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Department for Culture Media and Sport

frequently asked questions for swimmers

• Are there only certain dates and times that I can swim for free?
• Can I swim for free at my local Council lido or 'leisure pool' (pools that have flumes, wave machines as opposed to lane swimming)?
• Do parents get in free when accompanying children who do not have to pay?
• Does the scheme pay for swimming lessons or water aerobics?
• How are you checking if the scheme really is succeeding in its ambition?
• How can I find out if my local authority is offering free swimming?
• How do I know which pools in my area offer free swimming?
• How much is free swimming costing and who is paying?
• How will the pool check that I am aged 16 or under / 60 and over?
• I live just over the border in Wales or Scotland. Can I swim for free in a pool owned by a neighbouring English council?
• I'm going on holiday to another part of England. Can I swim for free there?
• I've heard free swimming is only for 2 years. What happens then?
• If I am 16 and under can I swim for free during the school holidays?
• Is there a limit to how much I can swim in a session, a day or a week?
• My local authority isn't offering free swimming. Can I still swim for free?
• What can I do if my local authority is not offering free swimming?
• What happens if my local authority doesn’t own any pools?
• What happens if my local pool is full because of the popularity of the scheme?
• Who do I speak to if I have any queries about the scheme?
• Why are some local authorities offering free swimming to other age groups as well?

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