Customer Notice - Free Swimming Important Information
The Universal Free Swimming programme will end on 31st December 2010.
As from Sunday 2nd January 2011 Free Swimming will be available in the school holidays for those aged 16 and under and year round for anyone aged 65+.
If you wish to participate in this offer then you must have a current Lifestyle membership and produce your Lifestyle card on each visit; please see reception for further information.
Charges apply to those aged 5-16 years in term time and at anytime for customers aged 17-64 years.
Brian Holland taking a dip at Tyldesley Swimming Pool. Brian, 40, signed up to the borough’s free swimming initiative after it launched last April and since a blood pressure scare six months ago he’s increased the number of visits to four a week.
“One of my legs keeps giving way so swimming is perfect for me. It’s the only exercise I do and I haven’t changed my eating habits, so to lose two stone just by swimming is a great result,” says Brian. “The fact that it’s free really makes a difference. Three pounds a visit may not sound like a lot of money but it adds up!”
More than 58,352 people – one in every five in the borough – are now swimming for free.
In 2009, following a two year government grant, Wigan became one of the few places in the UK to offer free swimming for everyone. The initiative is being funded by the government and a partnership between Wigan Council, Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust and NHS Ashton, Leigh and Wigan.
Jane Pilkington, health development manager for NHS Ashton, Leigh and Wigan said: “We funded free swimming as part of our contribution to the Change for Life nationwide movement to help everyone move more and live longer.
“We are working with Salford University to measure the impact on local health.”
Free Swimming for All is being administered through Wigan Leisure & Culture Trust's Lifestyle scheme. To apply for a Lifestyle card, telephone 01942 486 901, visit www.wlct.org or visit your nearest leisure centre.
Stop press! Ashton Pool is set to reopen in April after a £600,000 refurbishment.
