Youngsters can swim for free in Oxford this summer.
Under-17s living in the OX1 to OX4 postcodes can show a free swim card to join any public session.
The card is available from reception at any Fusion leisure centre with proof of age and address.
There are four pools in Oxford, at Barton Leisure Centre, Leys Pools and Leisure Centre, Ferry Leisure Centre and Hinksey Heated Outdoor Pool run by Oxford City Council's leisure partner Fusion Lifestyle.
Segan Michael, Sports & Community Development Manager at Fusion Lifestyle said: “Keeping active is an essential part of growing up and we want to make sure our facilities are available to all children in the area.
READ ALSO: Police hunt for man after mountain bike stolen in Oxford
"Offering free swims for under 17s ensures that children can have a healthy and fun summer holiday and we look forward to welcoming them into our centres.”
The free swim card will make a family trip to Hinksey heated Outdoor Pool affordable, said Fusion, with the park also offering an interactive splash area, playground, tennis courts and plenty of picnic space.
Booked sessions at the outdoor pool have also been doubled to two hours, at no increased price.
Fusion is also offering other free and low-cost leisure activities through the YouMove programme, launched in May, for families who are eligible for free school meals.
This includes swimming, badminton, football, gym passes and community activities in the local area.
In Oxford, a YouMove family card gives discounted membership to Fusion-run leisure centres to anyone on qualifying benefits living in OX1 to OX4 postcodes through the Bonus Card scheme.
With a bonus card, a session at the gym, pool or ice rink can cost as little as £2.10.
READ ALSO: Popular children's clothing store Mamas and Papas opens in Westgate
Stephen Gabriel, executive director for communities and people at Oxford City Council, said: “Swimming is a life skill everyone should have. These free swimming sessions for young people help make sure they all get the chance to enjoy our pools.
“I’m really pleased Fusion are also offering leisure discounts so that more people can use our leisure centres. These are well equipped centres with qualified staff, they can support you whether you want to get seriously fit or just be a bit healthier.”
Public leisure centres in Oxford are:
Barton Leisure Centre
Leys Pool and Leisure
Ferry Leisure Centre
Hinksey Heated Outdoor Pool
Rose Hill Community Centre Gym
Oxford Ice Rink
The Council also provides free fit trails in seven of its parks across the city, with outdoor exercise equipment and walking and jogging trails.
A message from our Editor
Thank you for reading this story and supporting the Oxford Mail.
If you like what we do please consider getting a subscription for the Oxford Mail and in return we’ll give you unrestricted access with less adverts across our website from the latest news, investigations, features, and sport.
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tik Tok for more.
You can also join the conversation in our Facebook groups: stay ahead of traffic alerts here, keep up to date with the latest from court here, share your favourite memories of Oxford here, get your daily dose of celebrity news here and take some time out with news that will make you smile.
If you’ve got a story for our reporters, send us your news here. You can also list an event for free here.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here