FREE SWIMMING INITIATIVE FOR THOSE AGED

16 AND UNDER AND THOSE AGED 60 AND OVER

The Government's ambitions for London 2012 go much wider than sport, the Olympics is seen as an opportunity to drive increased activity and they have set a target of two million people to be more active by 2012. The benefits and drivers of physical activity vary for different age groups. For young people, sport and physical activity helps instil a life-long interest in exercise, alongside healthy physical and emotional development, particularly if fostered by a sense of fun and personal enjoyment. As we grow older the short-term health benefits become increasingly important, with the greatest benefits for older people in reducing falls and maintaining independent living. The Government plans for London 2012 will reflect this.

They will structure a variety of initiatives around five themes:

1.       Healthier families

2.       Targeting the least active

3.       Removing barriers and creating incentives to be more active

4.       Creating a better environment for physical activity

5.       Better coordination with Primary Care Trusts.

As part of the initiative to remove barriers and creating incentives to be more active, the Government through DCMS, have focused on Swimming, being the most popular sport with over 35% of the population swimming in any one year. Swimming has a wide appeal to all, no matter what age and whether male and female with unique fitness benefits. Swimming can be particularly appealing to pregnant women, people with mobility problems and those who wish to protect their joints. Swimming is also a very good cardiovascular exercise.

To achieve this all Free Swimming participants will be registered as Free Swimming members and be provided with a membership card. This membership card will incur an initial £2 charge for administration of the scheme

In addition and as a requirement of receiving Free Swimming Grants, we will be required to feedback to our Local Authorities on usage.  Therefore ensuring that all Free Swimming members are swiping their card on each visit is essential.

The scheme starts 1^st April 2009 and is currently available through to 31^st March 2011.  

From 16^th March 2009 customers can register to take part in the programme.

Registration of free swimmers

Once a customer decides that they do want to sign up to the Programme they will need to complete an application form.

This item is a duplicate copy pad

ALL customers signing up to the Programme must complete the form.

The terms and conditions of taking part in the Programme are on the duplicate copy which will be given to the customer.

Proof of age

The following forms of identification will be accepted as proof of age:

60s & over:

• Driving Licence
• Bus Pass
• Passport
• Birth Certificate

16s & under:

For young children, the parent's signature will be taken as proof of age.  For children who are borderline 16/17 yrs, then proof of age will be required:

• Passport
• Birth Certificate

All customers who register to be part of the Programme will receive a membership card at an initial cost of £2

Proof of age must be shown; the membership card then negates the need to provide this in the future.

Each customer must swipe the card on each visit and won't be entitled to the free swim without it.

Any lost cards will incur a replacement fee of £5.  Further terms and conditions will be listed out in the Joining Pack.