Articles

Free swimming sessions announced for Gedling residents

Date Posted: 9:05 AM on Thu, 10 February 2022

A new swimming scheme has been launched by Gedling Borough Council to help people in the borough to be more active and enjoy swimming.

The Swimming Passport scheme is open to Gedling residents aged under 16 and over 65. These age groups are able to swim at dedicated weekly sessions for free at Arnold, Calverton and Carlton Forum leisure centres.

The Swimming Passport scheme was developed as part of the Gedling Borough Council’s priorities to improve the health and well-being of residents, as well as reduce health inequalities across the borough.

Swimming has many physical and mental health benefits as well as being a vitally important life skill. As a low impact form of exercise, swimming can help with many health conditions and puts less pressure on a person’s joints.

Gedling Leisure centres have a 25 metre pool at both Arnold and Carlton Forum leisure centres, and an 18 metre pool at Calverton leisure centre for swimmers to enjoy.

One of the residents who will benefit from the new scheme is 91 year old swimmer, Arthur Beal who regularly attends Arnold Leisure Centre will be saving around £120 per year if he attends the sessions created for the new scheme.

Arthur Beal said:

“I’ve been swimming now for over 20 years to keep active. I only swim breaststroke due to my arthritis as it’s easier on my joints and also great for my breathing.

I try to lead a healthy lifestyle by being careful with what I eat, and swimming is great exercise alongside that”.

Councillor Henry Wheeler, Portfolio Holder for Leisure said:

“We’re very proud to announce this new Swimming Passport scheme for eligible residents within the borough to give them more opportunities to stay active. Offering these dedicated sessions helps us to deliver on one our main council priorities to help people live healthier lifestyles.

This scheme will help people like Arthur by creating free swimming sessions that will save him over £120 per year. It will also help families who want their children to take part in a vital life skill while also encouraging over 65s to stay fit and healthy without having to pay more, at a time when bills are a real concern for so many.”

Residents eligible for the Swimming Passport scheme will need a valid Gedling Leisure card to take part. Places on these sessions are limited so booking in advance is recommended and can be done online at www.gedling.gov.uk/swimming-passports or by contacting the Arnold, Calverton or Carlton Forum leisure centres directly.