Swimming is a sport enjoyed by both young and old, and from 1st April this year it will be free to all children and young people aged 16 and under AND anyone aged 60 and over.  These two groups will be able to enjoy free swimming at both Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre and Stradbroke Pool during the published public swim sessions.

The free swimming initiative is part of a national campaign to promote swimming, general fitness, more active lifestyles and well-being which individual council’s had the opportunity to sign up to. In both Stowmarket and Stradbroke the initiative is being promoted by Mid Suffolk District Council in partnership with Sport and Leisure Management Ltd (SLM) – who manage council-owned leisure centres, sports centres and pools on behalf of the council.

Councillor Diana Kearsley says: “Swimming is an excellent sport for all-round fitness and well-being. Offering free swimming is a real measure of our commitment to making a real difference to people’s lives. Our ambitious swimming strategy has paved the way for first-class swimming opportunities in the area and we are now well placed to deliver this free-swimming initiative.

To take up the free swim offer, everyone in these target age groups must have a valid Everyone Active activity card. The cards are free and are available from both Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre and Stradbroke Pool. To get your free Everyone Active card either register at www.everyoneactive.com or visit your local swimming pool or leisure centre and collect and Everyone Active card application form.

Public swim sessions vary from pool to pool and people are advised to check beforehand at your local pool or centre of visit www.everyoneactive.com and download the swimming pool timetable. 

ENDS

Media contact:

Vicky Smy, Senior Communications Officer, telephone: 01449 724850, email: vicky.smy@midsuffolk.gov.uk