No More Splashing Out For Under 7's in Southampton

4.26.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 18th Aug 2006

Swimming free for under 7's in Southampton

Southampton City Council have introduced free swimming for under 7's. This exciting new initiative is aiming to increase the number of children participating in sport or physical activity.

From the 7th of August 2006 at 10am children under 7 will be given free recreational swimming across three different Southampton City Council swimming pools through joining the Council's Under 7's Club.

This club has been developed to encourage exercise through swimming amongst the young at The Quays Eddie Read Swimming & Diving Complex, Oakland's Pool and Bitterne Leisure Centre. The club will also have added benefits for children including, newsletters, special offers and promotions, a web page and children's events.

Councillor Steven Sollitt Cabinet Member for Leisure & Culture said "This scheme will offer a range of educational, health, sporting and social benefits for young people living in Southampton. This scheme has been created to encourage more participation in sport and physical recreation activity in our city. In the lead up to the 2012 Olympic games, this is clearly of significant interest and Southampton is keen to support the games in any way possible".

Jayne Ludden Sports & Recreation Services Manager said "This is a fantastic opportunity for young children to participate in a sporting activity. It not only offers fun and excitement in a safe environment but more importantly gives children a taster of the benefits of participating in regular exercise".