Free swim Scheme

Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council has offered the free swim scheme for several years since the successful summer pilot in 2003 in partnership with the Welsh Assembly Government and Sports Council for Wales. .

Anyone who is under the age of 17 or over 60 can take advantage of the government - funded free swimming initiative. The Nationwide Scheme will allow anyone in the two age groups to use any of Merthyr Tydfil's public pools for free at certain times of the year. To join the scheme all users must sign up for a free 'Merthyr Tydfil Leisure Card' available from any of Merthyr Tydfils Leisure Centres.

Free Swim for Over 60s

Swimming is the most popular participation activity for the over 60s with 7% taking part in swimming at least once a month. Swimming has the same health benefits as other forms of physical activity. Additionally, regular swimming builds endurance, muscle strength and cardio-vascular fitness and, as a low impact activity, is ideal for the elderly and those recovering from injury. The qualifying criteria for the scheme are simple. Free Swimming for the over 60s means that people in that age group who wish to swim at anytime throughout the year during public swimming times, in accordance with local programming, will not be charged admittance.

Free Swim for Under 17s

Swimming remains a popular activity for children with 38% of 11-16 year olds participating in swimming in and out of school at least once a month. Since the pilot scheme was introduced in 2003 the number of juvenile swims has increased by more than double. The scheme has succeeded in encouraging children to be more active and this can only have a positive impact on the health of those children participating in the long term. From September 2009, there will be a charge of 50p per swim for those in this age bracket but swimming will remain free of charge during school holiday periods.

If you require further information about the Free Swim Scheme or to find out more about participating Swimming Pools within the borough contact your local centre.

merthyrtydfil.leisurecentre@merthyr.gov.uk