After securing additional funding, Dorset Council residents under the age of 16 can access free swimming from 25th July to the 4th of September in some of the leisure centres across the county.
Cllr Andrew Parry, Portfolio Holder for Children, Education and Early Help said: ‘We are delighted to have the opportunity to provide swimming to children and young people over the summer. It is an important and fun way for children and young people to have access to enriching physical activities and increase their confidence in and around the water. A huge thank you to the swimming pools and leisure centres participating, who have made their facilities available for our families.’
The following venues are offering this promotion:
Bridport Leisure Centre – 01308 427464
1610 Dorchester Sports Centre – 01305 858400
Weymouth Swimming Pool – 01305 774373
Osprey Leisure Centre, Portland – 01305 824378
Purbeck Sports Centre, Wareham – 01929 500000
Ferndown Leisure Centre – 01202 877468
Queen Elizabeth Leisure Centre, Wimborne – 01202 888208
Blandford Leisure Centre – 01258 455566
RiversMeet, Gillingham – 01747 834013
Shaftesbury Lido – 01747 853181
Some of the locations require you to book in advance, please contact the swimming pool before travelling to avoid any disappointment. The offer does not extend to a free adult swim when accompanying children.
There is no restriction to the number of times children and young people can access this offer however, there will be a requirement to provide proof of living in the Dorset Council area.
Families who are looking for a wider range of summer activities can also take part in Summer in Dorset, a wide and vibrant collection of enriching activities that all include a nutritious meal. Young people who are eligible for benefit-related Free school meals, can access all Summer in Dorset free of charge.
If you have any questions regarding the free summer swimming offer or Summer in Dorset, please contact holidayactivities@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
An Excellent offer for young persons to be able to go swimmimg free ,I would like to thank all the participating Leisure Centres
From a Grateful Parent of an 11 year old Daughter
Don’t children have to be accompanied by an adult? Seems a bit like a theme park, kids go free when accompanied by a paying adult? I can’t afford it, guess my child will miss out? Unless you still do a free swim for the oaps? Maybe her grandmother will take her?!
Hi, we recommend you contact the leisure centre you would be wishing to attend. They will be able to let you know the children’s minimum age for unaccompanied swims as this may differ depending on the centre. Claire
How many times can the free swimming pass be used
Hi, there is no restriction to the number of times children and young people can access the offer. Thanks, Claire
I think it’s brilliant. Well done for getting the funding. Something positive in the midst of such difficult times for families. Well done Councillor Parry. We need more intitiatives for kids, like this.
Hello do you have free swimming in Bournemouth for autistic children
Hi, you would need to contact BCP (Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole) Council to ask about swimming in Bournemouth