Cool down with FREE swimming sessions for under 18s this summer holiday!

Young people are being reminded not to miss out on free swimming sessions this summer holiday by heading down to Carnival Pool, Loddon Valley Leisure Centre and Bulmershe Leisure Centre before Sunday September 1 with their Wokingham Borough library card.

Some 2,400 free swimming sessions have been snapped up by children and young people since the scheme started last month and the library service has had nearly 900 new young members sign up, who are not only benefitting from free swimming, but also an extensive catalogue of books, clubs and events.

Free swimming is available at Carnival Pool in Wokingham, Loddon Valley Leisure Centre in Lower Earley and Bulmershe Leisure Centre in Woodley and is available during all public swim sessions, except those dedicated to other groups, such as over 50s.

To take part, anyone aged 18 and under will need to show their own Wokingham Borough library card.

If children or young people do not already have one, they simply need to visit any Wokingham Borough library and complete an application form. Under 18s will need a signature from a parent or guardian and their parent or guardian will also need to provide ID showing their address. 18-year-olds will need to provide their own form of ID. They must also show their library card every time they swim, which can be as often as they like.

Wokingham Borough Council’s executive member for health and wellbeing Cllr Julian McGhee-Sumner said: “It’s incredibly encouraging to see so many people not only taking part in the free swimming sessions but also signing up to our library service.

“Swimming is a great way to get exercise and have fun and libraries offer something for everyone; whether it’s an author event, club or just to borrow a book, or two!”