Poor swimming skills 'devastating', says Olympian

Olympic gold medallist Rebecca Adlington has said it is "devastating" that children have poor swimming skills.

BBC 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 BBC 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."

She continued: "This isn't abut swimming being an amazing so It is such an amazing life skill.

"It is the only sport that's a life skill and we have to make sure these children are learning it in primary school.

"This is when the main danger is, especially if you live near any sort of open water."

The BBC figures covered the period of 2024-2025.

Adlington said she understood it can be "difficult" for schools.

She said she "really felt for them" and transport costs to get to pools could be an issue.

Accessibility is one of the factors the Royal Life Saving Society told the BBC was limiting children's swimming education.

Ashley Jones, head of water safety at the society, said it was "absolutely vital" children were able to access basic swimming and self-rescue skills.

Some schools are tackling transport costs in innovative ways, such as in Derby where a pop-up swimming pool was set up on school grounds.

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