All schoolchildren aged up to 16 years old from the Cumberland area will be able to go for a swim in a choice of five indoor pools for only 10p over the February half term school holidays.
The discounted scheme will be available between Saturday 15 and Sunday 23 February and has been put in place by Cumberland Council, with the support of GLL and Wigton Baths Trust.
The council scheme will offer discounted swimming opportunities throughout the week and some locations will also offer free sessions on a weekend.
It will be available at the following leisure sites at allocated times during the school holidays:
- Cockermouth Leisure Centre: 1pm - 1.50pm, Monday to Friday.
- Copeland Pool and Fitness Centre (Whitehaven): 1pm - 1.50pm, Monday 17 February, Tuesday 18 February, Thursday 20 February and Friday 21 February. 9am - 9.50am on Sunday 16 and Sunday 23 February.
- The Sands Centre (Carlisle): 10am - 10.50am, Monday to Friday.
- Wigton Baths: Monday 17 February, 3pm - 4pm, Tuesday 18 February, 3.15pm - 4.15pm, Wednesday 19 February, 3pm - 4pm, Thursday 20 February, 10am - 11am, Friday 21 February, 10am – 11am and Saturday 22 February, 10am - 11.30am.
- Workington Leisure Centre: 2pm - 2.50pm, Monday 17 - Friday 21 February. 11am - 11.50am on Saturday 22 February.
Cllr Anne Quilter, Cumberland Council’s Executive Member for Vibrant and Healthy Places, said:
“We have put health and wellbeing at the heart of everything we do, and we want to encourage the young people of Cumberland to get active. The 10p swims will be available in five locations, at different times throughout the week. It is a great opportunity for children to use our facilities at a discounted rate and will also support families.”
Tom Rice Partnership Manager GLL Cumberland, added:
"As Cumberland Council’s leisure partner, we are delighted to see the 10p swim initiative not only continue but also extended across the whole of the new area.
“Swimming is not only one of the healthiest activities that children can participate in but building and improving on swimming capability and confidence is a valuable life skill.
“We look forward to welcoming local children into our pools and are hoping for a huge response to this excellent initiative.”
The swimming initiative is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.