Free swimming initiative launched at Island swimming pools

Thu, 27 Oct 2022

The Northern Swimming Pool, Western Swimming Pool and Southern Swimming Pool have been awarded funding from Manx Lottery Trust, for them to offer free swimming to local residents this winter.

From 31st October 2022 until 31st March 2023, free swimming sessions will be available to all children and over 60s at the regional pools.

The grant of £2,337 to support the initiative came from the Trust’s Community Warm Spaces Fund, which was recently launched to support local communities during the current cost of living crisis.

The free swimming initiative will also allow for an adult to swim for free with a child of Primary School age to ensure that cost is not limiting for those who may need to support any children under 8 who cannot swim unaccompanied, or children aged 8 to 11 who aren’t confident swimmers.

Juan McGuninness, Chairperson of the Northern Local Authorities Swimming Pool Board, said: ‘We’re thrilled to be launching this scheme thanks to the Manx Lottery Trust. We will be able to provide a warm space, a physical activity and use of hot showers at the regional pools at no cost to the public, which is so important in these uncertain times.’

Sarah Kelly, Chairman of Manx Lottery Trust, added: ‘We’re pleased to support this initiative which will provide a lot of comfort to the community this winter. Not only will they be providing a warm space during the colder months, they’re also giving people of all ages the opportunity to improve their physical health.’

The scheme is only available during term time and for the period 31 October – 31 March. Normal admission charges apply to public swimming outside the timetable and during school holidays.

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