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Free swimming for youngsters and older people to continue during August

Released on 28 July 2010

Surrey Heath Borough Council is extending a free swimming scheme into the summer holiday period and throughout August.

Free swimming is currently available for borough residents aged 16 and under or those aged 60 and over at the Arena Leisure Centre in Camberley through the government's Free Swimming initiative.

The new coalition government announced last month it would cease funding for the national free swimming programme on 31 July 2010 as part of its review of spending, instead of its planned end in 2011. However after recognising that concluding free swimming from July 31 would mean that young people in the borough would benefit for just one week of their summer holidays, Surrey Heath Borough Council has decided it will fund free swimming for over-60s and children aged up to 16 until 31 August 2010.

Portfolio holder for arts and leisure Cllr Craig Fennell said: "Since the scheme was launched in November 2009, swimmers young and old have benefited from more than 11,000 free swims.

"We are pleased to extend the popular scheme for an extra month, giving children on school holiday an opportunity to continue to enjoy free swimming. The extension will also include the over 60s and I hope it will encourage many people young and old to get active, have fun and carry on making use of this great offer."

An estimated 30,000 people in Surrey Heath, or about a third of the borough's population, are believed to be eligible for free swimming.

The offer includes general swimming sessions, family and fun sessions, as well as lane swimming where some adult only age restrictions may apply.

For more information about the Arena Leisure Centre visit: www.surreyheath.gov.uk/leisure