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Free swimming - Splash with no cash

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Introduction

The Government’s “Free Swimming Programme” is a £140 million package offered to Local Authorities through a series of funding pots designed to encourage as many local authorities as possible to participate in making swimming free for over 60s and under 16s in their communities.

Who can access free swimming?

Anyone over the age of 60 years and those aged 16 years or under (subject to the normal admissions policy of the provider for the younger age groups).

When does free swimming start?

The Government's free swimming scheme commenced on 1 April 2009 in Coventry's swimming pools.

How long will the scheme last?

The Government is only providing funding for a period of two years at present. Free swimming in Coventry will end on 31 March 2011.

How do I get a free swim?

To take up the free swim offer you must have a valid membership card for the Leisure Provider that operates the facility you wish to swim at. (You will need a membership card for every venue you use). You also need to fill in an application form for the Free Swimming Membership card and take it to any of the venues listed. You can download a form here. (PDF, 516kb). (To register for free swimming at Foxford Leisure Centre or Tile Hill Wood School and Language College please go to Coventry Sports and Leisure Centre or Foleshill Sports and Leisure Centre.)

When can I register?

You can make an application for a free swimming membership card any time up until March 2011.

TIP: Anyone wishing to register for a Membership card with any of the operators providing Government Free Swimming must bring valid identification of age (for example Birth certificate,  Passport or over 60's bus pass)

Which pools can I use?

Please visit our Providers page to see which venues are providing free swims for over 60s and under 16s.

When can I swim?

Free swimming will only take place during public swim sessions subject to local arrangements and local rules – please note public swim sessions vary from pool to pool and you are advised to check pool timetables beforehand.

Please see the Timetables on the providers page for details or contact the venue directly.

Can local authorities restrict the free swimming offer to residents in Coventry only?

No. Local authorities that have chosen to offer free swimming may not limit the offer to their residents only. The Government wants people to swim for free wherever they are in England, provided that they’re the right age and that the authority they’re in at the time is offering free swimming.

What’s the relevance of free swimming to the Olympics?

The Programme will contribute to Government’s ambition of getting two million more people more active by 2012. Critically the Programme has been designed to attract new participants as well as encouraging existing swimmers to go more often, and to focus on sustaining increases in participation. The Programme is also expected to make a significant contribution to the Government commitment to provide five hours of PE and sport for five to 16 year-olds and three hours of sporting opportunities for sixteen to nineteen year-olds. Time spent swimming by young people aged sixteen or under as part of the Free Swimming Programme will count towards their three hours of sporting opportunities beyond the school day. Find out more about Coventry and Warwickshire's links with the 2012 Olympics.

Other councils offering Government free swimming

Contact details

Stephen Wiles
Development Manager - Facilities and Contracts
Sport and Physical Activity Development Team
Culture, Leisure and Libraries
Coventry City Council
2nd Floor West Orchard House
28-34 Corporation Street
Coventry, CV1 1GF
Tel: 024 7683 1175 
e-mail: steve.wiles@coventry.gov.uk

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