Q2A

Got a question from Rebecca......

where can i get free swimming if possible during the summer holidays?

This is our reply.......

Hi Rebecca, many thanks for your enquiry.

You don't mention whether you want free swimming or free swimming lessons. If it was
swimming lessons then then you could get them free through school if they take you to
the swimming baths so it might be asking your PE teacher.

But also Hyndburn Borough Council have introduced a new scheme which started on 1st
April 2009. This scheme involves free swimming lessons to anyone aged 16 and under or
60 and over.

During school holiday periods the free offer will be extended to include 17 to 21 year olds.
(This includes the Saturday and Sunday at the start of, during and at the end of school
holiday periods) so this may be helpful for any friends or family you have who are that age
perhaps as well.

There are 2 pools in the Borough of Hyndburn where you can swim - these are pools
managed by Leisure in Hyndburn on behalf of Hyndburn Borough Council:

Hyndburn Sports Centre
Henry St
Church
Accrington
BB5 4EP
Tel: 01254 385945

Mercer Hall Leisure Centre
Queen St
Great Harwood
Blackburn
BB6 7AT
Tel: 01254 885607

You do not have to live in the Borough of Hyndburn to swim for free at these pools - the
scheme is open to everyone.

Free swimming is available during the public swimming sessions. This does not include
instructor led sessions such as aqua aerobics, swimming lessons or school swimming
sessions. Sessions may vary from time to time eg. School holidays.

There are no restrictions on the number of times you can visit the pool - it is entirely up to
you. There are safety rules however, on the number of people who can swim in the pool at
the same time.

You will still need to take a bit of money for your locker - essential to keep your clothes
and possessions safe while you are swimming. At Hyndburn Sports Centre you will need
the 20p locker fee for adults or 10p for juniors, plus a £1 coin for your locker deposit (this
is returnable). At Mercer Hall Leisure Centre you will need 20p for the locker fee. You
might also want to take a bit of money for a drink and possibly some food.

Some proof of age may be necessary for the free entry - but only if it is not easy to tell
your age. This could include your birth certificate and some ID with your photo on or
perhaps your passport.

The government funded free swim scheme is valid for two years until the end of March
2011. If you are 16 or under swimming is no longer free when you reach 17 (except during
school holidays) so you can at least take advantage of this free service for a few years
yet which is good as swimming is both enjoyable and a great activity to do to keep
yourself fit.

With regards to people who are registered disabled unfortunately there are no free
swimming sessions. However when your 17 and over you can get a leisure passport and
pay a reduced fee for swimming and use it up to 4pm each day as long as you are
registered as disabled and remember you can still access swimming free in school
holidays when you are 17.

It might be worth asking at the sports centre what other free activities they may have or
are planning to have in the near future as well.

We hope we have answered your enquiry. If you need any further information on this or
anything else then please come back to us.

Best Wishes
q2a

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