Free swimming for young and old

FREE swimming for all youngsters aged 16 and under, as well as everyone aged 60 and over, will be available at Hinckley Leisure Centre from 1 April. 

These two groups will be able to enjoy free swimming at the centre during the published public swim sessions as part of a national government campaign to promote swimming, general fitness, active lifestyles and improved well-being. 

The scheme is being introduced by the Borough Council, together with Sport and Leisure Management Ltd (SLM), who manage the council-owned leisure centre on behalf of the council. 

Councillor Stuart Bray, Executive member for Culture, Regeneration and Planning, said: “Swimming is an excellent sport for all-round fitness and well-being. Offering free swimming is a real measure of our commitment to making a real difference to people’s lives.“ 

To take up the free swim offer, everyone in the target age groups must have a valid Everyone Active activity card. The cards are free and are available from Hinckley Leisure Centre by: 

• Registering at www.everyoneactive.com; or
• By visiting the leisure centre and collecting an Everyone Active card application form

Please note that proof of age is needed to complete the application. Acceptable proof includes one of the following: passport, driving licence, birth certificate, pension book/letter or bus pass. Under eightss swimming rule still applies to all public swim sessions: under 8s must be accompanied by a paying adult (no more than two children under eight with one adult). 

It is estimated that up to 47,000 people and children in the borough will be eligible for the free swims. 

A successful partnership with all other local authorities in Leicestershire and Rutland has ensured that free swimming is not just limited to Hinckley. This means that both age groups can also take advantage of free swimming at neighbouring local authority pools. However, public swim sessions vary from pool to pool and people are advised to check beforehand at their local pool or centre. 

A swimming pool timetable is available to download by visiting www.everyoneactive.com, alternatively call the leisure centre on 01455 610011. 

The free swimming scheme is supported by Central Government, Leicestershire County Council and Leicestershire and Rutland NHS in partnership with the borough council and SLM.

A series of ‘frequently asked questions’ relating to free swimming will be published on both the Borough Council (www.hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk) and Everyone Active websites. 

ENDS
 

NOTES FOR EDITORS 

1. For more information contact Karen Harris, Sports Development Officer, on 01455 255847