Swimming pools in St Albans district will open their doors free of charge to people aged 60 and over, and 16 and under during casual swimming sessions, as part of the Government’s swim4life initiative from 1 April. The campaign, linked to the nationwide Change4Life campaign, aims to get people to lead more active, healthy lives in the run up to London 2012.
Councillor Sheila Burton, the District Council’s portfolio holder for sport and healthy living said: “Grab your trunks and bathers and get down to your nearest pool. I hope that many residents who have not previously considered swimming, will now be encouraged to try this relatively easy way of keeping fit.”
Rebecca Adlington, swimming’s double Olympic gold medallist, said: “I’m backing the free swimming initiative because it’s a great way to encourage more people into the pool. No matter what your age, swimming is an amazing sport and a great way to stay fit and healthy. I look forward to seeing pools up and down the country being used to their full potential and maybe even creating Olympic stars of the future!”
Swimming is one of the most popular ways for people in this country to keep fit. Your body works harder in the water, so 30 minutes in the pool is worth 45 minutes activity on dry land. This is a great way of staying healthy, however good a swimmer you are. And it’s low impact, which makes it great for people who have problems with their joints or find exercise difficult.
St Albans District Council, working in partnership with Leisure Connection Ltd, is one of almost 300 areas across England to take part in the Government’s free swimming scheme. The £140 million programme lasts for two years and is a central part of plans to ensure a lasting legacy from the London Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012.
In order to avoid the queues, swimmers are advised to register before the launch date at their local participating swimming pool:
Bricket Wood Sports Centre (including Townsend Swimming Pool) – Tel: 01923 662224
Harpenden Swimming Pool - Tel: 01582 460683
Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre - Tel: 01727 846031
Member contact:
Cllr Sheila Burton, portfolio holder for sport and healthy living
Tel: 01727 863598
Contact for the press:
Davina Mansell, information and communication officer
St Albans City and District Council
Tel: 01727 819316 E-mail: davina.mansell@stalbans.gov.uk
www.stalbans.gov.uk
Notes:
1. Free swimming for those over 60, and young people 16 and under, is available at the following pools during casual swimming sessions:
• Bricket Wood Sports Centre
• Harpenden Swimming Pool
• Townsend Swimming Pool
• Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre
2. The swimming scheme is jointly funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, Department of Health, Department for Work and Pensions, the Department for Children, Schools and Families and the Department for Communities and Local Government.
3. Change4Life is a lifestyle revolution supported by the government, leading charities, grassroots organisations, supermarkets and businesses, aimed at encouraging families in England to eat well, move more and live longer. Nine out of ten of today’s children are currently at risk of developing dangerous levels of fat in their bodies, which can lead to diseases like cancer, type 2 diabetes and heart disease.