Free swimming proving a splash hit
FREE summer holiday swimming is proving a splash hit with Inverclyde school pupils.
Under-16s can take a dip at the Waterfront, Port Glasgow or Gourock pools without charge during the summer break thanks to funding from Inverclyde Council in partnership with Inverclyde Leisure (IL).
There are also sessions specifically for school-age children with additional support needs (ASN) on Monday and Thursday mornings during July at the Waterfront Leisure Complex as part of a wider ASN summer activity programme.
The next free ASN family swims will take place on Monday 14 and Thursday 17 July from 9-10am.
No booking is required and more sessions may be put on if they prove popular.
Swimming is part of a packed programme of free, funded activities and events on offer during the school summer holidays by Inverclyde Council and partners, including IL.
Councillor Francesca Brennan, Inverclyde Council’s vice-convener of education and communities, said: “The summer holidays are great but it can also be a long six or seven weeks for pupils being off school and for working families to keep them active and engaged.
“That’s why there is a packed and inclusive programme of activities for children that’s delivered by various council services and our partners Inverclyde Leisure to support families and ensure it’s a summer of fun for young people and their parents.
“Swimming is a particularly fun activity with so many health benefits and we’re spoiled with three great pools right on our doorstep each with their own unique charm and selling point.
“It’s also great that, alongside IL, we are able to offer sessions at the Waterfront with additional support in place for children with additional needs.
“There’s something for everyone so we want families to take advantage of the wide and varied summer programme and even make their own discoveries about some of the many great things to do and see for free here in Inverclyde.”
The council and IL have also teamed up once again to offer playschemes at seven venues during the summer holidays.
There is a morning and afternoon session each day on a ‘first come’ basis and they are funded by the council so that they are free to attend.
An Inverclyde Leisure spokesperson said: “We are delighted that our partners at Inverclyde Council continue to fund this fantastic initiative, which helps keep the children of Inverclyde fit and active during the three main holiday periods – Easter, summer and October.
“This long-standing partnership reflects our shared commitment to promoting health and well-being in the community, and we’re proud to offer activities like these that support our young people’s physical and social development.”
The free summer programme also includes football and sports camps being run by the council’s active schools team, activities at local libraries and the Watt Institution, and various events being organised by the youth work service.
Pitches are also open for young people to enjoy a ‘kickabout’ and there are several parks, play parks, and walking and cycling routes, to enjoy, as well as Greenock Cut and Lunderston Bay.
For more information about free swimming, ASN sessions, playschemes and other events and activities being run by Inverclyde Leisure during the school summer holidays, visit www.inverclydeleisure.com/kids/school-holidays
Details about other events and activities can be found on the Inverclyde Council website, social media channels and also discoverinverclyde.com
