Kids swim for free in Islington

Young people in Islington can splash out for free at the borough's swimming pools this summer.

Islington Council and Aquaterra Leisure have joined forces to offer free swimming sessions to young people aged 16 or under at

Archway Leisure Centre, Cally Pool and Highbury Pool.

 The free swims are

available during any casual or fun session from Tuesday 24 July - Sunday 2

September.

The initiative is part of Islington Council's drive

to help young people get more active and interested in sport during the

Olympics.

Islington Council's executive member for leisure,

Janet Burgess, said:

"We want to make Islington a fairer place for

everyone. These free swimming sessions mean that all young people in Islington

have a chance to get fit and enjoy themselves for free this summer.

"Swimming in Islington has always been free for

children under three years-old and this will continue, so for parents wanting to

get their children active during the holidays, swimming is a great option for

the whole family." Young people who want to take advantage of the free

Islington swims must register for a Swim Card at one of the three participating

pools. Those already in possession of a Swim Card or Junior Izz Card should

continue to bring this along with them on every visit. For more information on

how to register, go to www.aquaterra.org/islingtonfreeswimming

Antony Kildare, Chief Executive of Aquaterra

Leisure, said:

"2012 is the year to really encourage young people

in the borough to get active and we're delighted to be able to support our

partners Islington Council in offering the positive health benefits and fun that

swimming brings to as many youngsters as possible."

From July 24 adults can also benefit from free

swimming by entering Aquaterra Leisure's prize draw to win either a year of free

swimming lessons or a year's free swimming membership for ten young people.

Details can be found in the reception areas of Archway, Cally and Highbury

swimming pools.

Earlier this year, the Amateur Swimming Association

(ASA) launched a campaign to get more schools to make swimming part of their

physical education lessons. A recent survey commissioned by the ASA found that

86 per cent of Islington school children complete the Key Stage 2 swimming

level.