According to the National Water Safety Forum, there were 18 water-related deaths, external in Wales in 2024 and the rate of accidental drowning in Wales is almost double that of the UK as a whole.
“Teaching our young people how to swim and be safe in and around water is a necessity, not a nice-to-have,” Fychan said.
Fergus Feeney said he “welcomed” the policy.
“Without urgent action, tens of thousands of Welsh children every year could leave primary school unable to stay safe in, on, or around water,” he said.
“By having a universal school swimming offer, we can ensure that Welsh children from all backgrounds have the same opportunity to acquire a life skill, to develop their confidence and begin their journey of lifelong physical activity.
“This would mean that Wales would be the first home nation to have a national programme of this significance in place.”
Earlier this year, the Senedd’s culture committee called on the government to “develop a school swimming strategy to ensure that children leaving primary school have the ability to swim”.
Responding at the time, the minister for culture Jack Sargeant said he agreed with “the intention of the recommendation”, but added “we need to be mindful of the financial pressure the recommendation would imply for schools in the current difficult financial circumstances”.
“The statutory guidance within the Curriculum for Wales, which all schools must consider, includes learners engaging in a range of physical activity, including within water,” he added.