Free swims scheme enters seventh year

The initiative enables children under the age of 16 to swim for free at the town’s Mill House Leisure Centre.

Last summer, thousands of children took advantage of the offer, with many also using the free buses which are provided as part of the scheme. The buses pick up from every school across the town and then drop children back off after their free swim.

This year, the scheme runs from Monday July 22nd-Friday August 31st, with swimming sessions taking place daily from 10am-1.30pm (excluding weekends and Bank Holidays).

Councillor Shane Moore, the Leader of the Council, said: “The free swims are a great way for children to meet up with their friends, have loads of fun and avoid summer holiday boredom.

“They also help to get children to get active, and if we can encourage young people to be active early on in their lives then there is a greater chance that they will stay fit as they grow older.

“The free swims initiative also has an important role to play in supporting some hard-pressed parents by helping to alleviate in part the financial pressures they can face during the six-week summer holiday break.”

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

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

Click here to view a leaflet containing all the information you need to participate in the free swims initiative. Alternatively, go to www.gethartlepoolactive.co.uk