FREE SWIMMING MAKES A BIG SPLASH IN WYRE ...but Fylde still charge?
Youngsters and pensioners throughout Wyre no longer have to splash out when they go swimming at the borough's public pools from 1 April.
Free swimming sessions are being introduced at Poulton YMCA Swimming and Fitness Centre, Fleetwood YMCA and Garstang YMCA Swimming Centre for all Wyre residents who are aged 16 or under and 60 plus. Photograph shows Mayor and Mayoress of Wyre, Councillor Gordon McCann and Mrs Yvonne McCann, with Thea Hesketh (left) and Matthew Gardner from Scorton CE School and Dave Sweetman, Operations Manager from Garstang YMCA
The initiative, spearheaded by the Government in the run up to the 2012 Olympics and being offered locally by Wyre Borough Council, will provide free access at designated public swimming times on weekdays, evenings and weekends.
The application process is simple. Residents are asked to provide proof of their age the first time they visit their local pool - such as a bus pass, passport or birth certificate. They will then be asked to complete a short application form and given their unique swipe card for future use. And once you have the card you can use at any of the public pools in Wyre.
The first 1,000 applicants will receive their free swim card at no charge. After that the free swim cards will cost £1. Younger residents aged 16 or under will require consent from a parent or guardian on the application form.
Mike Vernon, Wyre Leisure Director for Fylde Coast YMCA, said: "We welcomed this initiative from the start and we're looking forward to seeing more and more people utilising the centres for the benefit of their health and wellbeing."
The pools are operated by Fylde Coast YMCA on behalf of Wyre Borough Council.
Councillor Lynne Bowen, Living Healthily Portfolio Holder for Wyre Borough Councillor, said: "We are delighted to support this excellent initiative which will help local residents - young and old - to enjoy swimming as a leisure activity, get fitter and enjoy healthier lifestyles. We believe the free swimming scheme will prove to very popular across the borough and may even encourage a few future Olympic hopefuls."
One person looking forward to turning swimming into a family affair is Mayor of Wyre Councillor Gordon McCann as both he and his grandchildren will qualify for the free pass. He said: "With my mayoralty coming to an end I'll have more free time on my hands and this pass is a great incentive to spend some of that time visiting the pool with my grandchildren."
The application form, guide to eligibility and designated public swimming times are available to download at www.fyldecoastymca.org or www.wyrebc.gov.uk. Alternatively call into any of the centres below:
Fleetwood YMCA 01253 771505
Garstang YMCA Swimming Centre 01995 604340
Poulton YMCA Swimming and Fitness Centre 01253 891629
"Come on Fylde Borough Council what about Kirkham Baths?"
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Last Edited: 31/03/2009