More than a 1,000 local authority pools owned by more than 250 Councils across England have been offering free swimming to 20 million people aged 16 and under, or 60 and over, since April.

 

Today’s figures for the first three months of the scheme have been welcomed by the five Government departments funding the initiative, by swimming’s governing body and by the broadcaster Sir Terry Wogan, who has joined actor and comedian David Walliams in championing free swimming.

The figures show that 2.8 million youngsters enjoyed free swims in the scheme’s first three months, with 1.6 million visits to pools by senior citizens aged 60 and over.

Ben Bradshaw, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, applauded the figures as proof of the scheme’s success.

He said: “We never had any doubt that free swimming was going to make a splash – but it has shown itself to be an even bigger success with people, young and old, than we had ever expected.

 

"This is a big idea that has fast become a big hit at pools all over the country.

“It shows how the Government is using London 2012 to give sport a real lift and working in partnership with local councils of all political persuasions to get more people more active.

“This is proof of our commitment to securing long-term benefits from the Olympics and Paralympics – along with record investment in school sport and half a billion pounds now going to sports’ governing bodies to deliver schemes to increase participation.”

In total 259 Councils are offering free swimming for people aged 60 and over, and 190 for young people aged 16 and under.

 

Health Secretary Andy Burnham said: "I'm thrilled the free swimming initiative is so popular with both young and older people. Getting moving in the water makes your whole body work that little bit harder than on dry land - so activity in the pool is a great way to get your active minutes."
 

Delyth Morgan, the Children’s Minister, said: “It’s fantastic that our free swimming scheme has been so popular, with 2.8 million free visits by children to pools already, giving them the opportunity to hone their swimming skills, get fit and have fun without having to worry about the cost.

 

"I hope that many more children take advantage of the scheme, especially over the summer holidays, as this is a great way to build on the two hours of PE they receive at school.

“We want to encourage all children to take part in sport and physical activity outside school hours, whether they have a particular talent or just want to learn a new hobby.

 

"Hopefully the scheme will identify and nurture the Olympic and Paralympic winners of the future.”

Yvette Cooper, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, said: “Swimming is a great way to keep fit and healthy in later life, and that's why DWP (Department of Work and Pensions) is backing this initiative with £22 million so millions more can take the plunge."

Communities Secretary John Denham said: "I am delighted that so many people are using the free swimming that so many councils are able to offer thanks to our funding.

"People are clear they want their councils to provide good recreational facilities and swimming is a popular pastime and great way to get fitter.

 

"I want to congratulate those councils that have taken the plunge and urge even more local residents to dive in and make the most of the offer of free swimming."

The Olympics Minister Tessa Jowell, who had launched the scheme last year, said: "Today's figures are proof of the action we are taking to reach our target of persuading two million people to get more active by 2012; delivering a legacy of building a healthier, more active nation thanks to the London Olympic and Paralympic Games.

"Swimming is a great way to keep fit and with stars like Rebecca Adlington and Ellie Simmonds making waves in international competition and three years to go until London 2012 it's a great time for people to dig out their swim kit and head to their local pool."
 

Sir Terry Wogan (pictured), a keen swimmer, is championing the initiative.

 

He said: "Free swimming is a great idea that deserves to succeed, and can only do good.

 

"I am delighted to endorse it and am very pleased to hear that so many people have dived in and enjoyed the benefits."

The ASA, swimming’s governing body, is working with the Government and local councils to make the scheme an even bigger success.

David Sparkes, the chief executive, said: “These figures show the power of swimming.

 

"They are outstanding results and demonstrate that the free swimming initiative can make a difference in making our nation more active and healthier.

 

"All the research pointed to a massive latent demand for swimming and this initiative seems to have put a light to the blue touch paper.

“We now need to keep this going by getting more people involved in swimming, having more fun together.

 

"I am delighted with the way the industry has reacted to this and we continue to work with them to make this the most successful initiative ever in getting people more active.”

Data about take-up for the scheme will be released every three months and its success in driving up participation in sport will be measured by separate research, including Sport England’s Active People survey later this year.

Richard Lewis, Sport England’s chairman, said: “Young and older people have seized the opportunity to swim for free, just as local authorities are making the most of the opportunity to enhance their facilities.

 

"Combined with the offer of free swimming lessons and a national network of county swimming co-ordinators, free swimming has a major role to play in getting more people enjoying this great sport on a regular basis.”