SWIMMING DEVELOPMENT - FREE SWIM INITIATIVE

Under 17s

The free swim initiative funded by the Welsh Assembly Government, gives young people aged 16 and under, free-swimming sessions during the school holidays. As a result of the scheme there was a 108% increase in young people swimming within Wales in 2004.

Up until Easter 2005, children have been allowed & encouraged to take part in swimming sessions, in all of the six pools within the borough, as part of the Welsh Assembly’s Free swim Initiative. However, until now, there were no “structured” sessions in place that encouraged children to take part in numerous water-based activities, with qualified coaching/instruction as well as providing important links to clubs within the community.

The sessions now exist and are aimed at all ages, abilities/disabilities, as well as boys & girls. These “structured” sessions were piloted in all of the six pools during the Easter Holidays, and proved very successful – activities included amongst others swim club taster sessions, lifesaving, aqua-fit, canoeing and water polo.

60+

Older people across the county borough can also take part in this exciting new initiative, which gives everyone over the age of 60 the chance to swim for free in local swimming pools.

The Assembly's free swim initiative aims to encourage older people in the area to lead a healthy, active lifestyle. Swimming is an ideal form of exercise for people of all ages and the council's six pools offer a range of impressive facilities.

Fitswim

Funded through the Welsh Assembly, as part of the Free Swim Initiative for the Over 60's in conjunction with the Welsh Amateur Swimming Association. Fitswim provides swimmers who are over 60 with structured programmes to improve their swimming and fitness levels.

This will also be available to all adults through designated Fit Swim sessions in each of the six pools. Swimmers will be given specific programmes that encourage improvement in fitness levels, stroke technique and swimming ability.

Fitswim is available at Risca, Newbridge, Caerphilly, Heolddu, Cefn Forest and Bedwas leisure centres. Times vary at each individual centre - please contact your local leisure centre for more information.