Young people are being encouraged to make a splash with free swimming sessions at County Durham’s leisure centres.
Durham County Council has put together a host of summer pool activities for children and young people aged 18 and under living in County Durham.
From fun with inflatables, to general swimming, the free sessions are all part of a bid to encourage children and young people to have fun and be more active.
Starting from Monday 19 July, the free sessions will be available for children and young people to take part in throughout the summer holidays.
School holidays can be a difficult time for many families to keep their children fed and entertained. To provide extra support for families, some of the raft and inflatable sessions will include healthy food at the end of the session as part of the council’s Fun and Food campaign.
Information on which sessions will include healthy food, and further details about all other swimming sessions, can be found online at www.durham.gov.uk/freeswimming.
Adults who qualify for a concessional rate can also swim for free if their child is unable to swim and needs some support in the pool.
Cllr James Rowlandson, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for resources, investment and assets, said: “We are delighted to be able to offer these free swim sessions as something fun for children and young people to do over the summer holidays.
“Being active and exercising is very important, so these sessions are a great way for children to stay healthy in a fun and engaging way. It is also a great opportunity for families to have a trip out and spend quality time together.”
Children and young people must be a resident in County Durham to be able to take part in the sessions.
Residents are encouraged to sign up for a free Thrive card in advance, which will allow children access to sessions throughout the summer.
Sign up is only needed once, and children who already have a Thrive card do not need to apply for a new one. Parents can get a Thrive card by visiting www.durham.gov.uk/thrivecard.
