FREE Swimming For The Over 60s

South Somerset District Council is one of almost 300 across England to take part in the Government’s free swimming scheme. Public swimming pools across South Somerset will soon be opening their doors free of charge to over-sixties, as part of the Government’s swim4life initiative.

From Wednesday 1 April, everybody aged 60 and over will be able to swim for free during public swimming sessions at Goldenstones Leisure Centre in Yeovil, Crewkerne Aqua Centre, CRESTA in Chard and the Wincanton Sports Centre pool.

The campaign, linked to the nationwide Change4Life campaign, aims to get people to lead more active, healthy lives in the run up to London 2012.

Cllr Sylvia Seal, who holds the Leisure, Culture and Well Being portfolio for South Somerset District Council said, “Swimming can help your heart, lungs, general fitness and help you lose weight. It’s also fairly low-impact so it’s a perfect way to exercise gently.

“One of the targets that South Somerset District Council is working towards is to improve participation in sport, year on year, by 1%. That might not sound like a lot but that’s thousands of people, and we’d also like to get the older generations more involved. So, by offering free swimming we hope to encourage people to take up swimming or to go more regularly and in turn, improve their health and well being.”

The scheme is being funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, Somerset NHS and South Somerset District Council.

Rebecca Adlington, swimming’s double Olympic gold medallist, said: “I’m backing the free swimming initiative because it’s a great way to encourage more people into the pool.

“No matter what your age, swimming is an amazing sport and a great way to stay fit and healthy. I look forward to seeing pools up and down the country being used to their full potential and maybe even creating Olympic stars of the future!”
The £140 million programme lasts for two years and is a central part of plans to ensure a lasting legacy from the London Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012.

Anyone over the age of 60 will be able to apply for a free membership card by visiting www.southsomerset.gov.uk/freeswimming *, calling 01935 462462 or filling in a form at their local po