26th Jan  2012

Take the plunge with the 60+ Free Swimming Initiative

If you're 60 years old or over and looking to try something new, then the ‘Free Swimming Initiative’ might be just the thing for you. It’s a national scheme which is funded by the Welsh Government and run by Gwynedd Council’s leisure service. The scheme is aimed at getting older people to improve their health and to be more physically active.

During the selected sessions residents from Gwynedd aged 60 years and over will be able to access swimming pools for free in Gwynedd. If swimming laps is not your thing, then there are plenty of other water activities you could try. For example walking or running in water, aquafit session, learning to swim, stroke improvement sessions or an aquagym workout.

Swimming has a number of benefits, some of which include: improving fitness, toning the entire body, improving endurance, posture, and flexibility whilst improving cardiovascular conditioning. A workout routine that includes swimming can help reduce high blood pressure, which lowers the risk for heart disease and stroke.

Dyfed Glyn Davies, Gwynedd Council’s Aquatic Development Officer said: “More and more people over 60 years of age are taking advantage of Gwynedd’s free swimming initiative, and we are very pleased that the Welsh Government is supporting the scheme yet again this year.”

“The benefits of swimming are endless, it is an ideal exercise to help lose weight, as well as being a great place to meet new people or to take your friends along to have some fun. Swimming can also be extremely relaxing and is a great way to relieve stress.

“You must register to receive your free swim card, therefore contact your local pool for more information.”

Many pools also offer a free activity with a qualified instructor each week, the times and activities may vary from pool to pool, so it’s always worth checking with your local leisure centre in advance.