Free Junior Swimming at 20 Pools Across Derbyshire

Twenty swimming pools across Derbyshire are offering free swimming for young people on either Sunday 30 May or Bank Holiday Monday, 31 May.

Under 16 year olds and 16-18 year olds with a b_line2 card can get a free swim at all the participating pools.

Over 1200 young people took advantage of a previous junior free swim promotion held on Easter Monday at six pools in the county. Now 14 more swimming pools have joined the initiative to encourage more young people to go swimming.

Concerns have been increasing nationally over rising obesity levels in the general population, including amongst young people. According to the Health Development Agency, almost one in 12 six-year-olds can now be classed as obese and it has called for parents to take action to improve the health of their children by monitoring their diets and encouraging them to exercise. Swimming is a popular activity with this age group and encouraging more young people to swim can help counteract the current concerns that they are eating too much fatty junk food and adopting ‘couch potato’ lifestyles.

The local authorities taking part in the initiative are also keen to get the message across to parents and their children about the safety benefits of swimming. Knowing how to swim greatly reduces the risk of drowning – one of the commonest causes of accidental death in young people.

The free swim initiative has been co-ordinated by the Derbyshire and Peak Park Sport and Recreation Forum, the County Sports Partnership, working with swimming pool managers from local authorities across the county.

Details of the times the free swim is being offered are available from participating pools. All under-eight swimmers need to be accompanied by an adult swimming with them.

Participating Pools and Free Swim Times on May 31 Bank Holiday. Amber Valley Borough Council pools free swim takes place on Sunday 30 May.

Amber Valley Borough Council

Free Swim on Sunday 30 May.

Bolsover District Council

Chesterfield Borough Council

Derby City Council

Derbyshire Dales District Council

Erewash Borough Council

High Peak Borough Council

North East Derbyshire District Council

South Derbyshire District Council