One Pound Swimming Initiative

The National Free Swimming Scheme ended on 31 July 2010

Under 16s will now be able to swim for just a £1.00 with a Leisure Card

60s and over  
Discounted swims with the Leisure Card prices. 

For more information download the Free Swimming information leaflet

For more information on the Leisure Card and discounts click here

Buy a Junior Leisure Card and Swim for a £1.00

A Junior Leisure Card costs £6.50 and then swim for only £1.00 (until at least March 2011)
 
The Leisure Card is valid for 12 months and gives discounts on most activities including cinema, rollerskating, basketball, badminton, fun inflatable sessions in the pool, playschemes, parties, courses and swimming lessons.

Download a Leisure Card Application Form

Already purchased a £2.00 Free Swim Card?
If you have already purchased a £2.00 Free Swim Card you can upgrade toa full Leisure Card for only the additional £4.50 

 
Q Why all the changes?
The National Free Swimming Scheme has been withdrawn from 31 July 2010 due to cuts in government funding.
However the scheme has proved a massive success in Northampton by encouraging more under 16s to swim regularly in the town's pools.
Northampton Borough Council has therefore committed to giving Free Swimming through the summer with a Junior Leisure Card and reduced prices thereafter.
 
Q How to apply for a Leisure Card
Proof of age will be required for 14-16 year olds - e.g.Birth Certificate or passport
(Customers upgrading from a Free Swim Card will not need proof of age.)
 
Q Will I need to show proof of age on every visit
The Leisure Card allows access to the pool. You will need to show this card on every visit otherwise the full rate may be charged.

Other Leisure Card benefits

Discounts on most other activities at the Leisure Centres for 12 months from purchase of the card - see table of savings below.

• Discounts on activities include - Disco Splash, Wet'n'wild sessions, Health Suite, Fitness Classes, Swimming Lessons, courses including Gymnastic, trampolining, football, badminton, squash, party and function room bookings 
• Free Email newsletter (e-mail address required on application form) with offers and news every two months 
• 8 day booking privileges on badminton, squash and Fitness classes

Application Forms for a Leisure Card can be downloaded here or collected from your local Leisure Centre.

Free Swimming - What Sessions are included?

All public swimming sessions:

• Family Friendly Swims - Targeted at Family groups (no unaccompanied children) although there will also often be a lane for regular swimmers
• Parents & Under 8's - Improve water confidence, where parents and guardians provide close supervision
• Parent & Tots - Term time only - fun sessions for pre-school
• General Swims - Available for all including unaccompanied children. This is likely to prove a popular session for teenagers during the holidays and after school. 
• Disability and activity on referral swim - Quieter session where people either with disabilities or on the GP activity on referral scheme can swim 

On all sessions the existing Under 8 years ratio applies
Children under 8 must be supervised throughout their use of the facilities by a parent or adult. A  maximum of 2 under 8's per adult.

Reasons for different sessions
These different sessions are targeted at different groups of customers, in order to improve the customer experience and allow customers to choose to come at times that the pool environment will best suit their needs.

Membership Card 
Cards must be PRESENTED each time you visit, otherwise the full rate may be charged.

• This will provide proof of age
• Allow some method of access control allowing the centres to exercise the right to exclude anyone that have demonstrated they are not willing to use the centres in a respectful, safe and responsible manner.

Terms and conditions for free swimming: 

• Only applicable to customers 16 and under
• Children under 8 must be supervised throughout their use of the facilities by a parent or adult. A maximum of 2 under 8's per adult
• Offer does not include private hire / party sessions and any session not deemed to be a general swim
• Northampton Borough Council reserves the right to refuse entry or remove persons from the facility
• Call out systems will be operated during busy times.
  

Updated 02/9/2010