In a move to promote physical activity and water safety, Wiltshire Council is once again offering free swimming sessions to primary and secondary school pupils who receive free school meals. The scheme, which proved highly successful during its pilot run last year, is set to provide thousands of young people across the county with the opportunity to learn this essential life skill.
Last year, the initiative attracted over 5,000 visits to council-run leisure centres, with most participants taking advantage of the free offer five times. Councillor Jon Hubbard, who championed the scheme, expressed his delight at its continuation, stating, “Swimming is an absolute key skill, whether you live by the sea or in a landlocked county. I’m thrilled we can continue this offer.”
The free swimming sessions will be available at all council-operated leisure centres with pools, starting from the Easter holidays. Eligible children will be able to take advantage of one free swim per week for up to 13 weeks during school holidays. Councillor Hubbard noted that there are around 13,000 young people across Wiltshire who have access to free school meals, and he is hopeful that even more will take part in the scheme this year.
The council has assured that the cost of accommodating “five or six more people in the pool” for each session is negligible, as the pools would be running regardless. Hubbard emphasized the council’s commitment to providing healthy, active opportunities for all children and young people in the region.
The scheme will be reviewed after each holiday period, ensuring that it continues to meet the needs of the community and provide a valuable resource for those who may not have the means to access swimming lessons or facilities otherwise.
This initiative aligns with Wiltshire Council’s broader efforts to promote health, well-being, and inclusive access to recreational activities. By offering free swimming sessions, the council aims to remove financial barriers and encourage children to develop essential life skills, while also fostering a love for physical activity and healthy habits.
