Free swimming makes a splash

Thousands have taken advantage of free swimming in Rochdale.

New figures show that young people and senior citizens in Rochdale have taken the plunge more than 30,000 times thanks to the free swimming initiative.

Rochdale Council backed the government initiative to get more oaps and young people to take part in physical activity and thousands have taken advantage of free swimming at local pools.

Ben Bradshaw, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, applauded the figures as proof of the scheme’s success: “We never had any doubt that free swimming was going to make a splash – but it has shown itself to be an even bigger success with people, young and old, than we had ever expected. This is a big idea that has fast become a big hit."

Young people in Rochdale took advantage of 26,438 free swims in the scheme’s first three months, with 6,175 visits to pools by senior citizens aged 60 and over.