The warning comes from swimming instructor Nicola Young who is set to lose her job teaching school pupils at the pool which is to be axed by the borough council at the end of July.

Nicola, 42, of Orchard Road, St Annes, was employed by a number of local schools to teach their pupils three years ago.

“Standards are going to get lower, there’s not enough swimming teachers in the area to teach them,” said Nicola.

“I’m in a bit of a unique position in the fact that schools have employed me themselves.

“I love teaching swimming and there’s no way I would have given it up.

“I would have carried on until I’m at least fifty.

“I’m actually a qualified teacher and have to look at whether to go back into school, but I don’t want to.

She added: “I feel for the children. It is the children that are being penalised and are suffering.

“I’ve had plenty of support all the way through and worked together well with the staff and teachers.”

Fylde Council is working with Lancashire County Council and others to take on the schools’ capacity in the short term, but has warned it could mean longer journeys.

Pupils could be transported to Blackpool for sessions.

Nicola said: “It will mean classes travelling on buses. For schools in Lytham it is going to be a long way.”