Mr Scarr didn’t want to suggest that was a factor in the death of an eight-year-old boy at Lake Hume on Tuesday. 

But he said research showed swimming abilities varied between states and a push was needed to reverse the decline. 

“We have to do more to ensure primary school aged children have the skills to enjoy the water safely,” he said. 

“(The decline) is due to a combination of things, including access to swimming pools, time pressure and the financial pressure on families. 

“It’s also the slow decline of existing education and vacation programs.

“I think Albury-Wodonga has some great swimming pools and I think we probably need some increased funding from state governments to ensure that programs are available for community members.”