active berwick - active lifestyle
FREE Swim
People 60 and over can swim for free in Northumberland from 1st April.
Local authority owned public swimming pools in Northumberland have opened their doors free of charge to people aged 60 and over as part of the Government's swim4life initiative. 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 Isabel Hunter, executive member for culture at Northumberland County Council said: We are extremely pleased to have been able to offer free swimming for over 60s at all council owned facilities, during public swimming sessions. Swimming is low impact, which makes it great for older people who may have problems with their joints or find other types of exercise difficult.
We would have very much liked to offer free swimming for under 16s too, but unfortunately it has not been possible because the grant from Government would not cover the costs. There is a significant shortfall which would have to be met by the new Northumberland County Council.
The current economic climate and the financial pressures facing local authorities, together with the level of funding being offered, mean that it is not possible to consider providing free swimming for under 16s at this time.
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.
Swimming is one of the most popular ways for people in this country to keep fit. Your body works harder in the water, so 30 minutes in the pool is worth 45 minutes activity on dry land. This is a great way of staying healthy, however good a swimmer you are.
Northumberland is one of almost 300 authorities across England to take part in the Government's free swimming scheme. The 140 million pound 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.