Free swimming on the way?

Farway

Supposed to be announced today, free swimming in council pools for over 60s

No doubt some will say it is a gimmick, but it could be useful if you have a pool nearby, or catch a free bus there

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7439182.stm

margaretclare

We haven't got a council pool - those facilities have been outsourced to the private sector.

EdInvestor

margaretclare wrote: »

We haven't got a council pool - those facilities have been outsourced to the private sector.

Same here.I wonder if they will make the same arrangments as with buses?

moonrakerz

Sorry - being sceptical again !

Most of the pools/sports centres in my area are either in deep financial doo-doo or have already closed down. If swimming becomes free, their income drops more and they close even sooner ? Nice one Gordon !

As for the free buses - my local main route was operated by Wilts & Dorset with nice modern buses. They have lost the contract to a local company who don't have two buses the same colour/make - I'm sure one of them says Zimbabwe Bus Co on it !

Jennifer_Jane

I do try to go swimming every day and it's a battle in the (council) pool to get any exercise at all. The pools are already full of people, so with these incentives it's just going to get worse! I'm not wanting an empty pool just for myself, just saying that it's already quite difficult to actually get much rigorous exercise.

Jen
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Errata

I'm trying to figure out the thinking behind this free swimming. Where are the stats on the percentage of over 60's who can't swim, and have no wish to learn ?

tanith

Errata wrote: »

I'm trying to figure out the thinking behind this free swimming. Where are the stats on the percentage of over 60's who can't swim, and have no wish to learn ?

Errata I don't understand your post? The free swimming isn't necessarily for people who can't swim, its for everyone over 60 who just wants to go and swim , nothing was mentioned about people learning to swim. Can you explain what you mean?

The Government have said they are putting up the money to pay the local councils for setting up this initiative its to encourage people to take up sport/excercise and they hope help people to become healthier.

Jennifer Jane have you tried using the pool at different times of the day, I find that when the kids are at school our pools are much less congested... and also early morning at the weekends is a good time... in fact ours is sometimes nearly empty...

Jennifer_Jane

tanith wrote: »

Jennifer Jane have you tried using the pool at different times of the day, I find that when the kids are at school our pools are much less congested... and also early morning at the weekends is a good time... in fact ours is sometimes nearly empty...

Yes, I was on leave a couple of weeks back and managed a couple of days when I could swim lengths without having to take avoiding action! Lots of over 60's still working. But I take the point that perhaps this will encourage over 60's to swim at quieter times during the day and not after work.

Jen
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Errata

Tanith, I understand the government wants to encourage healthy ageing, but free swimming will help only part of the older population. It won't help those over '60s who would benefit from being able to exercise more but can't/won't take it in water.

tanith

Errata wrote: »

Tanith, I understand the government wants to encourage healthy ageing, but free swimming will help only part of the older population. It won't help those over '60s who would benefit from being able to exercise more but can't/won't take it in water.[/quote

Point taken but its a step in the right direction.....

Poppycat

According to BBC working lunch program (Friday) its also going to become available for under 16's too before the UK Olympics

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7439182.stm

Culture Secretary Andy Burnham said future funding would allow free entry to under-16s, then to everyone by 2012.