Free swimming

Sections:

Introduction

swim free The free swimming initiative is part of a national campaign to promote swimming, general fitness, more active lifestyles and well-being. It is a cornerstone of the government’s Legacy Action Plan, which aims to make the most of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. In Bristol, the government's two-year initiative is being promoted by Bristol City Council in partnership with Sport and Leisure Management Limited (SLM) - who manage council-owned leisure centres, sports centres and pools on behalf of the council.

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Who can access free swimming?

Anyone aged 60 and over - and those aged 16 or under (subject to normal admission policy for younger age groups) - can enjoy free swimming in Bristol's pools during the published public swim sessions.

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How do I get a free swim?

Apply today for your Everyone Active card To take up the free swim offer you must have a valid 'Everyone Active' card. The cards are free and are available from any of the centres operated on behalf of the council by SLM. Application forms for an 'Everyone Active' card can be downloaded by visiting our 'Free Everyone Active Card' web page. Alternatively you can pop in to your local pool or leisure centre and register for a card. Anyone wishing to register for a card must bring ID (for example birth certificate, passport, etc).

Tip: Please try and complete the application form beforehand and avoid busy times, so that we can process your card as quickly as possible.

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Which pools can I use?

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When can I swim?

Swimmer During public swim sessions ('swim for all' sessions only) - please note that public swim sessions vary from pool to pool and you are advised to check the pool timetables listed below. You will still have to pay if you want to take part in instructed sessions like aqua aerobics or Everyone Active swimming lessons.

Download: Bishopsworth pool timetable (PDF, 80 Kb)
Download: Bristol South pool timetable (PDF, 76 Kb)
Download: Easton Leisure Centre pool timetables (PDF, 132 Kb)
Download: Henbury Leisure Centre pool timetables (PDF, 134 Kb)
Download: Horfield Leisure Centre pool timetables (PDF, 101 Kb)
Download: Jubilee pool timetable (PDF, 80 Kb)

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How long will the free swimming scheme last?

Free swimming ends 31 March 2011.

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Are other council's offering free swimming?

For information about other council's offering free swimming visit:

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Do you know someone who would benefit from free swimming?

If you know anyone aged 16 and under, or 60 and over who would benefit from free swimming then please help us to spread the message by downloading and printing a copy of the free swimming leaflet (PDF, 151 Kb). Alternatively, why not download the free swimming poster (PDF, 179 Kb).

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Frequently asked questions

Do I have to be a resident of Bristol?

No. Anyone aged 60 and over - and those aged 16 or under can take part.

Can I just turn up at a swimming pool and get in free?

No. You will have to bring proof of age and address on your first visit, fill in a form and pick up an 'Everyone Active Card'. The card is free.

Where can I get an Everyone Active card?

At any of the centres operated on behalf of the council by SLM.

At what age do children need to have their own card?

All ages will need to have a card.

Do I have to show my Everyone Active card every time I go swimming?

Yes, you will need to show your card when you visit the pool to swim. It is your proof that you are eligible.

What happens if I forget my card?

Go to reception, you should be identified on the system.

What do I do if I lose my card?

If you lose this card and have to request another one the replacement charge will be £1. Report to any site and a replacement will be organised.

Why can’t I complete an application for a card online?

Visual forms of identification are required.

My gym membership includes free swimming, will the price of my membership be reduced?

SLM, (Everyone Active) has only one membership charge regardless of how many - or how few - activities are taken up. SLM does not charge separately for any of the activities on offer, therefore there will be no change to the costs of membership packages as a result of the introduction of the free swim initiative.

Why do schools still have to pay for swimming – if children and young people aged 16 and under can swim for free?

The free swimming initiative does not apply to any tuition or class-based activities.

What will happen if we move our school swimming classes to the same time as public swims?

As above, if tuition is involved, free access does not apply.

Can we send our Year 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 to the pool by themselves during public swim sessions during term time? And do they need to be supervised?

If it's general school practice to allow pupils to go off site to attend sporting facilities by themselves without school supervision and if it is to attend a general swim session, then normal rules would apply. This includes lifeguard supervision at the pool and pool bather loads. Please note that no tuition could take place.

I can’t swim – are you offering lessons?

All SLM Ltd pools and leisure centres offer swimming lessons for all ages and abilities. Please visit your local pool or leisure centre for more information.

Will the opening hours be extended?

No.

When are the public swim sessions?

Each pool is devising its own programme and there will some changes with effect from 1 April 2009.

How long do public swim sessions last?

This is variable according to programme and demand. In busy times, coloured band systems will apply.

What happens if there’s a great long queue and I miss half of the swim sessions – can I stay in the pool longer?

As above, if its busy the staff will regulate the numbers of people in the pool by issuing coloured bands and will announce the end of each session.

What will happen if the pool gets crowded? Will you turn people away?

Again the band system will apply as the numbers in the pool cannot exceed safe limits (bather loads).

Will there be extra adult swim sessions during the school holidays?

You need to check each pool's programme but we intend to balance the needs of existing users and those of the free swimming initiative.

What will happen during the school holidays – won’t the pools just be full of children and teenagers messing about, making it difficult for serious adult swimmers?

As above, we recognise the impact, so pool programmes are being revised to try to minimise disruption whilst promoting more participation.

How much is all this costing the council tax payers?

Nothing, central government are providing funding and SLM have agreed to provide the service for the value of the grant.

Why not free swimming for the over 50s as well?

We are providing the service as requested by central government.

Why aren’t other pools – like the University Pool – taking part in this campaign?

Funding has only been made available to local authorities.

Shouldn’t the free swimming be for everyone under 18?

As above, we are providing the service as requested by central government.

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Useful links

The benefits of swimming

Find out about the benefits of swimming by visiting the British Swimming and the ASA website.

Swim 4 Life

Swim for Life is part of Change for Life: a nationwide campaign aimed at encouraging families in England to eat well, move more and live longer.

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