Olympic gold medallist Rebecca Adlington has said it is “devastating” that children have poor swimming skills.
research has found that three in 10 children in Greater Manchester left primary school without being able to swim 25m.
The same number were also unable to perform a self-rescue or tread water for 30 seconds, while children on free school meals did worse.
Retired swimmer Adlington said it was “so important” that children learn to swim as a key “life skill”.
Adlington, who won two gold medals at the 2008 Olympics in China, told Radio Manchester: “It’s a sad thing but unfortunately it’s been the same way for so long.
“It’s just a shame it’s not getting any better.
“It is really, really devastating especially this year after we’ve had so many glorious heatwaves.
“But that has brought so many drownings.
“We now have to make a difference.”