"Shock" findings have resulted in a push for lessons to become compulsory throughout schooling. 

Wagga resident Larry Logan said he was "shocked" to find that many students on Tuesday's swimming carnival could not swim well. 

"At the school carnival, 90 per cent of the students could only just swim, which isn't good in our facilities that we have available," Mr Logan said. 

"Only a very small percentage could swim properly." 

According to the NSW Department of Education, aquatics and water safety are mandatory components in the health and physical education curriculum for Kindergarten through to year 10. 

However, a spokesperson said "schools make decisions locally on how this is delivered" based on student need and the school community. 

"Schools not using the School Swimming and Water Safety program make decisions at the local level utilising local venues and providers for weekly sport, surf and open water awareness activity, lifesaving programs and other learn to swim options," the spokesperson said. 

"Decisions about how their children learn life skills, including swimming, are made by parents. Schools also cover aspects in their curriculum."

Common factors for children not attending swimming programs have been due to cost and availability, but former Australian swimming coach argued it should be a shared responsibility. 

"It should be compulsory in schools, so that parents who can't afford to send their child swimming, from lower socio-economic backgrounds, are not denied the opportunity," Laurie Lawrence said. 

"I think it's a collaboration but should start in the schools because water is apart of our DNA and you swim for health, fitness, fun and safety." 

Mr Lawrence is behind the Kids Alive program, that educates the public on five important steps to reduce the risk of preschool drowning, and said he is "disappointed" that many children still don't know how to swim. 

"I don't think it really surprises me but the government has cut costs, which is a big part of swimming lessons," he said. 

"Many schools would prefer to teach maths instead of swimming lessons which takes time out of the day, but they miss the point of the range of benefits that come from learning how to swim. 

"Students can concentrate when they're happy and healthy and it opens a range of sports, including surfing, sailing, fishing, and scuba diving and the list goes on," he said.  

Wagga father of six Dom Byrne said it was a "non-negotiable" decision for all his children to learn how to swim. 

"All of our kids have had swimming lessons because of the importance of knowing how to swim confidently, especially in pools, rivers and other waterways," Mr Byrne said. 

"Spending money on swimming lessons was a non-negotiable part of the family budget.

"I am also paying for five kids' piano lessons, so swimming lessons are quite cheap compared to that." 

Oasis Aquatic Centre operates the Royal Lifesaving's Swim and Survive program which is eligible for the $100 Active Kids rebate from the NSW government. 

Wagga Swim Club's head coach Gennadiy Labara said swimming is an "investment" rather than a financial expense. 

"I think it is not expensive to save your child; it is an investment on their safety," Mr Labara said. 

"I think we all need to work together and ensure people are educated about the importance of swimming.

"Apart from safety, it's also healthy and strengthens muscles and balance." 

Despite some being "disappointed" in too many children not being able to swim, Mr Labara said this year the club has witnessed an increase in enrollments.