PENSIONERS are causing a splash by taking advantage of a free swimming scheme at Oxford’s pools.

The city council began offering free sessions to older people in April as part of a Government-backed scheme.

Figures for July-September show over-60s took 8,349 free swims at the city’s pools – 1,000 more than in the first quarter of the new scheme.

Ron Clark, from Quarry Road, Headington, is a supporter of the scheme. The 86-year-old swims at least 12 lengths every day at Barton Swimming Pool, in Waynflete Road.

He estimated the scheme had saved him nearly £100 already. He said: “I used to pay £13.30 a month to go swimming, which over the years adds up. It’s quite a nice little saving.

“The pool is lovely and all the members of staff are very helpful and friendly.

“I used to swim for an hour but generally 12 lengths is enough for me these days.

“It’s one of the joys of life, you can enjoy it for immediate effect, there and then. It’s one of the things which has kept me healthy over the years.”

Mr Clark, a former lecturer at Oxford Brookes University, said his grandchildren also swim at Barton with him when they visit.

He added: “It’s good for the youngsters too to have something like this to enjoy for free.”

All of council’s pools are involved in the scheme and anyone aged 60 and over, or 16 and under, can swim free of charge by registering at their nearest pool.

Since April, 44,832 free swims have been recorded in the city – 15,257 of them taken by pensioners. Bob Timbs, the council’s executive member for leisure and sport, said: “I’m delighted so many people are using these free swims.

“This figures shows how the scheme is tapping into a desire among people to get active.”

The £140m scheme has been jointly funded by the Government, in partnership with Oxford City Council, the Local Government Association, Sport England and the Amateur Swimming Association.

Free swimming sessions are only available during the public sessions at swimming pools.

City residents can register for the free swims by signing up for a free Slice card from the council’s leisure centres.