Swim for free in Manchester

Frequently asked questions for swimmers

Are there only certain dates and times that I can swim for free?

If you are aged 60 or over, you can swim for free at any time throughout the year.
If you are aged 16 or under then you can swim for free at any time outside school hours throughout the year. However, different pools will be offering free swimming at different times so you should check with each pool before you go.

Do parents get in free when accompanying children who do not have to pay?

The scheme is for those aged 16 or under or 60 or over. People of other ages are not included in the scheme.

Does the scheme pay for swimming lessons or water aerobics?

The scheme covers public swimming sessions only. Swimming lessons, water aerobics, aquatone and any other instrutor-led sessions are not included.

How are you checking if the scheme really is succeeding in its ambition?

We are going to be assessing the impact free swimming has on levels of participation to help decide how to develop the scheme in the future and how it should be funded.

How can I find out if my local authority is offering free swimming?

A list of the local authorities who are taking part in free swimming is available on this website. You should also check the list to see if your Local Authority is offering free swimming to both age groups, or just those aged 60 and over. Manchester has opted in for both 16 and under and over 60's.
If you are not sure which Local Authority you live in then please visit the Direct Gov website where you can do a simple postcode search to find out.

How do I know which pools in my area offer free swimming?

The Government’s Free swimming Programme is only available in Local Authority-owned pools. If your Local Authority is taking part in the scheme it will be offering free swimming across its pools. You can use the Active Places database to search for Local Authority-owned pools in your area. Different pools will be providing free swimming at different times, so it is also best to ring the pool before your first visit. You can also check what you need to bring (eg. what they accept as proof of age).

How much is free swimming costing and who is paying?

This scheme is a partnership between central government, Sport England, the Amateur Swimming Association, local authorities, Primary Care Trusts and others. Five government departments are contributing a total of £140 million to the scheme.

How will the pool check that I am aged 16 or under / 60 and over?

You must complete a registration form and provide with proof of age to qualify. For 16 and under we will accept passport or birth certificate. For the over 60's we will accept passport, birth certificate, utility bill, driving licence, bus pass or other.

I live just over the border in Wales or Scotland. Can I swim for free in a pool owned by a neighbouring English council?

Yes, you can go to any pool in England offering free swimming (like the 11 in Manchester) provided that you’re the right age. The scheme is not limited to residents of participating local authorities.

I'm going on holiday to another part of England. Can I swim for free there?

Yes, you can go to any pool in England offering free swimming provided that you’re the right age.

I've heard free swimming is only for 2 years. What happens then?

We hope this scheme will mean that many more people will take part in swimming and that it will in turn encourage local authorities to keep it free. However, there is no expectation that local authorities will continue to provide free swimming and the Government will make the case for more funding, based on the success of the next two years.

If I am 16 and under can I swim for free during the school holidays?

Anyone under aged 16 or under can swim for free at any time throughout the year outside state school hours.

Is there a limit to how much I can swim in a session, a day or a week?

If you’re the right age, you can expect to be able to get a free swim to all public swimming sessions at a time and place when and where you would normally expect to swim.

My local authority isn't offering free swimming. Can I still swim for free?

Yes. Local Authorities cannot restrict the scheme to their residents. If there is another Local Authority that you can travel to that offers the scheme you are welcome to use their pools. You should still check beforehand though to see what they require you to bring if it’s your first visit.

What can I do if my local authority is not offering free swimming?

The scheme is not limited to those living in participating local authorities so you can go to any pool in England offering free swimming provided that you’re the right age.

What happens if my local authority doesn’t own any pools?

Some local authorities without pools have made arrangements with neighbouring local authorities that do have pools.

What happens if my local pool is full because of the popularity of the scheme?

You can expect to be able to get a free swim at a time and place when and where you would normally expect to swim. Of course, there is nothing to stop you being able to go to any other pool taking part in the scheme.

Who do I speak to if I have any queries about the scheme?

In the first instance, please contact the pool directly or via the contact section of our website.

Why are some local authorities offering free swimming to other age groups as well?

The Government’s free swimming scheme is for those aged 16 or under or 60 or over. However, some councils may be going further than that and opening up their pools to people of other age groups. You will need to contact your local authority for details.
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Where to Find Us

Map of Manchester Sport and Leisure Trust Centres