Swimmers aged 60 years and over and 16 years and under have benefited from more than 40,000 free swims since the launch of a free swimming offer at St Albans City and District Council’s leisure centres on 1 April 2009.

To build on this success, the Council is extending the scheme to allow people aged 60 years and over and 16 years and under to access early morning swimming sessions free of charge at Bricket Wood Sports Centre, Harpenden Swimming Pool and Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre.

Cllr Sheila Burton, Portfolio Holder for Sport and Healthy Living for St Albans City and District Council, said: “Swimming is a healthy and relaxing activity. Starting your day with an early morning swim will really improve your well-being.”

Kate McKnight, National Swimming Manager for Leisure Connection, which manages the leisure centres in partnership with the Council, said: “We are thrilled that the over 60’s throughout the District are enjoying the free swimming initiative. Swimming is a fantastic way to keep active and help lead a healthy lifestyle. By extending the free offer to early morning sessions for those who are 60 years and over and 16 years and under, we hope that even more people will enjoy swimming and all the benefits it brings.”

In order to take part in the free swimming initiative, swimmers must register at their local participating swimming pool:

§ Bricket Wood Sports Centre – Tel: 01923 662224

§ Harpenden Swimming Pool (including Townsend Swimming Pool) – Tel: 01582 460683

§ Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre – Tel: 01727 846031

Registration forms can also be downloaded from the Council’s website at http://www.stalbans.gov.uk.

Information about the times of the early morning swimming sessions is available from individual swimming pools.