Wrexham Council Introduces Free Swimming For Former Armed Forces Members

Wrexham County Borough Council has announced that all former armed forces personnel living in Wrexham will be able to swim for free from Monday 3rd September 2012.

Veterans will be able to swim at all of Wrexham Council’s public swimming pools: Waterworld, Plas Madoc, Gwyn Evans and Chirk Leisure & Activity Centre.

The initiative is an extension of the original Welsh Government funded ‘Free Swimming’ scheme which currently allows people aged 60+ and children under 16 to swim for free.

Wrexham Council is the first council in Wales to introduce the scheme which aims to increase participation in physical activity and improve the health and well-being of ex-service men and women.

Helen Laidler, Swimming & Aquatics Development Officer said: “Swimming is a fantastic sport for people of all ages and we are pleased to be offering all armed forces Veterans free access to our pools. We hope as many people as possible sign up to help create an active Wrexham”.

David Griffiths, Lead Member for Health & Adult Services said: “The move to include Veterans in the current free swimming programme comes in response to the Welsh Government’s call for more support for ex-armed service men and women across Wales.

“Swimming can provide a host of health and general well-being benefits and I am thrilled that Wrexham is leading the rest of Wales in offering this free service to those who have served our country.”

The Royal British Legion will be supporting the launch on Monday 3rd September between 6-7pm at Waterworld and are inviting local ex-servicemen and women to come and join them to sign up and make a splash.

Ex-service men and women wishing to sign up for free swimming should visit their local Leisure & Activity Centre with proof of address and official discharge papers or Royal British Legion documentation detailing their service number. Participants must have a Wrexham address and an initial admin fee of £2 will apply.