Shocking new data has come to light showing that an astonishing nine million Brits are non-swimmers. The report highlights that one in five adults can’t swim, and a third admit to feeling anxious around water, with some only daring to enter the shallows.Despite the fact swimming and water safety are compulsory in the school curriculum, a worrying one in five claim they were denied swimming lessons while at school.

Adding to this, a quarter said their parents couldn’t swim so were unable to teach them. Others said they were put off by a bad experience or didn’t see swimming as important when they were growing up. The research was commissioned by easyJet holidays to launch Swim School – an initiative offering free swimming lessons to 1,000 adults across the UK ahead of the summer holidays.

The programme has been developed in partnership with Triple Olympic Champion Tom Dean, national swim provider Better, and the Royal Life Saving Society UK.

Tom Dean, who has spoken to Parliament about water safety, said: “As an Olympic swimmer, I know the importance of learning water safety skills and am passionate about ensuring everyone across Britain has access to basic swimming competencies.

“Whether it’s staying with a buddy, knowing your limits, or sticking to areas where you can stand, it’s never too late to learn how to swim.”

The research also found 17 percent of Brits grew up without a local pool. More than 100 public pools have closed across the UK in the past 20 years with the average pool now 4.3 miles from people’s homes. For some, the nearest pool is more than 10 miles away.

Worryingly, the gap could grow in the years ahead with 14 percent of parents admitting they haven’t enrolled their children in swimming lessons and don’t plan to teach them either.

Of these, 20 percent say they don’t have the time, or cite high costs as a key barrier as well as believing that swimming is too risky.

Nearly one in five are terrified to even dip a toe in the pool, this leaves some parents anxious about their children swimming on holiday, as they wouldn’t be able to help if something went wrong.

However, safety isn’t the sole worry; a quarter of parents report that their inability to swim dampens holiday enjoyment, as many wish they could join their children or grandchildren in the pool but can’t.

However, over a third of non-swimmers would seize the opportunity to take adult swimming lessons, acknowledging that their lack of skill leaves them feeling vulnerable.

Matt Callaghan, Chief Operating Officer at easyJet Holidays, said: “We know how much Brits love their summer beach holidays to Europe’s favourite destinations.

“That’s why it’s so important to us to highlight the surprisingly high number of adults who can’t swim – something we’re determined to help change.

“By improving safety and helping more people fully enjoy the water, we’re also offering a life skill that lasts far beyond the holiday itself. We’re thrilled to partner with Olympic athlete Tom Dean and the Royal Life Saving Society UK to offer 1,000 British adults the opportunity to learn to swim.

“Together, we’re taking a meaningful step towards closing the gap and giving more people the confidence and freedom to enjoy the water – on holiday and at home.”