Free swimming sessions to be cut
Sport Wales is refining its free swimming initiative as a result of reduced Welsh Government funding, Powys County Council has said, and a review of the initiative designed to target specific groups in future - young people and the over 60s – will reduce the overall budget and reconfigure the number of sessions available in place like The Flash.
The independent review found the scheme was no longer fit for purpose with the number of young swimmers showing a significant decline in recent years. For people aged 60 or over, the review found that only about six per cent of the targeted demographic accessed the scheme.
As a result, the Welsh Government has introduced changes, reducing the budget and focussing the scheme on young people and people over the age of 60 from areas of deprivation. It will make sure that people who traditionally might not have accessed the services have the chance to learn a new life skill, and start swimming more frequently.
However, MyWelshpool has been reassured that the free swimming lessons each year for primary school kids are safe as they come from a different budget.
Cllr Rachel Powell, Portfolio Holder for Young People and Culture has said: “The free swim offer will still be provided but not in its current format. Working alongside our partners, Freedom Leisure, the local authority will do all it can to ensure residents understand the changes.
“The new approach to identify groups whom would most benefit from the scheme, is welcomed. As the benefits of leisure and sport of any kind has significant wellbeing effects that create resilience for physical and mental health. We look forward to continuing to work in collaboration with Sport Wales and Public Health partners, to create opportunities in identifying and supporting those groups.”
Contact The Flash to learn more about the changes to free swimming.
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