Free Swimming for people aged 16 and under and over 60 has arrived!
Tuesday 07 April 2009
Herefordshire residents aged 16 and under or over 60 can swim for free from 1 April. Herefordshire Council has secured nearly £200,000 a year from the government to pay for the two-year scheme, which aims to promote better health and wellbeing.
The Herefordshire scheme means more children and young people will have the chance to get proficient at swimming and involved in sport by 2012, when the Olympics are hosted in London. The council and the primary care trust also hope older people will be encouraged to take a more active part in local activities and live longer, enriched lives as a result.
'We feel that this scheme will be popular right across the county', said Councillor Roger Phillips, leader of Herefordshire Council.
'We have a high level of swimming provision in Herefordshire and by removing charges for children and young people under 16 years of age, we can provide a very positive activity that keeps them fit and safe in the water'.
Added Dr Akeem Ali, Herefordshire¹s director of public health: 'Swimming is an easy and enjoyable means for improving health, wellbeing and general quality of life, especially if you are over 60 and get together with friends or neighbours as part of an active day out'.
The free swimming is available at the Halo swimming pools in Hereford, Leominster, Ledbury and Ross-on-Wye. The scheme covers public access swimming but does not include swimming lessons.
To register for the scheme please complete a registration form at your local Halo centre or click on the link to the Free Swimming Website below and download an application form which you can complete and take with you when you want to swim for free.
Related Links
- Free Swimming Website
- A microsite with information on Herefordshire's free swimming
