This summer many people living in the Waveney area of Suffolk will be able to benefit from a groundbreaking new project that aims to remind us what a great healthy and fun experience swimming can be.

Everyday Swim, Suffolk’s latest scheme to get more people in the UK swimming, begins in Lowestoft and Bungay on 1 June with an exciting two-phased pilot. The first phase will offer people aged 45 and over the chance to swim and take part in swimming activities completely free of charge. The second phase, for those under 16 starts at the end of the summer term and details will be made available shortly.

The first phase of the scheme is for the more mature community and runs throughout June and most of July. The aim is to remove the barriers that discourage people from swimming, but also to increase awareness of the benefits of being active in the water, promoting swimming as part of a healthier lifestyle.

The two facilities involved in this scheme are Waterlane Leisure Centre in Lowestoft and  Bungay Pool & Gym in Bungay. Those wishing to participate can visit either pool to register for their free Leisure Card, which will give them free access to casual swimming during public sessions, aqua circuits and tech-checks - where instructors provide feedback to improve your technique and effectiveness in the pool.

Councillor Wendy Mawer, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration comments: "Waveney is thrilled to have been asked to pilot this free swimming project with partners across the county! We hope that the project will provide us with information we can use to improve physical activity levels throughout the district and to understand the possible barriers to participation. 

“We look forward to working with partners to deliver the project and hope that we see many new faces at the Waterlane Leisure Centre and Bungay Pool & Gym."

Councillor Lisa Chambers, Portfolio Holder for Economic and Cultural Development at Suffolk County Council added: “I’m delighted to see this partnership project trying a different approach to promoting active lifestyles. There is a range of water-based activities, as well as swimming, that look to be great fun. We have some excellent facilities for swimming in Waveney and across the county, and swimming can be a really enjoyable and healthy pursuit. I’d like to encourage the local community to come and have a go, and tell us about their experience so that we can improve the swimming offer.”

The Everyday Swim national initiative, driven by the Amateur Swimming Association was launched in Jan 2006 with investment of £3 Million from Sport England and over £1 Million from local partners. The aim is to get more people swimming and find out ‘what works’ in getting more people into our pools. It’s about encouraging people to swim for leisure, fitness and fun and the goal is to increase swimming participation in the project areas by 2% per annum by December 2008.

Anyone wishing to take part in the first phase of the free swimming scheme for people aged over 45, can come and register for a free leisure card at either of the centres now and start enjoying the free swimming from 1 June. The second phase for youngsters aged under 16 starts at the end of the summer term and will run throughout the summer holidays. More information about this will be available soon.


View the poster for this event to find out more details (1086Kb) (Opens new window)


Telephone Waterlane Leisure Centre on 01502 569116 for more information or visit:
www.waveney.gov.uk