Free swims scheme enters sixth year

The scheme, now in its sixth year, enables children under the age of 16 to swim for free at the town’s Mill House Leisure Centre.

Last summer over 10,000 children took advantage of the scheme – a new record - with thousands travelling on the free buses, which pick up from every school across the town and then drop children back off after their free swim.

This year the scheme is running from Monday (July 23rd) to Friday August 31st, 10am to 1.30pm daily (excluding weekends and Bank Holidays).

Councillor Christopher Akers-Belcher, the Leader of Hartlepool Council said: “The ever-popular free swims scheme saw record numbers of children take advantage of free time in the pool last summer.

“Swimming can beat summer holiday boredom and keep children active, and this free scheme can help to alleviate some of the financial pressure on parents during the six-week summer holiday break.

“We hope to see even more children than ever get involved this year. If we can encourage young people to be active early on in their lives, there is a higher chance that they will stay fit as they grow older.”

Children take advantage of the free swims scheme

Priority is given to children travelling on the free buses but children not on buses can access free swims until the last admission at 1.30pm.

Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Parents can accompany children on the buses for free, but a charge for swimming applies.

More information can be found at www.gethartlepoolactive.co.uk while a leaflet with full details and bus timetables can be obtained from the Civic Centre and all leisure centres.