Children and young people across Rotherham will be able to enjoy free swimming opportunities this summer as part of a new Rotherham Council initiative.
It aimed at helping more families stay active, build water confidence and enjoy safe, supervised fun during the school holidays.
From Monday 20 July, children and young people aged 0-17 will be able to enjoy free swimming sessions at all four Places Leisure centres in Rotherham throughout the six-week summer holiday period.
Adults accompanying children will be required to pay the normal admission charge. Young people aged 8 and over who meet Places Leisure admission requirements can swim without an accompanying adult.
In addition, free inflatable splash sessions will be available throughout the summer holidays at:
- Rotherham Leisure Complex
- Aston-cum-Aughton Leisure Centre
- Wath upon Dearne Leisure Centre
The initiative is designed to make swimming more accessible for local families while encouraging children and young people to develop confidence in the water and enjoy the many physical and mental health benefits that swimming can provide.
Councillor Lynda Marshall, Cabinet Member for Waste Services, Leisure and Green Spaces, said: "We want every child in Rotherham to have the chance to enjoy safe swimming this summer, regardless of their family's circumstances.
"We know that many families are feeling the pinch due to the cost of living at the moment. Hopefully this scheme will help ease the pressure on families as well as providing a fun activity for children during the summer break.
"I hope families will take up this offer and enjoy everything our leisure centres have to offer this summer."
The initiative will provide hundreds of opportunities for children and families to enjoy fun, supervised activities in the water over the summer break.
The Council already supports free swimming opportunities through its Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme for children and young people who are eligible for free school meals. This new initiative extends access to free swimming throughout the summer holidays for all children and young people aged 0-17.
Children and young people who already receive free swimming through an existing Places Leisure membership will continue to be able to access sessions in the usual way.
Information on session times, booking arrangements and swimming offers will be available from Places Leisure and the Council's website and social media channels. Families are encouraged to check availability before travelling as some sessions may be particularly popular.
For information about swimming sessions and timetables, visit Places Leisure.
