Free swims for the kids during hols

Jul 1 2009 by Wendy Scott, Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

HAVE a splashing summer time at free swims in Monklands’ pools.

The free swims programme is available for all youngsters under the age of 16 at the John Smith swimming pool in Airdrie and the Time Capsule, Coatbridge, Monday to Fridaybetween 10am and 4pm, starting from Monday, June 29, until Friday, August 14.

The initiative has proved to be very popular. Youngsters have enjoyed more than one-and-a-half-million free swims since the programme began.

Councillor Jim Logue, convener of Learning and Leisure service and chairman of North Lanarkshire Leisure, said the aim was to encourage young people to become more fit and active - and swimming is a great form of exercise.

The swimming pools are preparing to welcome the young swimmers over the summer period, with extra staff being brought in to cope with the anticipated influx.

Blane Dodds, chief executive of North Lanarkshire Leisure, added: “I would encourage all eligible youngsters to take advantage of this fantastic free offer during the summer holidays.”

Parents/carers should note the following safety requirements:

Children from 4 - 7 years of age must be accompanied into the water by a responsible adult, with no more than two children per adult.

Under-fours must be accompanied by an adult on a one-to-one basis.

Children eight and over are free to enter without supervision restriction.