Children aged under 16 can now make the most of the pools at the Penyrheol and Penlan Leisure Centres on weekends as well as school holidays without diving into their piggy banks.
The free swimming scheme has been running in school holidays since 2003 but the Welsh Assembly Government is now extending the initiative to cover weekends throughout the year.
The scheme for under 16s has evolved since its inception and gives access to structured water activities like kayaking and water polo.
Free year-round swimming for over 60s has also proved hugely popular since its introduction and many thousands of people are said to have benefited.
Christine George, Swansea Council Swimming Co-ordinator, said: “Swimming is a great exercise for people of all ages and once you’ve learnt the basic skills it can lead to lifesaving, surfing, water polo and many other different types of water sport.
“Swimming is also great for calorie burning as well as building up muscle strength and stamina and is considered advantageous for people recovering from surgery.
“Learning basic skills at a young age brings great benefits later on in life and swimming is also brilliant fun.”
Penyrheol Leisure Centre will be holding free swim sessions for under 16s every Saturday from 3pm to 4pm starting from September 4.
Penlan Leisure Centre will be holding free swim sessions on Saturdays from 11am to 12 noon starting from October 6.
Anyone interested in free swimming needs to register beforehand by visiting www.activeswansea.com
Call Penlan Leisure Centre or Penyrheol Leisure Centre for more information on 01792 588079 or 01792 897039.
