Free swimming at Daventry Leisure Centre

Did you know it's free to swim in Daventry District for people aged 60 or over and 16?

The swimming pool at Daventry Leisure Centre in Lodge Road, Daventry, is free to use by anyone over 60. Kids aged 16 and under can swim for free outside school hours.

 

The initiative is part of the Government’s swim4life campaign, giving more people the chance to be active and have fun.

 

Daventry is one of almost 300 local authorities across England to take part in the Government’s free swimming scheme. The £140 million programme lasts for two years and aims to get more people in the pool. It’s a central part of plans for a lasting legacy from the Olympics in 2012, giving people more opportunity to take part in sport and get healthy.

 

For local authorities running the programme for over 60s and under 16s - Daventry also received a share of £10 million to modernise and improve pools.  

 

What are the benefits of swimming?

 

The health benefits of swimming are well-known. It’s a low-impact activity so it’s perfect for people who can’t easily exercise, for example people who have arthritis or need to protect their joints.

 

Your body works harder in the water – so a 30 minute workout in the pool is worth 45 minutes on land. It works your whole body and has the lowest injury rate of all activities.

 

There are even more benefits for people aged 60 or over and 16 or under.

 

Daventry District Council’s Recreation and Play Officer, Paul Pritchard explains: “Exercise helps you fight off illness and improves medical conditions – from colds to heart disease. It can also reduce the number of falls in older people. There are good reasons to get your kids swimming too.

 

The earlier your child learns to swim, the more confident they’ll be in the water. And research shows swimming can be very good for children with asthma.”

 

Don’t be put off if you haven’t been swimming for a while. There are plenty of things you can do to make sure you feel comfortable at the pool.

 

Paul added: “Find out when your local pool is quiet – and if they have any sessions for people aged 60 and over or for babies and toddlers. They may also run swimming lessons and refresher courses. And if you’re worried about getting cold, take your towel to the poolside so you can wrap up as soon as you get out.”