agreeing to collaborate on educating children about water dangers.
The Portsmouth South representative met with Sexton during Drowning Prevention Week (14-21 June 2025) to discuss enhanced water safety measures for the city. Sexton, who co-authored The Gogglehedz book series with Oliver Stubbs, uses the educational materials to teach youngsters and families about water-related hazards.
Following their discussion, both the MP and the Olympic medallist committed to ongoing collaboration aimed at raising awareness of this crucial safety issue across Portsmouth.
The Portsmouth-born swimmer made history as Britain’s first World Championship winner, claiming the Women’s 200m Backstroke title at the 2003 World Championships. Her competitive career included appearances at both Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004 Olympics, plus a Commonwealth Games gold medal in the 200m backstroke at Kuala Lumpur 1998.
Mr Morgan commented: “Living in an island city means Portsmouth families understand the critical importance of water safety awareness, particularly for children. Meeting Katy during Drowning Prevention Week provided an excellent opportunity to explore additional ways we can equip local youngsters with essential water safety knowledge.
“I’m grateful for Katy’s outstanding contributions to this cause and look forward to our continued partnership in ensuring children can safely enjoy swimming whilst understanding how to stay secure around water.”
Katy Sexton MBE said: “Meeting Stephen to discuss school swimming provision, water safety initiatives and introduce The Gogglehedz was fantastic. Water safety week serves as a vital reminder about staying alert and safe during water-based activities – particularly important given our island location.”
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The MP has been engaging with prominent Portsmouth women to identify opportunity barriers and develop community improvement strategies. Earlier this year, he organised an event bringing together over 50 leading female sports figures from Portsmouth, including Sexton, to establish plans for removing barriers facing women in sport.
Primary school curricula mandate swimming and water safety education to ensure children develop both swimming enjoyment and safety awareness around water environments.
