Free Swimming! Starting from tomorrow!

SWIMMING for those under 16 and 60 years and over will become free from April 1 at Thanet’s two public swimming pools.

Young and old will be able to swim free of charge at both Ramsgate Swimming Pool and Hartsdown leisure centre in Margate.

The Government is funding the project and an extra £40,000 has been splashed on the scheme from the NHS.

Thanet council’s commercial services chief Cllr Shirley Tomlinson said: "We hope this will encourage more people to get in the swim and get active.It’s a great boost for local people and I hope, as a result of it, we’ll see an increase in the number of people taking part in sport and physical activity."

To access the scheme you will first need to register and prove your age. Documents accepted are photo ID driving licence, passport and/or birth certificate. Please note that for 16s and under, parental consent is required and therefore a parent or legal guardian will be required at registration. Application forms are available from all participating pools. Once registered, you will be issued with your “BIG Splash” access card, which must be shown on each visit to gain entry and will be valid until 31st March 2011. (lost cards will be replaced and charged at £5.00 per card) Under 16s cannot access free swimming between the hours of 9am to 4pm during school term times.

To find out more please visit Thanet Leisure Force Website

http://www.tlfleisure.co.uk/news/whatsgoingon/73.asp

Or visit Ramsgate/Hartsdown Swim Centre and ask for an application form etc...