Free Swimming Initiative

From September 1, there will be changes to the 60+ Free Swimming programme.

The free-swimming initiative has been funded by the Welsh Government since it began in 2003. Due to a reduction in the budget allocation and a desire to attract more participants, we need to adjust the offer. This will provide greater flexibility on when people attend.

Starting September 1, customers will have access to ALL lane and public swimming sessions for up to 9 sessions per month for free (not restricted to only 60+ swim sessions). This means approximately two free swims per week.

Free Kids Swimming available at Carmarthen Leisure Centre; Llanelli Leisure Centre; Amman Valley Leisure Centre and Llandovery Leisure Centre as follows:

This session is a relaxed, gentle and inclusive adult only session in a safe, supportive and friendly environment.

Who is the session suitable for? Anyone living with age related memory loss, anyone looking to enjoy low impact exercise to help improve stability, balance, flexibility and mood. Carers very welcome.

What you need to know about swimming and dementia

• Swimming can offer a sense of mental wellbeing, something which cannot be easily measured but is often anecdotally mentioned by participants.
• It clears the mind, encourages positivity and builds a sense of self-worth.
• Swimming can soothe agitation and reduce anxiety, relax the body, supporting the body in a relatively weightless environment.
• Leisure Centres can also be meeting points, which can help reduce loneliness, introduce you to friends and offer opportunities to socialise.

These four tips are for any swimmer living with dementia, or for your carer.

1. You can ask for a familiarisation visit at your local pool where you wish to swim. This will allow you, or your carer, to ask all the questions you need to.
2. Don’t think that because of a diagnosis you have to stop doing activities you enjoy or trying new things.
3. If you can’t be active because of joint pain, take part in swimming - it’s a low impact form of activity, so it’s easy on your joints.
4. Do seek the advice of a medical professional if you have any concerns.

Those aged 60+ and their carers go free.

Pre-booking is essential for all sessions.

You can sign up for this membership by;

• Click JOIN 
• Select Site from the drop-down list (please select your preferred centre)
• Select Start up for a Membership
• Select Actif 60+ Membership, and select
• Complete your details
• Once you've completed these steps you will now receive a confirmation email from us. You will now be able to make bookings

To view all membership options click here

The easiest way to find the up-to-date swimming timetables for each of our centres is by downloading the Actif Sport & Leisure app from the App Store or Google Play. All available swimming sessions to members and customers can be found on the app as well as making a booking.