Take the plunge at FREE over 65 swimming sessions

August 30, 2018 by Southend Borough Council

Free swimming in Southend is set to continue as the council roll out free swimming sessions for residents aged 65 and above, starting in October.

Wet Wednesdays, a popular free swimming scheme set up in 2010, will come to an end on Wednesday 26 September. The scheme proved very popular, with hundreds of residents taking up the offer of free Wednesday swimming at any of the three council-managed swimming centres.

After a number of conversations, the council is delighted to announce that free swimming sessions will be available for residents aged 65 and above from Monday 1 October through to 31 March 2019. Users can swim any day of the week during public swim sessions, using a new swipe card at the following swimming centres:

·         Belfairs Swim Centre – 01702 712155

·         Shoeburyness Leisure Centre – 01702 293558

·         Southend Leisure and Tennis Centre – 01702 613000

Swipe cards enable four free swims at the swimming centres listed above, and can be picked up from the swimming centre’s reception. Residents will be asked for general information such as name, age, address, and will then be asked a physical activity question. This should take no longer than five minutes to complete. Residents can only apply for one swipe card each for the duration of the scheme, entitling them to four free swims.

Cllr Lesley Salter, cabinet member for healthy communities and wellbeing, said: “With Wet Wednesdays coming to an end, it is with great delight that we are able to continue to offer free swimming for those aged 65 and above.

“It is well documented that swimming offers more health benefits than most other physical activities due to the nature of using the majority of the muscles in the body, and I hope that those who participated in Wet Wednesdays will dip their toes in this free swimming scheme. 

“We have some world-class swimming facilities here in Southend and we are hopeful that local residents will be able to make the most out of them.”

Fusion Lifestyle has also introduced discount Choice Concession Memberships at local leisure centres, giving those aged 60 and above, students, and those on certain benefits discounted a discounted gym membership of £26.25 per month. For more details, please contact your local leisure centre.

The Walking the Way to Health scheme will also continue, with free, guided walks hosted weekly by volunteers throughout the borough. For more information, please call Angela Andrews-King on 07771 926932.

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